How to open a stuck cylinder on your S&W revolver

[@SHARDK2]

100% solved my problem with my Model 60. Didn't even need to use anything to stop it while it was closed, just held the ejector rod with my hand and spun the cylinder around it while it was open. Turns out that was the issue. You're an actual lifesaver.

[@unclejim2330]

Thanks, glad it helped. 👍

[@TheCannonofMohammed]

Wow! Thank you! Can't believe the fix was so simple. I have a little .32, very old, hardly used. Out of nowhere this came up. Beautiful solution.

[@unclejim2330]

Thanks, glad it helped. 👍

[@lylesmith5079]

Very well explained. I've been shooting S&Ws for over 50 years and didn't know this. Thank you.

[@unclejim2330]

Thanks. 👍

[@JohnSmith-ob9fd]

SOME USEFUL NOTES I WOULD ADD based on how I made this excellent advice work: (1) IF YOU CAN'T GET THE WEDGE DEEP ENOUGH To COMPLETELY STOP THE ROD FROM TURNING, even if you jam in the wedge ONLY ENOUGH TO CAUSE SOME DRAG on the rotating rod, that SHOULD ENABLE ENOUGH OF A TURN OF THE CYLINDER TO TIGHTEN THE ROD JUST ENOUGH TO ALLOW THE CYLINDER TO SWING OUT. Then you can do a more thorough tightening job once the cylinder is free. (2) In case you need an extra hand while doing this video's procedure, PROPPING A PENCIL between the partly-pulled-back hammer and the frame will do away with the need to hold the hammer spur with your thumb. Thanks for saving me a trip to the gunsmith!!! THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST USEFUL GUN VIDEOS I'VE SEEN ON KZbin.

[@unclejim2330]

Thanks John. 👍

[@quinnjim]

I just tightened mine by using my fingernail on the knurled portion. Knowing that the threads are "lefty tighty" was the best information!

[@Resident-cb3yz]

Just fixed my .357 Taurus stuck cylinder with help of your video. 10 second fix. Thank you! My first gun what my dad bought to me 28 years ago when i was 15 year old. First ever problem too with that gun.

[@unclejim2330]

That’s awesome , your dad sounds like a good guy too. 👍🕺🏻🇺🇸

[@CrashRacknShoot]

Thanks, man! My dad's got a model 29, the granddaddy Dirty Harry Special, and we had this exact problem the other day when we took it out of the safe. He checked around and sure enough, here you are with the solution. He's happy as all hell with the info, so I just wanted to thank you from us both. Crazy bastard is already cowboying it again, and I'm yelling at him for it lol

[@unclejim2330]

Glad it help and thanks for the reply. 👍

[@Rich-eg6qb]

Thanks, mine was hard to open, snugged it up, and I'm back in action. I've been shooting revolvers for decades and never had that issue until recently.

[@unclejim2330]

That’s great Rich. 👍

[@jamesp739]

Using a wood wedge is a neat trick - thanks! If you're going to clamp it in a padded vise to tighten, I suggest placing 2 or 3 dummy rounds spaced around the cylinder take the stress off the extractor when you tighten it.

[@unclejim2330]

You are correct, thanks. 👍

[@luemily9363]

THANK YOU! I have always shot semi-automatics because I prefer them, but I bought a S&W 38 Model 10 about a month ago mostly to use as a demo when I teach a class, BUT I really like shooting it. It is accurate and smooth. Until tonight when I had this issue. It took less than 30 seconds to fix, and your demo is great.

[@unclejim2330]

Thank you , glad it helped and I love the model 10. 👍

[@ngenius2]

I have been shooting since I was 12 years old, now 64, never had this problem before. I recently picked up a near-mint S&W K-22 Combat Masterpiece, (pre- model 18), with this exact issue. This video did the trick! Thanks. BTW, this revolver is the .22 caliber twin to my dad's K-38 Combat Masterpiece that he got when he was in the US Border Patrol Academy in El Paso, Texas in 1953.

