Have you tried to pull the forend off and removing the hinge pin to get it to open?

rchatting wrote on Mon, 28 December 2015 07:00

I might be inclined to just send to S&W and let them fix the issue. They should cover under warranty and will pay shipping both ways. Give them a call. If it has a solid instead of split, I believe they will replace them.

first will try to do it myself if I can't will call S&W

El Divino wrote on Mon, 28 December 2015 09:14

rchatting wrote on Mon, 28 December 2015 07:00

I might be inclined to just send to S&W and let them fix the issue. They should cover under warranty and will pay shipping both ways. Give them a call. If it has a solid instead of split, I believe they will replace them.

first will try to do it myself if I can't will call S&W

I understand, I would probably do the same thing. My thinking is if it got stuck once, it may get stuck again and it may be an issue they can repair permanently.

Here's what I'm trying to find out



I suspect you have a locking bolt like either one on the left, what we're hoping for is you've got a split set like on the right.

If it's a single bolt then your best bet is going to be calling TC (S&W) and work from there, or buy a set of split lugs from one of the vendors that has them.

Bullberry will sell a set for $25
http://www.bullberry.com/gunsmithing-and-small-parts.html

I had to go with the "Phone a Friend" option. The split locking bolts are the biggest cause of head-ache out there... and you unfortunately are off in that small % that this won't fix.

Here's what I was told...

Your 30xxx frame is designed for PRE 78 barrels, it will NOT function correctly with an post-78 barrels. If you try to make it work you'll have a better than average chance of breaking it. Post 78 (If I have my facts straight) means NO bull barrels. You will need to find and try the Octagon barrels or work a trade if you want to keep the bull barrels.

Sorry it took so long to get to a point I doubt you're going to like.

OK, so I'm an idiot.... moving on

There are bull barrels you can shoot, including super14's, but they'd have to be the "right ones". There IS A FIX you can do, and be able to shoot ANY contender barrel (except an intact G-2 Muzzie). You will need to machine the trigger guard. The issue is the STEP LUG and your frame, and no, the solution is not to machine the step off. Three minutes on a mill fixes it forever. If this is something you want to do, PM me and I'll get you set up with how to do this.

Sorry for the confusion, I had the right reason in my head but went the wrong way with timing...