Shutting a Sidewinder's cylinder??????

[scstrain]

I have a Sidewinder. Totally impressed by it's quality of build. It seems to be a real bear sometimes when shutting the cylinder. It has to have to do with the spring loaded part in the front of the cylinder rod / shell ejector. Has a hard time working its way into the cut out under the front of the barrel.  Almost seems that over time the rod could get bent from the pressure that has to be used. Any tricks to make it shut smoother?

[Dinadan]

Almost seems that over time the rod could get bent from the pressure that has to be used.

I felt exactly the same way when I got my first Sidewinder. So I developed the habit of depressing the rod with my finger as it closes. Whether that is really necessary I do not know, but I did not want to wind up with a bent rod. Now it is a habit and I do it without thinking about it.


I hope you enjoy your Sidewinder as much as I have enjoyed mine!

[Warthog]

Dinadan, I do that too.  Just made it easier to close for me and so I decided to make it muscle memory and now I do it as I close the cylinder every time.

[grayelky]

I have sold a couple in the shop. Sometimes they close like a J frame S&W, sometimes, it is almost necessary to do as you folks suggest, just to,get them to close.

[Honky Tonk Man]

I close it by putting some pressure on the rod, and some evenly on the cylinder when opening or closing it.  It seems to operate better with time and use.  A drop of oil helps too.  I'm sure you know this, but have the hammer in the half cock position as well. 

[OV-1D]

  Just remember that knurled-button-spring piece is screwed on . It backed off on me to prevent it from closing altogether so check to see if a dab of lock-tight is needed to keep it still .

[jennflip]

Just for drill I polished the "groove" and use the back edge of my thumbnail to get the ball bearing pretty much thru the groove---works good for me...

[scstrain]

All are very good suggestions. Thank's.