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

If You can’t open your cylinder

[@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. 👍

[@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 UA-cam.

[@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!

[@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. 👍

[@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. 👍🕺🏻🇺🇸

[@lylesmith5079]

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

[@unclejim2330]

Thanks. 👍

[@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. 👍

[@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. 👍

[@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. 👍

[@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. 👍

[@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. 👍

[@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. 😂😂🕺🏻👍🇺🇸

[@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]

👍

[@BigFatNastyMan]

Thank you SO MUCH!
I just bought a used Taurus 66, and cylinder would not release. Your solution fixed it in 4 seconds!
God bless you for sharing your knowledge. 😊

[@unclejim2330]

Great Chip, thank you. 👍

[@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. 👍

[@im_caiman4479]

Worked for my Taurus. May God bless you.

[@unclejim2330]

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. 👍

[@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 . 👍🇺🇸

[@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! 👍

[@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]

👍

[@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? 😂🕺🏻👍🇺🇸🏴‍☠️

[@bellendbill6227]

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

[@unclejim2330]

Glad it helped.👍

[@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. 👍

[@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. 👍

[@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.

[@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]

👍

[@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. 👍

[@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. 👍

[@ANDYW-l9v]

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

[@unclejim2330]

Great, thank you. 👍

[@lttruck2973]

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

[@unclejim2330]

Excellent!

[@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. 👍

[@sgtyork9330]

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

[@unclejim2330]

Great. 👍

[@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. 👍

[@MonzingoTactical]

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

[@unclejim2330]

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.

[@tristenhuchingson919]

This worked beautifully.

[@unclejim2330]

Great. 👍

[@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.

[@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. 👍

[@drsyedamer]

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

[@unclejim2330]

Great, glad it helped. 👍

[@michaelpettit-williams4749]

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

[@unclejim2330]

Great. 👍

[@BoBaaah]

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

[@unclejim2330]

Great , thank you. 👍

[@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. 👍

[@stevecarragher8957]

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

[@unclejim2330]

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

[@Jonny-tr9qo]

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

[@unclejim2330]

Thanks. 👍

[@erinnichols6911]

Thank you!! This was super helpful

[@unclejim2330]

Great. 👍 Thanks.

[@pekolucky]

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

[@unclejim2330]

Great, 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]

👍🕺🏻🇺🇸

[@edwardpetty5401]

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

[@unclejim2330]

Thanks 👍 Hope it helps. 👍

[@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. 👍🕺🏻

[@ribirchfield9496]

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

[@unclejim2330]

Glad it helped. 👍

[@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.

[@jeffmezzullo5864]

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

[@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. 👍

[@puppehs]

thank you brother this helped me out greatly

[@unclejim2330]

Great, thanks. 👍

[@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.

[@HeritageFatboy]

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

[@1ask2risk]

5:47 the old Model 15 Combat Masterpiece.

[@unclejim2330]

K frames are my favorite.

[@1ask2risk]

@@unclejim2330 My very first issued pistol. USAF Security Police. 1977. Loved that little pistol. Bought one after i came home from overseas, and the ex took it when she split. Small price at the time…LOL

[@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. 👍🕺🏻🇺🇸

[@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.

[@biblejohn4681]

Well done, sir!

[@unclejim2330]

Thanks, like you handle. 👍

[@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. 👍

[@user-mv2er1ek8b]

This video is very helpful. Thank you for your knowledge

[@unclejim2330]

Thanks. 👍

[@RabbiSteve]

Thank you so much for doing this. Very helpful.

[@unclejim2330]

Glad it helped. 👍

[@x-tremevidpro]

Left is loosey😅, Right is tighty!

[@alahos]

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

[@unclejim2330]

Thanks. 👍

[@bearpaw916]

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

[@unclejim2330]

Thanks, glad it helped. 👍

[@user-ef5tq7gn2h]

Worked perfect, Thanks!

[@unclejim2330]

Great, thank you. 👍

[@WJJ3rd]

You were pretty emphatic about not using Lock tite. Okay, I did just that some time ago. How screwed am I?