[@unclejim2330]

Cool, I’ve had all those guns and two where 5 screws, wish I had them now. 👍

[@erniegarland5689]

I'm late to the party, but your video saved me a trip to my gunsmith. I could get the cylinder open, but it was very stiff. A quick tightening up and I was good to go. Thank you so much!

[@unclejim2330]

Great thanks. 👍

[@migaczone]

I experienced the same problem with my 19P. Revolver was recently disassembled and after putting all together again everything was good, but it appeared after couple of shots at the range some screws became loosened as well as cylinder rod, just like you describe. Many thanks sir!

[@unclejim2330]

Thanks and hoped it helped. 👍

[@gabrielmorales9752]

Fantastic! This video helped me get my SW 29-2 open in just seconds. I have disassembled the gun several times for cleaning and I figured that something had come unthreaded and was blocking me from opening the cylinder but I sure didn’t think about wedging the knurl and turning the cylinder to tighten the rod. Thank you !

[@unclejim2330]

Great, thanks. 👍

[@HighImpactPromo]

Brilliant! I cannot thank you enough! I was happy to resolve my problem while not damaging my Taurus .357 Revolver - Exactly as you describe. A plastic tooth pick worked great to secure the knurled tip & twist it toward the snug position - CCW / Left-Loose - snugged the ejector rod once cylinder was open. Easy Peasy!

[@unclejim2330]

Great to hear, than you. 👍

[@BillBowen-p1t]

Thank you, my friend! Your instructions worked wonderfully for my 35-year-old Taurus Model 65 revolver as well.

[@unclejim2330]

That’s great, thank you. 👍

[@ohgary]

Egad! I had visions of a trip to the gunsmith at high cost and months of delay. I had some bamboo skewers and they held the knurl while I spun the cylinder, and your technique worked. The inside parts are pretty dirty, so next step is to clean everything. I’m not brave enough to remove the side plate. And the problem did occur at the range where I had to qualify for my LTC. I had to shoot 40 rounds in just a few minutes. All the other applicants were using black auto pistols. I had the only wheel gun. Thanks so much for posting this.

[@unclejim2330]

Glad it worked out for you. 👍 Thanks.

[@craigcontofalsky4387]

Happened to my buddy's S&W and he was baffled. I have lot's of revolvers and we tried everything you mentioned and luckily it came open. I tried the rod because it looked like it was screwed out a few thousands and tightened it. Now it's fine. You just confirmed what we saw. Thanks

[@unclejim2330]

👍

[@carycary5824]

I just bought a new 629 classic. Very good info sir!!!! Thanks!!!!

[@unclejim2330]

Have fun with it. 👍🎄

[@Elvisfan4life]

This video just helped me fix my old model 64 that was sticking. I would have never figured this out without this video!! Thank You!!!

[@unclejim2330]

Great, thank you! 👍

[@damiantheomen]

This just happened to me for the first time, thanks for the help!

[@unclejim2330]

Glad it helped.👍

[@MrSlimePDX]

Thank you so much for this quick video. Have a .357 Taurus that jammed up at an outdoor range, and had to pack it away. Came right home, and found this video. Fixed it immediately. Moreso user error, and unfamiliarity, but this was well-explained, and worked like a charm. 👍

[@unclejim2330]

👍

[@300rik]

With my issue I couldnt close it because somehow when cleaning it Ive probably unscrewd a little off. This video 100% solved my issue! THank you sir.

[@unclejim2330]

Cool, thanks. 👍

[@normsallitt2753]

Awesome instructional video. I used a slightly shaved down chop stick on my exact same model and it worked perfectly. Thanks for the help 👍

[@unclejim2330]

👍

[@HobbiesHobo]

This is a GEM! Slick trick, never experienced the problem myself ..... yet. Great info to know. 👍

[@unclejim2330]

“Yet” , I’ve seen it all with revolvers. 😂😂🕺🏻👍🇺🇸

[@biblebear6795]

Mine was starting to get hard to open so I loosened that ejector rod a little like you showed and its smooth as butter now! Yes sir.

[@unclejim2330]

Great. 👍

[@TheRuger100]

Great video!! I had an old 28-2 that I took apart to clean and COULD NOT get the cylinder to release after reassembly… your video fixed it right up! Thank You!!

