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Broken Colt Diamondback 38 short butt D frame

818 Views 4 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  phyllis1
I have a Colt Diamondback (short butt - D frame?) which suddenly ceased to function (on 3rd shot).
With the cylinder OPEN I can operate trigger/hammer in both single and double action, with cylinder closed & locked I can do neither - trigger and hammer move maybe 1/8 inch before firm resistance.
I haven't opened yet for fear of damaging screws.
Help please or I'm left with a very expensive paper weight.
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Welcome to the Forum,
I've asked the Moderators to move your post to the appropriate Forum.
If you come back and it's not here, look in the Colt-Smithing Forum
First try cleaning with a old toothbrush behind the ejector with the cylinder swung out. If you can cock the gun an 1/8, will the cylinder spring in the frame? Will it function correctly empty?
As smkummer says, try scrubbing the under side of the ejector and it's seat in the rear of the cylinder.
Also scrub the front of the cylinder and rear of the barrel, and the breech face of the frame.

Revolvers have a problem with getting burned powder or other grit stuck under the ejector. When fired the grit can get really stuck, to the point that a brass "toothbrush" is sometimes needed to get it out.
It's also often difficult to see the debris.
This prevents the ejector from fully seating in the cylinder and causes sticky cylinder rotation or a jammed cylinder.

To avoid this, when ejecting fired cases hold the gun with the barrel pointing upward so the cases and any fouling will drop clear.

Also, a build up of fouling on the front of the cylinder and rear of the barrel can cause sticky cylinder rotation.
Use a bore solvent and a stiff toothbrush to clean these areas. You may even need a brass toothbrush here.
DO NOT attempt to remove all traces of firing from the cylinder, you'll only damage the finish.

Also scrub the face of the frame's breech around the firing pin bushing.

If this fails to correct the problem you'll probably need the services of a Colt qualified pistolsmith.
DO NOT take it to a local general gunsmith. Very few people these days really understand the old Colt action and you run a high risk of getting a damaged revolver back.

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Sounds like a broken bolt or bolt spring to me.
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