again, thanks for advice. here is the latest. received my new barrel bolts and installed per advice offered on this fine forum. guess what! still can't open barrel! when I remove the large, hinge pin, after being unable to open barrel any other way, the barrel moves forward about 1/8 inch. it is under spring tension somehow. Damn, I hate to take this thing to a gunsmith, or have to call smith wesson again. I know it is barrel, because I have 3 other barrels that work fine. some old, some new. I even lubed shaft of locking bolt with proper lube. still wont release barrel. Help, please!!