Revolver assistance,please

[Waldo]

I have a S&W 18 that I took out to the range yesterday...it was really windy and the dust/dirt from the backstop thickly coated anything that wasn't protected.

No problems with the gun while at the range, but after cleaning it, the cylinder latch doesn't open the cylinder..ie: the latch slides, but I can't swing the cylinder open. There was no gunk under the ejector star before I closed it.

Ideas? Thanks!

[Sheldon]

Sounds like the extractor rod may have loosened and backed out some. If you are absolutely sure the firearm is not loaded, you can can use your finger to hold the extractor rod still while dry firing the revolver a few times, which will thread the rod back in. Once tightened the cylinder should then be able to open. You can then remove the extractor rod (it uses a reverse thread, so right to loosen and left to tighten) and maybe put some blue lock-tight on it and retighten. When tightening the rod put a few empty cases in the chambers to support the spline that the extractor rod slides on, otherwise you may strip it out.

[Waldo]

Sheldon,

Thanks for the advice. I'll give it a try after work tonight.

I finally did get the cylinder open, but now it doesn't close. Makes the rod backing out theory a good one.

[Waldo]

Well I'll be dipped in dog doo...that was it!

Thanks Sheldon..if you're ever in the SF area, I owe you a drink!