A field-expedient cure that works:
1. Keep the revolver pointed downrange or in a safe direction.
2. Pull the hammer back part of the way.
3. This will allow the cylinder to rotate freely.
4. Turn the cylinder counter-clockwise as you hold your thumb against the ejector rod to keep it from turning with the cylinder's rotation.
5. You will feel the resistance as the ejector rod threads itself back into the star/crane assembly.
6. When the ejector rod stops threading, you will feel it turn under your fingers as it bottoms out.
7. You should now be able to slide the cylinder out.
8. With the cylinder now out, finger-tighten the ejector.
I was a Security Policeman in the U.S. Air Force during the 1970s. We carried the Smith & Wesson Model 15 Combat Masterpiece in .38 Special. Loose ejector rods were a constant problem in our revolvers, many of which were well-worn.
The above was a common practice at the firing range, during qualification. You raised your hand, the range master took the revolver from you, and performed the above exercise.
Once the rod was retightened, you checked it every few cylinderfuls of ammo. It got to be a habit.
Back then, Loctite wasn't allowed in our revolvers. If you used it, the armorers got pissed and wrote you up. God knows WHY they needed to loosen the ejector rod :roll:
Anyway, I once asked a ranger master to show me the drill. He did gladly, with an unloaded revolver.
It can be done in seconds in the field.
I'd hate to have to do it under fire, though! :eek:
