S&W Model 36 - cylinder release - does not want to release

DouglasB · July 7, 2012, 09:05 AM

I just picked up a 90's era model 36. It has one issue: It is difficult to release the cylinder once closed. Otherwise, it seems to operate just fine (cylinder rotation,trigger, hammer operation is smooth.

I posted 2 images in hopes my firingline compadre's can help me sort out the cause and the cure.

All ideas welcome.

Best,
DB

Whirlwind06 · July 7, 2012, 12:32 PM

Check the ejection rod. They can lossen up and make it hard to open cylinder.

Yankee Doodle · July 7, 2012, 01:52 PM

Tighten the ejector. Remember to put a couple of empty cases into the cylinder before you tighten the rod. This will prevent the extractor star form being torqued out of alignment.
This will cure the problem >99% of the time.

DouglasB · July 7, 2012, 07:05 PM

I will check and tighten the ejector (after the in-laws leave....) and post the results. Thanks for the replies!
DB

Seven High · July 7, 2012, 08:16 PM

If that doesn't work, take off the side plate. Look for debris in the interrior. Use compressed air to blow it out. Lubricate the lock work. I use ballistol.

Nathan · July 7, 2012, 08:22 PM

Loosen the side plate screw farthest forward about 1/8th turn and the cylinder wil move easier.

ScottRiqui · July 7, 2012, 08:27 PM

Also, I think that on a S&W pistol from that era, the ejector rod will have left-handed threads (lefty-tighty, righty-loosey).

DouglasB · July 7, 2012, 09:29 PM

I tightened the extractor rod as suggested. Success!

This link was helpful in explaining how...
http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=196398

Best,
DB

Hunter Customs · July 9, 2012, 05:29 PM

Good to hear you got it fixed. I've tightened many an ejector rod for clients that came to the shop with the same problem.

If that model 36 happens to be an older 3 inch barrel model and you decide to ever part with it, e-mail me at [email protected] I would be interested in the gun.

Best Regards
Bob hunter

July 7, 2012, 07:05 PM	#4
DouglasB Member Join Date: January 19, 2010 Location: Illinois Posts: 19	M36 I will check and tighten the ejector (after the in-laws leave....) and post the results. Thanks for the replies! DB

July 7, 2012, 09:29 PM	#8
DouglasB Member Join Date: January 19, 2010 Location: Illinois Posts: 19	Success! I tightened the extractor rod as suggested. Success! This link was helpful in explaining how... http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=196398 Best, DB

July 7, 2012, 12:32 PM	#2
Whirlwind06 Senior Member Join Date: March 3, 2006 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 998	Check the ejection rod. They can lossen up and make it hard to open cylinder.

July 7, 2012, 01:52 PM	#3
Yankee Doodle Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2004 Posts: 619	Tighten the ejector. Remember to put a couple of empty cases into the cylinder before you tighten the rod. This will prevent the extractor star form being torqued out of alignment. This will cure the problem >99% of the time.

July 7, 2012, 08:16 PM	#5
Seven High Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 2004 Posts: 650	If that doesn't work, take off the side plate. Look for debris in the interrior. Use compressed air to blow it out. Lubricate the lock work. I use ballistol.

July 7, 2012, 08:22 PM	#6
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,331	Loosen the side plate screw farthest forward about 1/8th turn and the cylinder wil move easier.

July 7, 2012, 08:27 PM	#7
ScottRiqui Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2010 Location: Norfolk, VA Posts: 2,905	Also, I think that on a S&W pistol from that era, the ejector rod will have left-handed threads (lefty-tighty, righty-loosey).

July 9, 2012, 05:29 PM	#9
Hunter Customs Senior Member Join Date: March 26, 2005 Location: Osborn, Missouri Posts: 2,697	Good to hear you got it fixed. I've tightened many an ejector rod for clients that came to the shop with the same problem. If that model 36 happens to be an older 3 inch barrel model and you decide to ever part with it, e-mail me at [email protected] I would be interested in the gun. Best Regards Bob hunter