S&W 66 mechanical issue--cylinder won't open

89240 · September 20, 2009, 07:18 PM

I have a second-hand S&W 66 that overall functions very well. I've put maybe 300 or 400 rounds through it in the last few weeks without any problems.

Today, after a trip to the range, I was in the middle of cleaning the gun when suddenly the cylinder won't open.

As best I can tell, it's like the release latch isn't pushing the spring-loaded pin (in the center of the extractor star) in far enough to disengage it from the frame.

I pulled the side plate off and degreased the interior, and everything looks good from what my amateur's eye I can tell.

If I press the release latch and press very hard on the cylinder, it'll pop free sometimes. Once I close it again, it's the same story.

Any suggestions? I haven't yet attempted a detailed strip of this gun (or any revolver). I am mechanically inclined, though, and I think I can fix this on my own with some guidance.

On the other hand, a trip to the gunsmith would be a good excuse to get a trigger job...

Anybody have any suggestions for a gunsmith around Pittsburgh who could do a good trigger job on a Smith?

Thanks,
Josh

89240 · September 20, 2009, 08:00 PM

Whoops, figured it out on my own. The ejector rod had come partially unscrewed.

Works like a dream again.

I love revolvers...

Josh

10-96 · September 21, 2009, 01:54 AM

When you say you "pulled the side plate off"- you DID mean you tapped it off- Right?

89240 · September 21, 2009, 05:38 PM

Actually, I pried it off with this tire iron I have out in the garage... Is that bad?

No, I tapped it off properly. Thanks for looking out for my Smith, though.

Josh

eod_usa · September 22, 2009, 01:43 AM

I had the same problem. I thought it went out of time and a bullet got lodged in between cylinder and barrel.

I found out it was the ejector rod. It is left hand threaded. A drop of loctite should keep it in place.
Shooting 357 Magnum loads takes its toll on on screws coming loose.

shooter_from_show-me · October 10, 2009, 09:41 PM

Thanks for the info guys!!!

Save me a big headache and probably some

by saving me a trip to the smithy. My Model 27 that I inheirited a few months ago was doing fine today shooting .38spl then popped in some mag rnds and this very problem arose.

September 20, 2009, 07:18 PM	#1
89240 Registration in progress Join Date: August 14, 2009 Posts: 63	S&W 66 mechanical issue--cylinder won't open I have a second-hand S&W 66 that overall functions very well. I've put maybe 300 or 400 rounds through it in the last few weeks without any problems. Today, after a trip to the range, I was in the middle of cleaning the gun when suddenly the cylinder won't open. As best I can tell, it's like the release latch isn't pushing the spring-loaded pin (in the center of the extractor star) in far enough to disengage it from the frame. I pulled the side plate off and degreased the interior, and everything looks good from what my amateur's eye I can tell. If I press the release latch and press very hard on the cylinder, it'll pop free sometimes. Once I close it again, it's the same story. Any suggestions? I haven't yet attempted a detailed strip of this gun (or any revolver). I am mechanically inclined, though, and I think I can fix this on my own with some guidance. On the other hand, a trip to the gunsmith would be a good excuse to get a trigger job... Anybody have any suggestions for a gunsmith around Pittsburgh who could do a good trigger job on a Smith? Thanks, Josh

September 21, 2009, 01:54 AM	#3
10-96 Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2005 Location: Tx Panhandle Territory Posts: 4,160	When you say you "pulled the side plate off"- you DID mean you tapped it off- Right? __________________ Rednecks... Keeping the woods critter-free since March 2, 1836. (TX Independence Day) I suspect a thing or two... because I've seen a thing or two.

September 22, 2009, 01:43 AM	#5
eod_usa Junior Member Join Date: June 22, 2008 Posts: 3	S&W 66 I had the same problem. I thought it went out of time and a bullet got lodged in between cylinder and barrel. I found out it was the ejector rod. It is left hand threaded. A drop of loctite should keep it in place. Shooting 357 Magnum loads takes its toll on on screws coming loose.

October 10, 2009, 09:41 PM	#6
shooter_from_show-me Senior Member Join Date: August 9, 2009 Location: West Central Missouri Posts: 231	Thanks for the info guys!!! Save me a big headache and probably some by saving me a trip to the smithy. My Model 27 that I inheirited a few months ago was doing fine today shooting .38spl then popped in some mag rnds and this very problem arose. __________________ When the government fears the people, you have liberty. When the people fear the government, you have tyranny. ~ Thomas Jefferson NRA Life Member

September 20, 2009, 08:00 PM	#2
89240 Registration in progress Join Date: August 14, 2009 Posts: 63	Whoops, figured it out on my own. The ejector rod had come partially unscrewed. Works like a dream again. I love revolvers... Josh

September 21, 2009, 05:38 PM	#4
89240 Registration in progress Join Date: August 14, 2009 Posts: 63	Actually, I pried it off with this tire iron I have out in the garage... Is that bad? No, I tapped it off properly. Thanks for looking out for my Smith, though. Josh