Extended cylinder release binds

[kevinj308]

I've attempted to install a Hogue extended release as well as the CCW part. I must be doing something wrong, or missing something. After firing the gun the release binds and won't budge forward. I've tried both parts in my 625 and an old model 10. Same thing for both of them. I've measured the new parts in every way and very lightly filed/stoned them to match the original parts. I'm really perplexed here. It must be my installation for it to not function in two different guns. After firing my model 10 and being unable to release the cylinder I removed the Hogue part, installed the original factory release and it worked perfectly. What could be going on?

Thanks for any thoughts.

Kevin

[RePete]

The block of the release goes into the slot on the frame may be too small and when the frame heats it binds. Measure there against the factory part.

[Carmoney]

Strange.

Are you getting the screw cap good and tight? I'm wondering if the release may be twisting slightly because it's loosening under vibration.

Try putting counterclockwise finger pressure on the release as you tighten it with the clockwise force of your screwdriver. This will help keep it straight while you put plenty of torque on the screwdriver.

Worth a try anyway.

Edited October 19, 2010 by Carmoney

[BallisticianX]

My guess is the release block that sits in the frame slot is too short and as you tighten the screw it pulls the release to tight against the outside of the frame. This also pulls the bolt to tight to the inside of the frame essentially "sandwiching" your frame with your release and bolt. When you fire the gun the shock is capable of exaserbating whatever flexing is present on the bolt or release. Not sure if it is your problem but I've seen it happen.

[granderojo]

Does the new release work correctly after it's installed before you shoot the gun?

[kevinj308]

Thanks for all the responses. It's definitely not binding against the frame as I tighten it, I checked and there's plenty of clearance there. In fact with the release tightened there is a little play in the whole release assembly. Just like there is with the factory part installed.

I am getting the screw cap tight, but I'll try to bias the release as much as possible to the counter clockwise. Can't hurt to try it.

You know I hadn't thought of heat transfer because this happens after just six shots. I wouldn't think enough heat was generated or would transfer that quickly. I've measured the block or male portion of the release that fits into the frame slot very carefully. It's plus or minus .001" of the factory.

The after market releases do work prior to shooting the gun.

There's something funny going on. Two different parts in two different guns. Same problem. This is my first try with an extended release but I didn't anticipate this kind of issue. I'm typically fairly handy and do most of my work.

I'm gonna do some more testing. I didn't check before, but I want to see if I can remove the release and just push the release bolt forward on it's own, or if there's still play in the bolt with 6 fired cases in the cylinder. It seems that it's the fired cases in the cylinder that are part of the problem. No cases, then the release works.

Thanks again for the suggestions.

Kevin

[Bwana Six-Gun]

Don't know if this will help or is relevant, but when I installed my extended releases (Pinnacle) the first one fit just fine. On the next two, I had to stone/file the front of the release that goes into the frame to allow it to push forward enough. This may not be your problem, but in talking to other wheel-gunners, this is a common problem. Hope this helps.

[ChrisC]

I had to file my CCW to get it to operate correctly..

i believe not only the front but also the face..

works fine now..

[kevinj308]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

Kevin

[kevinj308]

Strange.

Are you getting the screw cap good and tight? I'm wondering if the release may be twisting slightly because it's loosening under vibration.

Try putting counterclockwise finger pressure on the release as you tighten it with the clockwise force of your screwdriver. This will help keep it straight while you put plenty of torque on the screwdriver.

Worth a try anyway.

Just wanted to follow up on this. I did get the release to work. You were on the right track Carmoney. I ended up having to twist the release clockwise while I was tightening. I tried counterclockwise first and that didn't help, so I just tried the other way for giggles, and there it was. I mean I really put some pressure on it, and then I tightened the screw as much as I dared. I didn't use a torque wrench, but more torque than I would normally apply to a screw of that size. Release feels great, before and after shooting. Not sure what the issue was, I suspect it was a not getting the screw tight enough. Must have been twisting after being fired.

I Probably wouldn't have thought of that, would have just kept using the stock release. Thanks for everyone's help.

Kevin

[Carmoney]

You were on the right track Carmoney. I ended up having to twist the release clockwise while I was tightening.

Cool--glad to hear it!