Master Gunsmith Saves the Day
I had been looking for a 3” Model 696 in 44 Spl for a while when one showed up on GB. It was missing the yoke was the only problem listed in description. Weird but seller had good feedback so I bought it. Really good price. What he failed to disclose was the cylinder had major damage. Not only did it have several cuts in the metal which were obviously made but a saw or other tool. It gad been dropped or hit with something and one of the holes was flattened a little. Ruined. Of course seller wouldn’t make it good and after I filed a complaint with GB and went back and forth for 3-4 months, I finally realized this was a waste of time. Looked everywhere but no cylinders were available. Was able to find a Model 69 cylinder from S&W so I took a chance even though it was slightly longer. Took it to Master gunsmith Jim Kelly and he was able to remachine the barrel and forcing cone and then fit the cylinder with a perfect .004 Gap. Jim has been a friend for many years and really doesn’t personally work on revolvers much any more, but as a favor and he also likes a challenge, now I have a perfectly great shooting gun. Actually a step better since now it will shoot 44mags as well. Doubt many magnums will be shot in the gun other than the ones he used test firing, but with a slight tweak to the action, I now have a better gun than one I originally wanted. Only negative was the new cylinder came with a heavy bead blasted finish, but some time spent with Mother’s Mag and I almost have them matching. Forgive the dirty gun burnt just came in from putting anpbout a 100 rounds through it.
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