Cylinder on 357 will not unlock.

[stormryder]

I just inherited an old Interarms/Rossi .357 (no model # or anything on it just the Logo and Caliber).
Took it out shooting first with .38 specials with no problems just to check on functioning.
As soon as started firing .357 mag rounds, the whole gun would lock up, the cylinder would refuse to move, hammer would not cock,
and trigger would not move.

After rocking the cylinder it would unlock, then lock up again after firing another round.
Would like some input before calling Rossi/Taurus for this.

 

[Sigblitz]

Make sure you use brass ammo because it doesn't hold heat and won't get stuck against the recoil pad.

Use good ammo that doesn't foul, which would make parts stick.

Check for loose screws.

Good brass ammo, clean gun, no screws backing out.

 

[red_zr24x4]

Check the cylinder to see if it has only had a diet of 38's , there will be a buildup in the cylinder. Might just need a good cleaning

 

[Hookeye]

Sounds like primer drag on recoil shield/firing pin bushing.

 

[Mongo59]

If it is a S&W copy the hand ejector will back out if not tightened and bind against the locator pin. Release the cylinder and twist on the hand ejector rod (both ways) to see if it is loose. A simple tightening will fix this issue...

 

[Wild Deuce]

*

 

[M67]

If it is a S&W copy the hand ejector will back out if not tightened and bind against the locator pin. Release the cylinder and twist on the hand ejector rod (both ways) to see if it is loose. A simple tightening will fix this issue...

This is my first thought

 

[stormryder]

This was my first thought.

Also ... you weren't by any chance using a speedloader, were you?

No speedloaders. Hand fed.

 

[steif]

I had a old Smith 36 that had been dry fired so much the firing pin hole was peened outward and caused the gun to lock up tight after firing a round, much like yours is doing. I run a stone over the hole and removed the burr and it shot fine after that.
Might be a good thing to check.