Cylinder Release Latch Question

5150 · January 19, 2023, 04:08 PM

Hi Everyone,
I have a Smith 28-2 and the cylinder release latch seems to stick after sitting for any length of time. I have removed it and lightly oiled it which only seems to be a temporary fix. I have also removed the side plate to ensure that area was clean inside. Any ideas on how to free it up a little? Thanx for any help..

Sent from my Commodore 64 running Windoze 95

Webleymkv · January 19, 2023, 08:16 PM

Probably some dried grease or oil. Alcohol is a good degreaser and should free up the problem. The internals of a DA revolver require very little lubrication and over lubrication can actually attract grit and cause problems.

HKGuns · January 19, 2023, 08:34 PM

Take it completely apart and degrease everything completely.

No need to take out the cylinder stop spring or pin unless it’s gunky.

When you have it torn down check for wear or burs.

Like said above, you don’t need much lube as it just attracts dirt and fouling.

5150 · January 20, 2023, 07:19 AM

Thanx for the tips. I removed the side plate and cleaned out the innards the best I could with a little alcohol. I did not "take it all apart" for the simple reason that there are no competent 'smiths in my area to put it all back together.

Hopefully this will work.

Sent from my Commodore 64 running Windoze 95

Nathan · January 20, 2023, 07:39 AM

What does stick mean?

Hard to push, or hard to open?

Webleymkv · January 20, 2023, 09:08 AM

If you feel comfortable removing the hammer, that will allow you much better access to the cylinder release latch in order to degrease it. The hammer assembly is one of the easier parts to remove and put back as you don't have to fight with the rebound slide or any small fiddly springs. Once the side plate is off, back out the strain screw in the front strap of the grip until you can lift out the mainspring. Then pull the trigger about halfway back until the hammer can be lifted out. Once the hammer is out, you'll be able to see the cylinder release clearly. I doubt you'd need to actually remove the cylinder release, just flush it out with alcohol. Reassembly is in reverse order and pretty straightforward.

5150 · January 20, 2023, 09:43 AM

It's hard to push open after sitting for some time. Once it does free up, the cylinder opens no problemo. Subsequent tries at opening it works easily. It's only after sitting for a length of time (don't ask me how long) does it hang up. Another poster explained that's it's easy-peasy to remove the hammer to access that area. I'm gonna keep my fingers crossed and try that.

Sent from my Commodore 64 running Windoze 95

5150 · January 20, 2023, 09:45 AM

I'll give it a try, thanx.

Sent from my Commodore 64 running Windoze 95

Webleymkv · January 20, 2023, 01:43 PM

Another possibility is that it's not the cylinder release itself but rather the locking bolt (the pin that runs through the cylinder and ejector rod) that is sticking. You can probably free it up by simply dribbling some alcohol over the rear face of the cylinder and front of the ejector rod.

HKGuns · January 20, 2023, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5150

Thanx for the tips. I removed the side plate and cleaned out the innards the best I could with a little alcohol. I did not "take it all apart" for the simple reason that there are no competent 'smiths in my area to put it all back together.

Hopefully this will work.

Sent from my Commodore 64 running Windoze 95

You don’t need a gunsmith to take one apart. This guy goes into a lot of detail to guide you through the process.

It isn’t difficult at all.

https://youtu.be/4ujyLn3lHBc

5150 · January 20, 2023, 04:05 PM

I'll check it out, thanx.

Sent from my Commodore 64 running Windoze 95

5150 · January 20, 2023, 05:04 PM

You're absolutely right. I don't need a gunsmith to take one apart, just reassembling it . If I take it down, my biggest fear is not missing a part after putting it back together, it's having one left over. In the past I have only removed the side plate and cylinder, nothing more. I'll watch the vid and give it a try. Wish me luck.

Sent from my Commodore 64 running Windoze 95

Hawg · January 20, 2023, 10:21 PM

Alcohol will probably clean it out but brake cleaner definitely will but you'll need to lube it up good afterwards. Brake cleaner will take all the lube out of it. Take the grips off first.

**JohnKSa** · January 21, 2023, 12:51 AM

I'd be tempted to just blow things out thoroughly with something like Hornady One Shot that has a liquid cleaner/penetrant that will evaporate completely, leaving a dry lubricant in place.

