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
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
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.