i spun the 4 inch barrel off a model 66. nice and easy. spun on a 2 inch but i'm too cheap/lazy to make it fit. spun th 4 inch back on. nice and easy. i can't loosen it by hand, but i bet i know someone who could. it seems like it should have a drop of loctite on it or something. is that little bit of friction between barrel and frame all that is needed to keep the barrel in place? thanks
mine hand tightened to about 11. i originally torqued it slightly past 12 and then had to back it off to tdc. i was surprised that it only took about 20-25 lbs. of torque and that the barrel would even turn past tdc!
Once you turn a barrel past TDC it will shoot loose due to insufficient torque.
This is just like tightening a screw then removing it. When it's turned back in, it will turn just a little farther due to pressure torquing of the threads. Same thing happens to a barrel, only it's the barrel and frame shoulders that pressure torque.
i thought about loctite too. but now i don't think i need it. i fired 100 rds of 125 gr .38 yesterday. i stopped a couple of times and, with gloves on, tried to loosen and/or tighten the hot barrel by hand. i couldn't. this morning i went back with 100 rds of 158 gr .38 and repeated the exercise. the barrel doesn't move. and i don't think it will. i'm done. thanks for the input
Just take it and put it in the trash can, shooting the 125gr in it will tear up the barrel anyway. Have you checked the barrel for a split or worst yet the frame. That is why they came up with the "L" frame was for that ammo. Later - John
Later, John Whitt
POLITICS isn't the oldest Profession, but you get the same "RESULTS".
Posts: 1913 | Location: Mountain State | Registered: 04 November 2004
When the S&W L-frame revolvers were first marketed, I remember advertorials in various gun magazines telling potential buyers that one of the reasons for the new model was the damage to barrel throats on K-frame revolvers. That damage ranged from extreme erosion to cracks in the barrel throat. Those same advertorials identified the .357 Magnum 125 grain JHP combat loads as the primary reason for that damage. I have never before heard or read of such damage being caused by 125 grain .38 Special loads. Apparently I've missed some information along the ensuing years. Anyone care to explain more fully?
