During a recent trip, I obtained an original Smith and Wesson Model 21 .44 Special revolver of 1952 vintage.
I love the old N-frames, so this revolver is a real prize, and it makes this problem REALLY irritating.........  

When I shoot it, the cylinder often advances beyond the distance it should, either engaging two cylinder positions beyond the fired case, or not locking at all.  This happens roughly 50% of the times the trigger is pulled in double-action.  It does not happen if the pistol is fired in single-action, but that is much less fun.  

I THINK the cylinder stop at the bottom of the frame is not engaging when this happens.  

1.  Does that sound right to ya'll, or does this sound like a different problem?
2.  Should the part be easy to replace with a current manufacture N-frame part, or am I going to have to do an annoying part hunt?

TIA for your replies.

I think your right

Quoted: I would send it either to S&W themselves

S&W would be the only folks I would let work on this one, IMO. I'd bet they'd give you a cut rate price too?


My .o2

ikor, the hammer is doing its proper movement.  I guess the firing pin isn't striking far enough into the chamber to catch on anything.

Thanks for the advice, all.
I'll be giving S&W a call tomorrow.


[unrelated]
Annoyingly, I have to call Kimber tomorrow as well.  The front sight on my 6-month old TLE is now drift adjustable by hand .
Time to test out Kimber's customer service for myself.
[/unrelated]