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AR15.COM
10/29/2012 8:21:45 AM EDT
I have a smith and wesson 617 revolver that every time I turn the gun toward the ground and begin loading rounds into the chamber the cylinder falls out? What is going on? HELP! Thanks.
10/29/2012 8:47:04 AM EDT
[#1]
Someone has the wrong screw in the front sideplate hole. That front screw is normally a fraction longer and fitted to hold the crane in.
10/29/2012 10:50:05 AM EDT
[#2]
There are two S&W cylinder retention methods.

The old style is a fitted screw in the front hole of the side plate.
This "looks" just like the lower side plate screw, but it's fitted at the factory.  Since the two screws look just alike, it's not uncommon for people to switch the screws after disassembling the gun.
Try putting the lower side plate screw in the front hole to see if that properly retains the cylinder.
If not, you'll need to buy a new screw and fit it.   This is a matter of slowly filing the tip of the screw until you can screw it in tightly and it will retain the cylinder, but NOT drag on the cylinder yoke.

The new style cylinder retention system is also a screw in the front hole of the side plate.
However, in this case the larger headed "screw" is actually a cap.
Inside the cap is a small spring and plunger.
This assembly is not intended to be disassembled, but some people do, and then the spring and plunger may be lost.
If this assembly is damaged or missing the spring and plunger, just buy a new one.
10/29/2012 12:50:20 PM EDT
[#3]
The 617 is almost certainly the newer style.  Those little springs and caps disapper with some regularity.