[@unclejim2330]

Alright, great Russell. 👍

[@quinnjim]

My cylinder was stuck. I figured that I needed to tighten the rod, but I didn't know it was opposite threads! This totally fixed my gun. I was able to just tighten the rod with my fingernail using the knurled portion. Thanks a bunch.

[@unclejim2330]

Great! Thanks. 👍

[@drtandem2729]

Thanks. My father had a S&W 38 Special that had that problem. It was an old gun, maybe forty-years-old and had not been fired in that time. It was fully loaded with hollow points. I tried what you showed on the video to no avail. I then tried some Superzilla penetrating oil. The gun didn't look rusty. It had just been kept is a cabinet for forty years. I still couldn't get the cylinder to release. I tried your wood wedge trick again and this time, after a few minutes of trying to tighten the ejection rod, I was finally able to get it open. I removed the bullets, which look fine. I couldn't find any corrosion behind the cylinder. I gave the interior some more lubricant and now it works fine. I think it was just from lack of use. Thanks for the tip.

[@unclejim2330]

Glad it worked out for you. 👍

[@mr2275cur]

Thank you. Never had this issue with a S&W, but did with my Taurus 689VR. I had to tighten it much more than I like to to keep from looening during shooting. But it worked. Very informative video.

[@unclejim2330]

Cool, thanks. 👍

[@matthewkeisling2776]

I had this problem in my old Model 64, which had been in storage for a while and hadn’t been fired or manipulated. I put a little oil on the access points for the extractor pin, and eventually removed the cylinder release to put oil right in the horse’s mouth. A little working it and now it’s open. The moral of the story is to get your antiques out regularly for function and fire.

[@unclejim2330]

Yes, they are made to be enjoyed . 👍🇺🇸

[@lttruck2973]

thank you. you saved me from a headache. worked on my airweight 38

[@unclejim2330]

Excellent!

[@whomagoose6897]

Never had any problems like this with my S&W revolvers. I hope it stays that way. Good to know info that may be handy sometime.

[@unclejim2330]

👍

[@stevenmiller7267]

Uncle Jim.. this is your distant Nephew Steven... I with my dearest thankfulness for YOU SR.. to take the time to post this video. So another blue collar American 🇺🇸 can fix a revolver that is new to your distant relation..👍✝️God Bless you.. your information has enlighten me. And im alittle smarter because you took the time.. I've seen through some of the comments your a friend a buddy and a pal👍thanks again

[@unclejim2330]

Thanks Nephew. 😂👍

[@Johnny-jr2lq]

Now this is a hell of a video…… seriously U.J. That was cool of you to take the time to do this video.

[@unclejim2330]

Always happy to help anyone. 👍🇺🇸

[@Johnny-jr2lq]

@@unclejim2330 I know you are U.J. We need more people with that kind of attitude in this country.

[@unclejim2330]

Even goof balls? 😂🕺🏻👍🇺🇸🏴‍☠️

[@sgtyork9330]

Thank you! I fixed this once years ago, but forgot what to do. Now my 629 is fixed.

[@unclejim2330]

Great. 👍

[@pekolucky]

Thank you Uncle Jim! This is a very helpful video. Very informative.

[@unclejim2330]

Great, thanks. 👍

[@tomjohnson8500]

Have a new Model 63 22LR that had a binding cylinder. Tightened the ejector rod and voila! it fixed the problem. Thanks for an ego saving video.

[@unclejim2330]

Great, Thank you. 👍

[@chucksayle6]

Had same issue on my year old 29-10. Extractor rod loosening after 3-4 cylinder fills of full house factory magnum loads. I caught the issue before cylinder would not release, just became more difficult. Is this something that should be checked frequently at the range? Sounds like it may be…only finger tightened at this time. Also realized the 29-10 I have does not have the 2 alignment pins on the cylinder to match the extractor to the cylinder. Looks like by design S&W got rid of those on this issue. Great video by the way. Thanks!

[@unclejim2330]

Well thanks Chuck , hope all is well. 👍🕺🏻🇺🇸

[@im_caiman4479]

Worked for my Taurus. May God bless you.

