Need Help/Ideas: Model 34 Cylinder Binding

[trigger945]

Sorry for the long post as I try to detail the issue.

I need some help/ideas diagnosing the issue. Here's what happened:

I picked up a used Model 34 in decent/good condition back in November. Prior to going to the range tonight, I had put 250 rounds through it without a hiccup (I am not sure of the total round count as this revolver could have been manufactured between 1973 and 1977 according to the S&W catalog). Tonight, however, was a different experience.

After shooting close to 150 rounds of Winchester Super-X and Remington Golden Bullets, the cylinder would not close, with or without ammo. I safety checked the firearm and took out a brush and started scrubbing the forcing cone, both sides of the cylinder, around the firing pin area where the lifter is located and inside the extractor star (sorry, I am not well versed with the terminologies so please bear with me).

I also did a few function tests - I pushed back the cylinder release tab and cocked and decocked the hammer and saw that the lifter seemed to be working fine. The cylinder would spin normally when swung open, as well. After 5 mins of quick brushing, especially focusing inside the extractor star, I managed to close the cylinder. Everything seemed fine at that point.

I loaded it again and fired close to 25 rounds and was successful. However, there were a few instances during those 25 rounds when the cylinder seemed too difficult to turn in double action. When those instances occurred, I would cock the hammer and feel some resistance, but I would be able to manage through it anyways and would fire in single action. Then I called it a night.

At this point, I am not sure if the revolver just needs some thorough cleaning as I picked it up as a used gun on consignment. I am eventually going to have the detail cleaning done (or maybe get brave enough to do it myself!) but wanted to ask my fellow CalGunners for some help/ideas in case I may be missing something or if the issue is much larger than just detail cleaning.

So, any thoughts?

Thanks in advance and I look forward to your replies.


Here's a pic of the Model 34 to entice you to post





Best,

trigger945

[Grumpyoldretiredcop]

Check the ejector rod to see if it has unscrewed. Remember that it's left hand threaded, the extractor star must be supported (empty cases will do) and use the correct tool to grip the ejector rod, not a pair of pliers. If you don't have the correct tool, please take it to someone who does as it's easy to bugger up the ejector rod.

[trigger945]

^^^ Thank you sir!

I will take a look and make sure to use the correct tool or have someone do it.

I appreciate it!

[psango]

This works for me

Check the ejector rod to see if it has unscrewed. Remember that it's left hand threaded, the extractor star must be supported (empty cases will do) and use the correct tool to grip the ejector rod, not a pair of pliers. If you don't have the correct tool, please take it to someone who does as it's easy to bugger up the ejector rod.

I was taught to put the fired cases in the cylinder, take apart an old wooden cloths pin, use the two wood pieces where they are curved as a clamp for the ejector rod, place those in a vice and turn the cylinder to tighten the ejector rod.

This has worked better for me than lead jaws in the vise. I always have a few clothes pins on hand as well as wood, leather, plastic and lead jaws for the vice.

I may be wrong but his is the method I was shown and have used for years. Brownell's probably has a video on this on their website. It may be part of the one about repairing bent ejector rods.

[ArtP]

I second ejector rod

[trigger945]

Thanks fellas!

Any other things I should be looking at to check?

[hermosabeach]

Here is an old thread with good videos on S&W revolvers.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=800563&highlight=revolver

several videos on S&W inspection

from the picture, I would 3rd checking the ejector rod. I seem to recall it has a reverse thread, so righty= loosey

[ojisan]

I'm very familiar with revolvers, I have the ejector rod tool and I'm local.
PM if you want.
Should be an easy fix.

[trigger945]

Wow! Lots of helpful replies. Really appreciate it fellas!

@ojisan, PM incoming

[ojisan]

Thanks fellas!

Any other things I should be looking at to check?

Disassemble and clean out crane and cylinder bearing surfaces, check hand and cylinder stop for proper operation, etc.

PM replied to.