Charter Arms .38 special with difficult to open chamber

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  • Redhorse

    Master
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    3   0   0
    Jun 8, 2013
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    Hey everyone!

    I have a Charter Arms snubbie (post charter-2000) that only let’s me open the chamber if I push the button AND pull forward in the ejector rod. Any ideas how I could fix it?

    I’m wanting time sell it but nobody is going to buy a gun that’s hard to open and reload.

    Thanks!
     

    Ddillard

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    33   0   0
    Apr 29, 2016
    1,604
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    Jeffersonville
    I bought one a few years ago that the same issue. I was told to disassemble and give it a good cleaning. It was gummed up pretty good. After the cleaning, it has worked as it is supposed to ever since.
     

    Redhorse

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    3   0   0
    Jun 8, 2013
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    I bought one a few years ago that the same issue. I was told to disassemble and give it a good cleaning. It was gummed up pretty good. After the cleaning, it has worked as it is supposed to ever since.
    I cleaned it but the issue is the ejector rod sits too far back when it’s closed up. When I push the Cylinder release forward it doesn’t push the ejector rod forward enough to release it.
     

    1nderbeard

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    38   0   0
    Apr 3, 2017
    2,529
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    Hendricks County
    With a S&W the ejector rod can be adjusted by screwing/unscrewing the rod itself. Don't know anything about charter, and I'm not a gunsmith, so don't do anything that might screw up the gun based on my advice.
     
    Last edited:

    Wolfhound

    Hired Goon
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    45   0   0
    Apr 11, 2011
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    Henry County
    I cleaned it but the issue is the ejector rod sits too far back when it’s closed up. When I push the Cylinder release forward it doesn’t push the ejector rod forward enough to release it.

    I think what Ddillard is suggesting is to disassemble the revolver and see if maybe some gunk or debris is blocking the cylinder release from moving the rod forward enough to open the cylinder. But, only if you feel comfortable enough to do it.

    Edit: Here is the Charter Arms customer service number. I haven't ever called them but I have heard they are very helpful and can provide parts and repair recommendations. (866)-769-4867
     
    Last edited:

    Redhorse

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    Jun 8, 2013
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    I figured it out. There’s this little flat head bolt that sits behind the ejector rod and I just had to bring it out a little bit.
     

    Drail

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    0   0   0
    Oct 13, 2008
    2,542
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    Bloomington
    I was just going to suggest what you did. That pin is what opens the cylinder latch and it will move in and out from recoil so keep a close eye on it and every other threaded fastener on a Charter. They're just like a Harley Davidson - things are ALWAYS loosening up. That's why everyone has a toolkit on their Harley. If you feel adventerous enough to tear the gun completely down you can degrease all the threaded fasteners and apply a drop of blue Loc tite ( NOT RED!) and it will help some. I always told customers to keep a set of drivers for the screws in the range bag and check those screws frequently. I've seen guys forget about it and screws would work out and fall on the ground. Total bummer......
     

    rosejm

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    11   0   0
    Nov 28, 2013
    1,775
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    NWI
    If you feel adventurous enough to tear the gun completely down you can de-grease all the threaded fasteners and apply a drop of [STRIKE]blue[/STRIKE] PURPLE Loctite (NOT RED!) and it will help some.

    FIFY. Blue is for bolts. Red is for **** that you never want to move without fire.

    Purple is for things like screws and firearms.
     
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