[@unclejim2330]

Thanks. 👍

[@ANDYW-l9v]

Thanks!!! This worked quickly and easy. Great video.

[@unclejim2330]

Great, thank you. 👍

[@drsyedamer]

Thank you so much for showing and describing so well. It saved my DX revolver!

[@unclejim2330]

Great, glad it helped. 👍

[@woahdudeitsme9742]

Thank you so much. Luckily I was at home cleaning my 340pd when this happened to me for the first time, almost panicked but found your video first.

[@unclejim2330]

Awesome. 👍

[@michaelpettit-williams4749]

Thank you so much, easy and quick! Got my S&W .44 unstuck in no time.

[@unclejim2330]

Great. 👍

[@WhatYouLQQKINat]

Good stuff right there. I always like to learn little pro tips here and there to add to my knowledge everything helps and adds up.

[@unclejim2330]

Yes, and thanks. 👍

[@solaireoffl4243]

Thank you so much, the ejector rod was unscrewed a little and I just tightened it a little

[@unclejim2330]

Awesome, glad to help. Thanks fir the feedback. 👍🕺🏻

[@johnh5259]

One small thing to add... if the cylinder is really stuck, a couple of taps with a rubber mallet can help. Press forward on the thumbpiece, tap the cylinder on the right side, presto. Then make whatever adjustments are necessary so it doesn't happen again.

[@unclejim2330]

No need and I would never do that unless the crane was bent from some being rough on it.

[@vielkadiaz4107]

this is my daughters laptop my phone to small. i would like to thank you because my smith and wesson model 49 revolver had this problem did exactly what you said thank you very much sir god bless.

[@unclejim2330]

Thanks for the feedback, Make me happy that the video help others. 👍 Thanks again.

[@pawild5594]

You're the man UJ... I'll send this right now. Man the bluing on that hand cannon is really nice.

[@unclejim2330]

Hey glad to help. 👍

[@stevecarragher8957]

Thanks uncle Jim, that fixed my model 29, 44 magnum that I purchased years ago.

[@unclejim2330]

Awesome, glad it helped and thanks. 👍🕺🏻🇺🇸

[@jefffitzgerald733]

This was very helpful. Thank you!

[@unclejim2330]

Cool, thanks. 👍

[@MonzingoTactical]

This solved my problem with my "new to me" Taurus 669. Thanks sir.

[@unclejim2330]

Thank you. 👍🇺🇸

[@bearpaw916]

Thank you !!! Very helpful, and such an easy fix... Great vid !!!

[@unclejim2330]

Thanks, glad it helped. 👍

[@DouglasPeter-f8f]

This video is very helpful. Thank you for your knowledge

[@unclejim2330]

Thanks. 👍

[@flinkeratte639]

Thank you! This even worked for my Weihrauch HW-37 blank gun

[@unclejim2330]

Haha, great. 👍

[@benandsylvia]

Thanks! It just happened to me while cleaning my 686 on the bench. I'm going to pull it out of the safe and try it now.

[@unclejim2330]

Getter done. 👍

[@RabbiSteve]

Thank you so much for doing this. Very helpful.

[@unclejim2330]

Glad it helped. 👍

[@jeffmezzullo5864]

This worked for my Rossi except going in the oppo direction. Thanks!

[@PatriotPaulUSA]

Very Nice! , Great info and easy to understand UJ. I don't even own any revolvers, but its good to have this knowledge passed on to others. Left handed thread! Always a thing that will trip anybody up, if you don't know its left handed thread. I hope to own one someday, If I ever run across a 44s/Mag :)

[@unclejim2330]

👍🕺🏻🇺🇸

[@DARRENHEFLEY]

Brilliant! Thank you, had the same issue on a 686

[@unclejim2330]

👍

[@dadurweird]

Use a feeler gauge to depress the locking bolt (the thing the extractor rod rotates on under the barrel), push the thumb piece, cylinder opens. Then, you can properly tighten the extractor rod using empty cases in each cylinder. Easy fix.

