Cylinder Release for S&W J-Frame
Cylinder Release for S&W J-Frame
Increased contact area, easier to engage.
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Installation Video
Product Description
This custom-made cylinder release is designed for the Smith & Wesson J-Frame line. The Recoil Rider cylinder release has a larger contact area and a steeper angle, making it easier to engage than the stock cylinder release. This Recoil Rider cylinder release also features a softer surface to improve conceal carry comfort, since the stock cylinder release can be abrasive on the skin when carrying AIWB.
Features
- Easier to engage: Faster to operate due to its larger contact area and steeper angle relative to the stock release.
- Non-Abrasive: Unlike the stock Smith & Wesson J-Frame cylinder release, this cylinder release features a softer surface that won't irritate your skin when carrying your snubnose revolver AIWB.
- Lighter weight: 70% lighter than the stock cylinder release, shedding a total of 0.09 oz.
- Compatible with the entire S&W J-Frame line, including S&W Ultimate Carry, 642, 442, 637, 638, and 340PD.
- Please note that this cylinder release covers the frame lock.
Weight Comparison
- S&W 642 Airweight (stock cylinder release): 0.127 oz
- S&W 642 Airweight (Recoil Rider): 0.037 oz
Assembly
If you find that the cylinder release is "sticky" upon installation, it has likely been tightened down without being fully parallel to the slot on the frame. To fix: Loosen the cylinder release and repeat the install procedure while taking special care to brace the cylinder release with your thumb while tightening to ensure it keeps alignment. This technique is shown at 2:20 in the installation video.
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About 30 years ago, I developed a technique to unlatch the cylinder of a S&W revolver when operating it in the left hand:
With the (left) trigger finger pointed away from the frame, the right hand comes under the gun, placing the web of the hand in the “corner” where the barrel meets the frame. With the right thumb pressing on the right side of the cylinder, the middle finger of the right hand reaches back to pull the thumb piece/cylinder release forward. The cylinder then swings out partway out, into the right palm.
When that technique was developed, S&W was still using the older “rounded rectangle” thumb piece on revolvers. Introduction of the “tear drop” thumb piece reduced the contact area for the tip of the middle finger. The Recoil Rider cylinder release expands that area well beyond what the older thumb piece offered.
This cylinder release won't win any beauty contest but costs less than one third the price of the nearest competition. The replacement is barely noticeable on a black-finish Airweight gun. A light-grey option for silver-color guns would be welcome.
(I found the installation video to be misleading as to how much counter-clockwise pressure on the new part is required in order to keep the final turns of the slotted nut from wedging it in its channel - only slight pressure is required.)
fits and feels great
Perfect
Works as advertised. Get one!
Product is exactly as advertised. If your on the fence just buy it.
