S&W 617 Extractors Gets "Sticky"

[Gooseman]

After I put about 30-40 rounds through my S&W 617 revolver, I notice that the extractor rod feels "sticky" when I remove the shells from the cylinder. For the first 40 or so rounds, it's smooth and easy. After that, it takes a bit more force/effort to pop them out.

It doesn't make the gun unusable or unsafe; but it is noticable.

I've been using Ballistol to clean and lubricate the gun. Any ideas/suggestions?

[btm]

try different ammo

[Cokebottle]

+1
Ammo is leaving deposits in the chambers and "gripping" the casings.
It's most obvious with a .357 when shooting .357 after a few dozen rounds of .38.

[WheelGunMagic]

The tolerances in the chambers of the S&W 617 are pretty tight. Adding to the problem, most 22lr shoot pretty dirty.

First of all, I only use relatively clean 22 ammo such as Federal or CCI - it greatly cuts down on the cleaning chores.

Cleaning after each range visit helps, however, the accumulated lead in the chambers will continue to build up to the point that not only will it be really hard to eject the empty brass, but it will also become difficult to load live rounds.

A few cleaning tips: A normal cleaning will do after every range visit, but after 500-700 rounds, clean it thoroughly using a NEW brass brush. The longer brushes for rifles work better than the short handgun ones. After a good, regular cleaning, cut some 22lr sized patches from a lead-away cloth and run those through the chambers. Let sit for a few minutes, then run dry cotton patches through. It's amazing how much additional lead build up there is left after just a 'regular' cleaning.

This a common topic of discussion on the S&W forum. You might want to check there for additional suggestions.

Cleaning the 617 is a pain, but they're well worth it! Enjoy & Good Luck!

[Wordupmybrotha]

That's common. Take a brush with you to the range and brush off the gunk when it gets sticky. Also, clean out the chamber to make it easier to load.

[alpha_romeo_XV]

It's not the extractor that's sticking ( try it with no empty casings in the cylinder). It's the fouling in the cylinder from dirty ammo making it more difficult to push them out.
I have a 617 and like other suggestion I take a bore snake to the range and clean the cylinder chambers when it gets hard to push out the cases.

['ol shooter]

After I clean mine, I spritz a liberal shot of One Shot cleaner and dry lube in all the chambers and let it dry. I get very little "sticktion" with this method.

[stevie]

After I clean mine, I spritz a liberal shot of One Shot cleaner and dry lube in all the chambers and let it dry. I get very little "sticktion" with this method.

Will need to try that. I have a 63 that have extraction issues after 2 cylinders worth of shooting.

Yes I clean it well.

[FeuerFrei]

Me thinks it's time to finish ream the chambers. Should never be that tight. That thing should eat any garbage 22 fed to it and crap out the empties without any effort other than moving the ejector.

Sent using a long string and 2 Dixie cups

[Bastard]

A few cleaning tips: A normal cleaning will do after every range visit, but after 500-700 rounds, clean it thoroughly using a NEW brass brush. The longer brushes for rifles work better than the short handgun ones. After a good, regular cleaning, cut some 22lr sized patches from a lead-away cloth and run those through the chambers. Let sit for a few minutes, then run dry cotton patches through. It's amazing how much additional lead build up there is left after just a 'regular' cleaning.

I use a chore-boy in all of me center-fire firearms that I shoot lead in... I can't seen any reason that it wouldn't work in a 617 - I have a 617 but have not yet needed to try it.

OP - take the whole cylinder apart if you haven't and give it a thorough cleaning not just pushing the star-extractor out and cleaning under it & also be sure to run a brush thorough the cylinders as well... if this is something you already do then just ignore me, but I felt that I should mention this as it is something that it often overlooked