It does seem like the barrel may be rubbing against the cylinder! I don’t really see a way to adjust this though. Is there a way that I can move the cylinder back away from the barrel? Or would this require sanding down the barrel?
It would be easiest to probably start with the base of the cylinder. Since you can remove the cylinder to work on it. The barrel has that metal insert in there if you look inside. When you swing the cylinder out, you can see. I imagine you have seen the little metal piece inside the barrel in there. That's why I say the cylinder is probably your best bet. You could start with the barrel inside there, if you don't want to possibly mess with the finish of the cylinder. So that choice is yours. If oil isn't helping, I would try sanding it down a bit then testing, sanding, testing....etc. So, sand it flat a bit then try to polish it up a bit. Some 2000 grit sand paper would give a nice smooth finish. The smoother the better. It might wear the black off the bottom of the cylinder by doing this. but that's nothing a little paint wouldn't fix if it bothered you. If it turns out just to give it a worn-out look, maybe keep it ya know? The real prop is WORN OUT bigtime....and looks super good that way.
Before you start, obviously check a few things just to make sure it is actually the issue. This is actually a pretty common issue......but just to be sure check everything.
Check your cylinder crane arm screw that goes in the front. The crane arm is what the cylinder rotates out on....or swings out on. The screw that holds that arm in should be checked to make sure its not loose. I've also heard that simply putting in the dummy rounds makes it rotate properly. The added weight gives it some momentum when rotating and fixed that issue. Mine rotates no problem when empty or rounds inserted. But some have seen this with theirs.
Make sure the hand is pushing up properly with each trigger pull. Make sure the rod that screws through the cylinder is tight. That rod, if loosened and taken off is what will allow you to remove the cylinder altogether.
Another way to check to be sure where the friction is coming from.....is to pull the trigger slightly to free the cylinder. Spin the cylinder with your fingers and try to feel which end the friction is on. Which side do you feel resistance coming from....firing pin side, or the barrel side.....make sense? That might help identify where the main issue is.
Anyway, I know this was long so I hope all this ends up helping! Any other questions, ask away I'll help as best I can!
~Bryan