[@edwardpetty5401]

Thank you UJ. I wasn't aware of how to fix this.

[@unclejim2330]

Thanks 👍 Hope it helps. 👍

[@HeritageFatboy]

Thank you for the help sir it’s very much appreciated.

[@richardkluesek4301]

Learned a couple of new and useful fixes. If you're in a gunfight have a back up.

[@unclejim2330]

Always. The LCP Max is always in the pocket.

[@richardkluesek4301]

@@unclejim2330 As reliable as wheelguns are, I've heard of stuck ejector rods which on unshouded guns can be reached directly with fingers or pocket pliers, and once a colleague lost his cylinder release latch and had to work with the stud, tough on the thumb. Your tip about using the cylinder rotation to take advantage of the counterclockwise thread rotation of the ejector rod into the cylinder is new to me and can be a life saver in a crunch. Know your gun. Thanks for the learning experience.

[@erinnichols6911]

Thank you!! This was super helpful

[@unclejim2330]

Great. 👍 Thanks.

[@imarinobr]

Such a simple fix! Thank you! Publix utility video!

[@unclejim2330]

Well thank you. 👍

[@ribirchfield9496]

Thanks. It took little effort to open my 629-1. Cylinder was stuck loaded.

[@unclejim2330]

Glad it helped. 👍

[@alanverrell9898]

Thank you amazing fix it worked for me have a lovely life😊

[@unclejim2330]

That’s great Alan. 👍

[@BoBaaah]

Bless you sir, I was worried I'd have to send it back to Smith

[@unclejim2330]

Great , thank you. 👍

[@KyleKilroy]

Thank you this fixed my problem!

[@unclejim2330]

Great. 👍

[@rogermiller9460]

Thanks for the info . I was cleaning my 357 and didn't realize that I had loosen the rod . When I closed cylinder I couldn't get it back open .

[@unclejim2330]

Glad I could help. 👍🇺🇸

[@tomhaser8696]

thanks i had this problem and your instruction worked....thanks

[@unclejim2330]

That’s great, thank you. 👍🕺🏻🇺🇸

[@tristenhuchingson919]

This worked beautifully.

[@unclejim2330]

Great. 👍

[@tedbreeden4066]

Great video and this solved my problem. Thank you sir.

[@unclejim2330]

Good to hear. 👍 Thanks.

[@64ericsan]

Excellent and very helpful video, just in case. Thank you.

[@unclejim2330]

Hey thanks. 👍

[@CrankyCleatus]

yep, had to tighten my 586, it was sticking on me when it was new…rod was loose.

[@unclejim2330]

It happens. 👍

[@chanmartin682]

what huge help! thank you!. You bet, I'll be back with more questions. again, thank you

[@unclejim2330]

Well thank you. 👍

[@puppehs]

thank you brother this helped me out greatly

[@unclejim2330]

Great, thanks. 👍

[@Jonny-tr9qo]

I search every now and then finally I found yours - ty

[@unclejim2330]

Thanks. 👍

[@charliesierra6919]

Thank you, sir! Just what I needed to do!

[@unclejim2330]

Alright, great. 👍

[@alahos]

Thank you so much, I was trying to turn the other way and of course that made it worse!

[@unclejim2330]

Thanks. 👍

[@o_d1559]

Thank you very much! this helped! :)

[@unclejim2330]

Great. 👍

[@davidma6616]

THANK YOU UNCLE JIM!

[@unclejim2330]

👍

[@justing5207]

Worked like a charm! Thanks!

[@unclejim2330]

Thank you. 👍

[@williamalbers417]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video, I unlocked my sister's revolver in a matter of seconds.

[@unclejim2330]

That’s great. Thank you. 👍

[@fjb4932]

Never owned a S&W, only Rugers for me. A little more expensive, but built Hell for Stout, so well worth it. ☆

[@unclejim2330]

Older Smiths are worth a lot more but my 44 mags are Rugers.

