Removal of extractor rod on S&W 331??

[Kentucky Rifle]

I'd like to remove the extractor rod from my 331 and clean and lube it and the cylinder parts with Militec. Does anyone know if there is some "trick" to getting the rod out? Is seems like it should just unscrew by hand, but it won't. I'm apprehensive about putting more pressure on it.

Thanks,
KR

Man. Everybody down here has the "flu".

 

[James K]

I hope you are not trying to unscrew it the normal way; those new extractor rods have LEFT hand threads.

Remove the front sideplate screw and pull the crane and cylinder off to the front. Pull the crane off the cylinder.

At this point you can do anything you need to do in the way of cleaning and lubrication. Going farther is NOT recommended.

But, if you must take it all apart, put two or three empty cases in the chambers. Clamp the extractor rod in a copper or brass jawed vise (a fixture shaped to the rod is best), and turn the cylinder clockwise. The extractor rod should unscrew.

Jim