Take the gun outside or hold it over a container in a ventilated area, and, with the grips off and using eye protection, spray the One Shot into and around the latch area while working the latch. You should be able to feel it free up and also to see crud being rinsed out of the gun.

Then shake out the excess cleaner and let the rest of it evaporate. Wipe down the outside of the gun, replace the grips and see how it works.

**44 AMP** · January 21, 2023, 04:27 AM

Just out of curiosity, how did you remove the sideplate?

Did you pry it out??

5150 · January 21, 2023, 04:58 AM

I reload my own handgun ammo and it just so happens I have some One Shot. Hadn't thought of that. Thanx.

Sent from my Commodore 64 running Windoze 95

5150 · January 21, 2023, 05:07 AM

Thanx for asking. There's no prying needed. I took a 12 lb. sledge and whacked it out from the left side. Just kidding. I have a small rubber hammer and tapped it out. Done that b4, works easy-peasy, and doesn't mar the finish.

Sent from my Commodore 64 running Windoze 95

HKGuns · January 21, 2023, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5150

You're absolutely right. I don't need a gunsmith to take one apart, just reassembling it . If I take it down, my biggest fear is not missing a part after putting it back together, it's having one left over. In the past I have only removed the side plate and cylinder, nothing more. I'll watch the vid and give it a try. Wish me luck.

Sent from my Commodore 64 running Windoze 95

Part of the enjoyment for me is learning how to take my guns apart to do the proper maintenance.

I pulled the slides completely apart on my Sigs last night, ultrasonic cleaned everything, bathed them in kerosene and put them back together.

Watch the video and see what you think. The only difficult part is the rebound spring in / out.

HKGuns · January 21, 2023, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5150

Thanx for asking. There's no prying needed. I took a 12 lb. sledge and whacked it out from the left side. Just kidding. I have a small rubber hammer and tapped it out. Done that b4, works easy-peasy, and doesn't mar the finish.

Sent from my Commodore 64 running Windoze 95

See, you’re nearly halfway there!

There are a number of YouTube videos showing people prying them out and it makes me cringe every time I see one.

Lavan · January 21, 2023, 03:26 PM

This stuff has freed everything I've used it on.

https://maltbycompany.com/?product=p...ngle-can-13-oz

Don't know if still available. We used to sell it in the auto parts place.

5150 · January 21, 2023, 05:01 PM

Thanx, I'll check it out.

Sent from my Commodore 64 running Windoze 95

arquebus357 · January 23, 2023, 05:02 PM

You really need to clean the trough that the bolt (cyl release latch) rides in. A better way may be to remove the thumb piece and spray in cleaner from the back side of the bolt. Of course, the best way would be to remove the bolt but there is that evil spring and plunger to deal with. First time I did that job, I did it inside a large freezer bag. You are most likely to loose the spring and plunger while replacing the bolt because it just don't seem to fit without a bunch of fussing.

Good luck.

remind me to tell you about the 2 piece bolt that came in one of my model 15s.

Nathan · January 23, 2023, 10:05 PM

Frankly, S&W revolvers are easy enough to detail strip….or mostly detail strip. You can learn it. Lots of tips online. Ask me when you struggle, I’ll help. You will need some tools.

When you see how it is supposed to work, it will be easy to keep working.

There is no shame in giving to a gunsmith if mechanical systems are not your thing.

5150 · January 24, 2023, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arquebus357

You really need to clean the trough that the bolt (cyl release latch) rides in. A better way may be to remove the thumb piece and spray in cleaner from the back side of the bolt. Of course, the best way would be to remove the bolt but there is that evil spring and plunger to deal with. First time I did that job, I did it inside a large freezer bag. You are most likely to loose the spring and plunger while replacing the bolt because it just don't seem to fit without a bunch of fussing.

Good luck.

remind me to tell you about the 2 piece bolt that came in one of my model 15s.

Thanx for that.

Sent from my Commodore 64 running Windoze 95

**Aguila Blanca** · January 24, 2023, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5150

I reload my own handgun ammo and it just so happens I have some One Shot. Hadn't thought of that. Thanx.

Ummm ...

Hornady has several different products called One-Shot. For reloading, you probably have the case lube. That's not the One-Shot gun cleaner/lube that I think is being referred to here.

