I have a new model 3 with a fairly mild bulge at the end of the ejector housing. would it be okay to shoot with light loads?

Odds are, the bullet won't even notice the bulge is there. Black powder is recommended in these top breaks but I have shot mine sparingly with light smokeless and Trail Boss loads with no noticeable frame stretch. Stick with softer bullets.

__________________
Chris
SWCA #2243 SWHF #292

I had a 44 Russian that had 2 small bulges, where 2 rounds were apparently stuck in the barrel as the same time. Did not seem to affect accuracy or overall function. A friend of mine successfully used a small rolling mill to remove a barrel bulge in a Colt revolver barrel without even distressing the patina and finish. Not that it was necessary, but the bump really bothered him.

__________________
Gary
SWCA 2515

Thanks to both responders.
I had the gun for several days before I realized it had a bulge. The seller told me there was a ring in the bore.
Do you think a rolling mill would work on a Smith barrel?

I cannot answer the question, so you should talk with someone who understands metals and knows how those machines operate. The problem is that the S&W Model 3 has a barrel rib, so you cannot rotate the barrel like you could a round Colt barrel.

I know that the millwright who did the job made up an insert to snugly fit the bore. the barrel was rotated and rolled until the barrel was smooth. The barrel was then heated up until the insert could be removed.

__________________
Gary
SWCA 2515

Thanks Gary.
I will probably just leave it alone and mow the lawn instead.
Mike