Problem with my S&W

[groovyash]

Hey guys,

New to the forum, but seems to be a great group of members, with a wide knowledge base, so here goes my question. I have a older 629, that has recently developed a problem. I've never shot insane loads through it, always relativly light rounds, and not a whole lot of them at that. I'm finding that the cylinder lately does not like to open easily, I don't see that it is rubbing anywhere, and it will open with the release pushed forward and a firm hit to the cylinder and she pops open, but definatly not as smooth as it should be, occasionally it won't even open with a good hit, at which point I need to cycle it to the next chamber and then it will open, but there doesn't appear to be a pattern to it, that is, it doesn't always do it on a specific cylinder. Any guesses? I'm far from a gunsmith, but I am a mechanic, so I have a general idea of how things work. Is it easily reparied, or expensive, or frighteningly expensive. The gun has some sentimental value so trading it in isn't an option... thanks in advance guys.
Dan

 

[joeoim]

Groovy: Welcome ot TFL. That's too bad. I got a couple smiths and have shot thousands or rounds and never a problem. I can't help you but try posting this down in the smithy. Those guys can. You might post here also: www.smith-wessonforum.com

 

[C.R.Sam]

Welcome groovyash

Couple of things come to mind without lookin at it.

Ejector rod has unscrewed a tad....it is left hand thread.
Crud under the ejector star....a light toothbrush scrub should fix.

Most likely junk under the star.

Sam.....my favorite 9mm is the 9X32R

 

[bountyh]

I agree check for a loose ejector rod (remember it has reverse threads) and clean all the crud from under the star. It definitely likes to collect there. If that isn't it, it could be the crane is bent. Sometimes when people shoot lead, it builds up on the cylinder face by the barrel. Then, they reload and force the cylinder closed and the crane can be bent (did that once, never again).

 

[Chipster]

Smith & Wesson has a lifetime service policy. If there is a mechanical problem, you can call them and arrange for shipping the pistol back for repair. It takes 2-3 weeks door to door. Fedex is the shipper. You get a nice cheap plastic pistol case at Wally World for $5, put in a large Fedex box, and stick the label in the pouch. S&W may give you their Fedex account number, since it is a mechanical problem. S&W info is at their corporate website.

I'd check the cleanliness of the ejector rod and under the star carefully. If the rod is longer than it should be, the revolver won't open or close properly.