[@charliesierra6919]

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

[@unclejim2330]

Alright, great. 👍

[@chanmartin682]

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

[@unclejim2330]

Well thank you. 👍

[@joebuttmunch2613]

Just pulled out my 2.75” Model 66 and tried to open the cylinder 😬 Hit UA-cam and found your video! Thank you 😊 👍🇺🇸

[@unclejim2330]

Awesome thanks. 👍

[@jayhutt1]

Excellent! Thank you!

[@unclejim2330]

👍

[@mikeywilloughby4828]

Awesome, thank you for the video

[@unclejim2330]

Well thank you. 👍

[@walksfletcher]

If you keep the extractor rod tight, you'll never have problems.

[@unclejim2330]

They come loose sometimes but what do I know, I’ve only had about 50 Smiths. You? 🤭😂

[@walksfletcher]

@@unclejim2330 24+, but all have been well taken care. Everything tight, clean & properly lubed. Nothing made after 1980.

[@nathanavery4681]

I was able to hold the rod in place with a pencil eraser--easy as pie.

[@unclejim2330]

👍

[@tedbreeden4066]

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

[@unclejim2330]

Good to hear. 👍 Thanks.

[@gregsmith7175]

Nice video, thank you.

[@unclejim2330]

Thank you too. 👍

[@randall336]

Thank you sir this is a quick fix was slightly upset just got my 357 and was like noooooo but then you made this video and saved the day thank you

[@unclejim2330]

Glad I could help, thank you. 👍

[@rodbrown6434]

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

[@unclejim2330]

You’d have to go way early.

[@richardmanning7601]

Nicely done

[@unclejim2330]

Thanks. 👍

[@o_d1559]

Thank you very much! this helped! :)

[@unclejim2330]

Great. 👍

[@texassportsman5880]

Happens on low maintenance firearms. Keep them clean and lubed and NO PROBLEMS.

[@unclejim2330]

Has nothing to do with this problem. 🤷‍♀️

[@CrankyCleatus]

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

[@unclejim2330]

It happens. 👍

[@AngelesCustodios80]

Great job 👏

[@unclejim2330]

Thanks. 👍

[@larsandreasrisy4402]

Yes,this is good advice! 👍
Our local gunsmith..rather our blacksmith learned me to give it a good wack with a rubber/wood mallet.. 😆
Your technic is mutch better.
Nice video Uncle Jim 😊
Keep up the good work 👍

[@unclejim2330]

Lol! Thanks. 👍

[@dennistate5953]

God i love you ninja folk! Preach!

[@unclejim2330]

🥷🥷🥷👍

[@alanverrell9898]

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

[@unclejim2330]

That’s great Alan. 👍

[@tomhaser8696]

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

[@unclejim2330]

That’s great, thank you. 👍🕺🏻🇺🇸

[@justing5207]

Worked like a charm! Thanks!

[@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. 🤷‍♀️

[@louisstaiano4566]

Good to know I have Smith & Wesson's and ruger's I never had that problem

[@unclejim2330]

It can happen with Smiths, look at the reply’s. 😂👍🇺🇸

[@64ericsan]

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

[@unclejim2330]

Hey thanks. 👍

[@natoun100]

Solved the problem with my 586

[@unclejim2330]

Great. 👍

[@GeorgiaTrappingandFishing]

Awesome tip Jim! I wouldn’t have had a clue of how to get it open. I almost sure I would have destroyed something 😂😂👌

[@unclejim2330]

Hahah! Revolvers I know well and there’s easy fixes. 👍🕺🏻🇺🇸

[@echosreloadingchamber7306]

Great tip Uncle Jim. Learn something every time I turn your channel on. Echo

[@unclejim2330]

Lol, thanks Echo. 🕺🏻🇺🇸👍

[@user-yp4zt2kf9c]

Greatpointer!

[@ChrisFromThe740]

Great info and video Jim

[@unclejim2330]

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