I recently picked up a 686 CS 1 that has a gap between the barrel/lug face and the frame. Probably .010" just eyeballing it. Anyone ever see this on a S&W before? I am going to call the factory and see what they will do about it. Doesn't look kosher to me.

To measure your gaps, check out the FAQ sticky in the revolver section.

I noticed the gap on my 27-2 was wider than I thought it should be but when I checked my other S&Ws and the gap is there it just varries from gun to gun. It is definitely less in my older guns but is still there. I have never measured any as long as it shoot straight and the barrel looks vertical I do not worry about it.

Not sure you guys understood me, I am not talking about cylinder gap, the barrel is not screwed in all the way and there is a gap between the shoulder of the barrel and the frame. I have never seen this on a S&W or any other revolver for that matter.

I've seen barrel/frame gap on at least one S&W. Represents sloppy assembly.

If it's a newer model, MIM stuff, I'd send it back for repair.

If it's an older gun and it works fine, I wouldn't worry about it unless the barrel starts to turn out, or in. Have you tested to see how tight the barrel is in the frame?
Either S&W might repair it or a 'smith familiar with mounting barrels might be able to fix it.

Dan

need pics

quote:

Originally posted by DeanD:
Not sure you guys understood me, I am not talking about cylinder gap, the barrel is not screwed in all the way and there is a gap between the shoulder of the barrel and the frame. I have never seen this on a S&W or any other revolver for that matter.

That indeed is the gap I was talking about.

Well at least I am not the only one with one not screwed in all the way. I am going to contact S&W next week.

quote:

Originally posted by danski:
I've seen barrel/frame gap on at least one S&W. Represents sloppy assembly.
Dan

Not necessarily. There's a slight bit of taper/clearance between lug and frame to ensure that the barrel shoulder properly seats against the frame. You don't want the lug touching the frame and affecting barrel torque/fit.

Excessive clearnace could be the result of improper machining. If excessive, should have been caught during QC inspection.

Makes sense to not have the lug touching. I would feel better if the barrel was seated against the frame though.