January 19, 2023, 04:08 PM	#1
5150 Member Join Date: August 8, 2019 Location: Katmandu Posts: 28	Cylinder Release Latch Question Hi Everyone, I have a Smith 28-2 and the cylinder release latch seems to stick after sitting for any length of time. I have removed it and lightly oiled it which only seems to be a temporary fix. I have also removed the side plate to ensure that area was clean inside. Any ideas on how to free it up a little? Thanx for any help.. Sent from my Commodore 64 running Windoze 95 __________________ I drove by a sign that read, "Remember... Only *YOU* can prevent forest fires." It made me wonder why I was the chosen one. Last edited by 5150; January 20, 2023 at 06:46 AM.

January 20, 2023, 07:19 AM	#4
5150 Member Join Date: August 8, 2019 Location: Katmandu Posts: 28	Thanx for the tips. I removed the side plate and cleaned out the innards the best I could with a little alcohol. I did not "take it all apart" for the simple reason that there are no competent 'smiths in my area to put it all back together. Hopefully this will work. Sent from my Commodore 64 running Windoze 95 __________________ I drove by a sign that read, "Remember... Only *YOU* can prevent forest fires." It made me wonder why I was the chosen one.

January 20, 2023, 09:43 AM	#7
5150 Member Join Date: August 8, 2019 Location: Katmandu Posts: 28	It's hard to push open after sitting for some time. Once it does free up, the cylinder opens no problemo. Subsequent tries at opening it works easily. It's only after sitting for a length of time (don't ask me how long) does it hang up. Another poster explained that's it's easy-peasy to remove the hammer to access that area. I'm gonna keep my fingers crossed and try that. Sent from my Commodore 64 running Windoze 95 __________________ I drove by a sign that read, "Remember... Only *YOU* can prevent forest fires." It made me wonder why I was the chosen one.

January 20, 2023, 09:45 AM	#8
5150 Member Join Date: August 8, 2019 Location: Katmandu Posts: 28	I'll give it a try, thanx. Sent from my Commodore 64 running Windoze 95 __________________ I drove by a sign that read, "Remember... Only *YOU* can prevent forest fires." It made me wonder why I was the chosen one.

January 20, 2023, 04:05 PM	#11
5150 Member Join Date: August 8, 2019 Location: Katmandu Posts: 28	I'll check it out, thanx. Sent from my Commodore 64 running Windoze 95 __________________ I drove by a sign that read, "Remember... Only *YOU* can prevent forest fires." It made me wonder why I was the chosen one.

January 19, 2023, 08:16 PM	#2
Webleymkv Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 10,341	Probably some dried grease or oil. Alcohol is a good degreaser and should free up the problem. The internals of a DA revolver require very little lubrication and over lubrication can actually attract grit and cause problems.

January 19, 2023, 08:34 PM	#3
HKGuns Senior Member Join Date: March 12, 2005 Location: Bora Bora Posts: 932	Take it completely apart and degrease everything completely. No need to take out the cylinder stop spring or pin unless it’s gunky. When you have it torn down check for wear or burs. Like said above, you don’t need much lube as it just attracts dirt and fouling.

January 20, 2023, 07:39 AM	#5
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,039	What does stick mean? Hard to push, or hard to open?

January 20, 2023, 09:08 AM	#6
Webleymkv Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 10,341	If you feel comfortable removing the hammer, that will allow you much better access to the cylinder release latch in order to degrease it. The hammer assembly is one of the easier parts to remove and put back as you don't have to fight with the rebound slide or any small fiddly springs. Once the side plate is off, back out the strain screw in the front strap of the grip until you can lift out the mainspring. Then pull the trigger about halfway back until the hammer can be lifted out. Once the hammer is out, you'll be able to see the cylinder release clearly. I doubt you'd need to actually remove the cylinder release, just flush it out with alcohol. Reassembly is in reverse order and pretty straightforward.

January 20, 2023, 01:43 PM	#9
Webleymkv Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 10,341	Another possibility is that it's not the cylinder release itself but rather the locking bolt (the pin that runs through the cylinder and ejector rod) that is sticking. You can probably free it up by simply dribbling some alcohol over the rear face of the cylinder and front of the ejector rod.