[@ChrisFromThe740]

Great info and video Jim

[@unclejim2330]

Thanks, old guys know some tricks. 😂👍🕺🏻🇺🇸

[@TheWlosser]

this seems to be a design flaw with smith and wesson , my snubnose 38 bought brand new around 68or 69 wouldnt release the cylinder years later, my 357 stainless bought around 75 new also woundnt release the cylinder some years later still trying to find solution without taking to gun smith , going to try your fix hope it works, fingers crossed!

[@unclejim2330]

There is a a tool to tighten the rod but just go easy and don’t over tighten or bent.it helps to put spent cases in the cylinder as well. 👍

[@jamesrobinson5672]

Very good information, I have an unusual issue with my S&W 686. I have this problem ONLY when I use 357 mags, Using 38s, it works fine!! Any suggestions?

[@unclejim2330]

So the ejector rod is loosening with 357’s ? Have you taken the cylinder out and tightened the ejector rod down? ( put some empty shells in the cylinder when tightening ) 👍

[@jamesrobinson5672]

@@unclejim2330 Thank you sir. I will give it a try. I won't be getting to the range for a couple of weeks. But I'll let you know how it goes? Thanks again.

[@GunplaBuilder-vb4ei]

Thank you very much for this!

[@unclejim2330]

Thank you. 👍

[@GeofGriebel]

Worked perfect, Thanks!

[@unclejim2330]

Great, thank you. 👍

[@rodbrown6434]

EARLY SMITHS HAVE ( RIGHT hand threads) on. Cyl ejector rods

[@unclejim2330]

You’d have to go way early.

[@biblejohn4681]

Well done, sir!

[@unclejim2330]

Thanks, like you handle. 👍

[@carolkmc2855]

I have very good Rossi 5 shot (J frame). While shooting the gun will jam tight, I push the cylinder release, swing out the cylinder about a 1/4 inch and push it back and then I can fire it, But this is exasperating. I think it is the rod is working loose as I can move it left and right with my fingers. Once I tighten it and shoot but it loosens again. I have removed the yoke and disassembled the cylinder, etc. The gun is old but it is like new, almost no use marks and the bluing is perfect? Suggestions?

[@unclejim2330]

Strange, you aren’t supposed to use loktite but maybe clean threads and use the slightest amount of blue or low strength. 🤷‍♂️

[@dallinromrell7495]

thank you!!

[@unclejim2330]

Thank you. 👍

[@troystallard6895]

Apparently that isn't the problem with my model 36. No matter how tightly I wedged it, the ejector rod chewed up the wood.

[@unclejim2330]

Don’t know what to say without seeing it. 🤷‍♀️

[@mattw1329]

Thanks Jim great video

[@unclejim2330]

Thank you Matt. 👍

[@ramonsantos5404]

I have a Taurus revolver that my dad had unused for long time but I can’t get the cylinder to release and the cylinder barely moves when I move the hammer back. I added some oil hopefully it will loasen some, any suggestions to get the cylinder to move

[@StephenBrock17]

wow thats brilliant, thanks!

[@unclejim2330]

👍

[@dtcole60]

That is the exact revolver that I have and I am experiencing that actual issue. What is it that actually causes that? I understand the fix, but what causes it in the first place? I can try to fix myself based on this video or ultimately taking into account shop and having them fix.

[@unclejim2330]

Sometimes they just come loose like any bolt or screw , other times it never happens. You can fix it yourself. 👍

[@thefleaflop]

Nice job sir!... I enjoyed it thoroughly.... I feel the need for a 9mm revolver, partly because its a unicorn and partly cause I have mucho 9mm ammo. I don't like the idea of needing a tool to unload or load a hand gun (moon clip).... Charter arms Pitbull and S&W 547 are the only two I can find that are designed to work without moonclips. The 547 is Beautiful!,.... But @ 2,400.00 if you can find one out of range, so to speak for me.... Any suggestions? Many thanks for the great tips...

[@unclejim2330]

The 547 is very rare and I never found a good deal 30 years ago! I had a SS snub S&W back in the day and it kicked more that 38 but was neat. Moon clips ain’t bad and you can load a whole pile of them. You can make a pipe tool to unload the brass and they even make plastic moon clips now for cheaper easier . Ruger made 9mms also. 👍