Whats the reason for this?

[BrianE]

I was cleaning my SP101 and I noticed this cut in the metal. From what Ive tried to research, others have this same thing. If you have a Ruger SP101, do you have this on yours and whats the reason behind it? Ive had this gun since new and havent shot it very much and when I have, its just been 38+p and some wadcutters.

Heres a picture w/ a box outlined around it. Let me know what you think......



Thanks, Brian

[BrianE]

I also wanted to add... its kind of like a wide "v"...

[Maximumbob54]

Assumption:

I have always thought it would have something to do with preventing flash cutting to that area.

But again, that is an assumption on my part.

[mkk41]

Channels to redirect high pressure barrel/cylinder gap gas so there's no flame cutting or erosion?

Redhawks have them too.

[Alk8944]

It serves the same purpose as the gas ring on S&W and Colt revolvers, to deflect combustion gasses away from being driven into the cylinder bore/crane gap. S&W tried the same thing during 1976-77, didn't work well.

[pilgrim6a]

Smith used the same system on some dash #s. I've had Model 10s like that and have a 17-3 with this arrangement. IMO it doesn't work very well.