January 20, 2023, 05:04 PM	#12
5150 Member Join Date: August 8, 2019 Location: Katmandu Posts: 28	You're absolutely right. I don't need a gunsmith to take one apart, just reassembling it . If I take it down, my biggest fear is not missing a part after putting it back together, it's having one left over. In the past I have only removed the side plate and cylinder, nothing more. I'll watch the vid and give it a try. Wish me luck. Sent from my Commodore 64 running Windoze 95 __________________ I drove by a sign that read, "Remember... Only *YOU* can prevent forest fires." It made me wonder why I was the chosen one. Last edited by 5150; January 20, 2023 at 05:19 PM.

January 20, 2023, 10:21 PM	#13
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,032	Alcohol will probably clean it out but brake cleaner definitely will but you'll need to lube it up good afterwards. Brake cleaner will take all the lube out of it. Take the grips off first.

January 21, 2023, 12:51 AM	#14
JohnKSa Staff Join Date: February 12, 2001 Location: DFW Area Posts: 24,579	I'd be tempted to just blow things out thoroughly with something like Hornady One Shot that has a liquid cleaner/penetrant that will evaporate completely, leaving a dry lubricant in place. Take the gun outside or hold it over a container in a ventilated area, and, with the grips off and using eye protection, spray the One Shot into and around the latch area while working the latch. You should be able to feel it free up and also to see crud being rinsed out of the gun. Then shake out the excess cleaner and let the rest of it evaporate. Wipe down the outside of the gun, replace the grips and see how it works. __________________ Do you know about the TEXAS State Rifle Association?

January 21, 2023, 04:27 AM	#15
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 27,177	Just out of curiosity, how did you remove the sideplate? Did you pry it out?? __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

January 21, 2023, 04:58 AM	#16
5150 Member Join Date: August 8, 2019 Location: Katmandu Posts: 28	I reload my own handgun ammo and it just so happens I have some One Shot. Hadn't thought of that. Thanx. Sent from my Commodore 64 running Windoze 95 __________________ I drove by a sign that read, "Remember... Only *YOU* can prevent forest fires." It made me wonder why I was the chosen one.

January 21, 2023, 05:07 AM	#17
5150 Member Join Date: August 8, 2019 Location: Katmandu Posts: 28	Thanx for asking. There's no prying needed. I took a 12 lb. sledge and whacked it out from the left side. Just kidding. I have a small rubber hammer and tapped it out. Done that b4, works easy-peasy, and doesn't mar the finish. Sent from my Commodore 64 running Windoze 95 __________________ I drove by a sign that read, "Remember... Only *YOU* can prevent forest fires." It made me wonder why I was the chosen one.

January 21, 2023, 03:26 PM	#20
Lavan Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 1999 Location: California Posts: 2,696	This stuff has freed everything I've used it on. https://maltbycompany.com/?product=p...ngle-can-13-oz Don't know if still available. We used to sell it in the auto parts place.

January 21, 2023, 05:01 PM	#21
5150 Member Join Date: August 8, 2019 Location: Katmandu Posts: 28	Thanx, I'll check it out. Sent from my Commodore 64 running Windoze 95 __________________ I drove by a sign that read, "Remember... Only *YOU* can prevent forest fires." It made me wonder why I was the chosen one.

January 23, 2023, 05:02 PM	#22
arquebus357 Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2016 Location: Atlanta, Georgia area Posts: 455	You really need to clean the trough that the bolt (cyl release latch) rides in. A better way may be to remove the thumb piece and spray in cleaner from the back side of the bolt. Of course, the best way would be to remove the bolt but there is that evil spring and plunger to deal with. First time I did that job, I did it inside a large freezer bag. You are most likely to loose the spring and plunger while replacing the bolt because it just don't seem to fit without a bunch of fussing. Good luck. remind me to tell you about the 2 piece bolt that came in one of my model 15s.

January 23, 2023, 10:05 PM	#23
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,039	Frankly, S&W revolvers are easy enough to detail strip….or mostly detail strip. You can learn it. Lots of tips online. Ask me when you struggle, I’ll help. You will need some tools. When you see how it is supposed to work, it will be easy to keep working. There is no shame in giving to a gunsmith if mechanical systems are not your thing.

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