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July 8, 2024
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I was showing my gun to a friend the other day, specifically how the cylinder release was different on DW revolvers (location and how it must be manipulated)...
Anyway, I said that in the absence of manipulating the release, the cylinder wouldn't open - and smacked the right side of the cylinder to prove it. You can guess what happened - the cylinder opened!
I was stunned: my gun has probably not had more than 125-175 rounds through it in its entire life! I lubricated the release, but it didn't change anything.
I barely use it, so I'd like to either fix it, or sell it to someone who can fix it and appreciate it.
Suggestions are VERY welcome, and thanks in advance.
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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It could be a number of read the things. Most likely there is gunk or dirt inside the release. Try cleaning it out. Toothpick of dental pick would work. Soaking in Dextron ATFcan help. After all the gun is now 40 years old and likely never had a good cleaning. It could be the latch spring is broken. If you have a DW barrel tool you have everything you need to completely disassemble the gun. Do not take it to a gunsmith. We can help you. Read the "Average Joe Tuneup" in gunsmithing. It is a lot of fun.
DWF Supporters
July 12, 2020
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Welcome to the forum from PA!!!
Dans Club
December 5, 2008
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Welcome to the Forum!
Ole Dog is right - clean it first!
July 8, 2024
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Oh my! Thanks so much for the responses - I figured I was dead in the water! It really warms my heart.
I will have to see if I can dig out the original box - I didn't think about the fact that 40 years have passed! <faints>
Alrighty, give me some time to see if I have the tool that OleDog mentioned and I'll post again when I find it.
THANKS SO MUCH again!
P.S. - serial # 304....
Dans Club
February 24, 2013
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If you cannot find yours, replacement barrel tools are available from eBay, but I’d recommend going to Eric’s web site to purchase:
if you find yours, be careful not to break it. It’s likely the plastic style and may be brittle after 40 yrs.
Dans Club
December 5, 2008
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The Cylinder Latch can be easily removed without any disassembly of the revolver. There is a small allen head set screw that keeps the latch in place. You can see it from the front of the crane near the top of the latch. It will be inset into a small hole in the crane. Just back it out enough that the latch will slide up and off the frame. At the bottom of the latch slot is a spring curved into a U shape. Pop the spring out and clean the slot and the latch, then reassemble. Be careful not to screw the set screw in too far or it will come out of the hole and jam the latch. Also clean the hole in the frame where the latch seats.
I don't know the size of the allen head screw but if you have a good set of wrenches you should be able to find the one that fits it. I believe it is the same size as the front sight screw.
If you determine that the spring is worn out, let me know. I think I have one.
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Dans Club
February 22, 2009
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To save some heart ache and your knees- disassemble that latch inside of a one-gallon baggie.... you're welcome.
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
Dans Club
December 5, 2008
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rwsem said
To save some heart ache and your knees- disassemble that latch inside of a one-gallon baggie.... you're welcome.
Always a good idea.
February 21, 2011
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I had this happen some years back.
After driving me crazy for a while I traced it down to a burr running along the edge of the latch!
To check, open the cylinder & run a thumbnail over the inside edge of the latch. It shouldn't "snag".
I simply stoned it down carefully to not change anything else & its been fine ever since.
Matthew Quigley on handguns:
“I said I never had much use for one. Never said
I didn't know how to use it.”
September 28, 2008
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I had a gun that was super nasty when I got it, and the latch would stick open or closed, depending on it's "mood". I shot some gun scrubber in it without any luck and finally took it apart, and it was full of crud.
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