Do I have a problem?

PuertoRican · #1 06-08-2011, 12:47 PM

Put 50 rounds thru the 38/44HD. The cartridge marks in the pic weren't there before then. Never seen this before. Any ideas what would cause it?

Culina · #2 06-08-2011, 12:50 PM

typically you will see that with lots of use. How long have you had the revolver for?

PuertoRican · #3 06-08-2011, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurac

typically you will see that with lots of use. How long have you had the revolver for?

Got it March. Only put 50 rounds thru it. Winchester FMJ 127 grain.

NFrameFred · #4 06-08-2011, 01:02 PM

I'd look for flattened primers on the fired cases with that kind of set-back, unless it was newly re-blued gun or some such. Over time that kind of printing is not unusual, but high pressure loads can accelerate wear and sudden appearance of such can indicate a possible over pressure load.

PuertoRican · #5 06-08-2011, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NFrameFred

I'd look for flattened primers on the fired cases with that kind of set-back, unless it was newly re-blued gun or some such. Over time that kind of printing is not unusual, but high pressure loads can accelerate wear and sudden appearance of such can indicate a possible over pressure load.

Standard factory ammo. Here's a pic of some of the casings.

NFrameFred · #6 06-08-2011, 01:19 PM

No flattened or pierced primers; I wouldn't worry about it.

PuertoRican · #7 06-08-2011, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NFrameFred

No flattened or pierced primers; I wouldn't worry about it.

Thanx. That's the answer I was hoping for.

29aholic · #8 06-08-2011, 01:50 PM

Just to add, it probably had those marks before and some former owner cold blued over them.

Crabtree · #9 06-08-2011, 02:48 PM

I have never seen marks on the recoil shield like that before. I understand why the fired cartridge leaves a mark over time...but why would the other cartridges? I'm not trying to say there is a problem with this gun, I'd just like to know more about the cause.

diamonback68 · #10 06-08-2011, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R Crabtree

I have never seen marks on the recoil shield like that before. I understand why the fired cartridge leaves a mark over time...but why would the other cartridges? I'm not trying to say there is a problem with this gun, I'd just like to know more about the cause.

It's just the other cartidges reacting during recoil. They move back and forth just like the spent cartridge during recoil.

ken158 · #11 06-08-2011, 03:19 PM

How is the endshake? The more you have the more front to back momentum the cylinder will have.

scooter123 · #12 06-08-2011, 05:25 PM

What has me scratching my head is that picture looks like the top strap of the frame is missing. If that is the case, you've got a lot bigger problem than some marks on the recoil shield.

If it's not gone missing I am just totally baffled at how youu managed to take a picture of the recoil shield from that angle without the top strap blocking the view of the firint pin bushing.

diamonback68 · #13 06-08-2011, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scooter123

What has me scratching my head is that picture looks like the top strap of the frame is missing. If that is the case, you've got a lot bigger problem than some marks on the recoil shield.

If it's not gone missing I am just totally baffled at how youu managed to take a picture of the recoil shield from that angle without the top strap blocking the view of the firint pin bushing.

Look at the bottom right, the gun is upside down. The picture was taken from the forcing cone end of the barrel.

Alk8944 · #14 06-08-2011, 11:29 PM

Those marks were there when you got the gun, absolute guarantee. You just didn't notice them. To be that well developed the gun has had several thousand rounds fired through it. Absolutely normal.

Sebago Son · #15 06-08-2011, 11:58 PM

I'd be sure to check that HD to find if the chambers have been lengthened to .357.

Looks like a lot more recoil energy and wear than what you'd expect from .38's in an N-Frame...

PuertoRican · #16 06-09-2011, 04:05 AM

Thanx everyone for your input. We're talking about a 79 year old gun that has obviously been around the block more than once judging from the finish.
The end shake is within spec. Eyeballing the cylinder shows no indication that its been lengthened to .357. Best guess is that the marks were there & I didn't notice them, Didn't really pay a lot of attention to the recoil shield until I cleaned it after shooting.
Thanx again.

Maximumbob54 · #17 06-09-2011, 06:54 AM

This could also be the shoe polish trick to hide the marks. The black polish could have hid the wear from you and then when you cleaned it the polish would have come off. Just a thought.

PuertoRican · #18 06-09-2011, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximumbob54

This could also be the shoe polish trick to hide the marks. The black polish could have hid the wear from you and then when you cleaned it the polish would have come off. Just a thought.

Don't think that was the case. Bought it from a forum member & seriously doubt he tried to decieve me. Think it was just inattention on my part.

Timb1 · #19 06-09-2011, 08:12 AM

I personally attribute that kind of blue wear to the gun being carried loaded than to being shot. Police revolvers that are shot very little will still have that kind of wear. Look at the other end of the cylinder to judge wear from being fired.

Tim

Joe in SC · #20 06-09-2011, 12:21 PM

Looking at the discoloration in the corners, which is the same color as the marks on the recoil shield makes me think that some of that might come off the surface of the bluing. I'd take some hoppes and wet a piece of cloth cut to the right size, lay it on the surface and prop the gun up for a few hours rewetting the patch as needed. Then take an old toothbrush and wet the surface again and brush it out. Some of that may come off. You might be pleasantly surprised.

Iggy · #21 06-09-2011, 12:32 PM

I sure see some variation in the primers. A some flattened and some not.

keith44spl · #22 06-09-2011, 12:46 PM

I had one once that looked like that...After I shot a few boxes of those aluminum cased Blazer cartridges in it.

I would'nt worry about it

Su Amigo,
Dave

NFrameFred · #23 06-09-2011, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iggy

I sure see some variation in the primers. A some flattened and some not.

Hard for me to tell, Chip. I looked closely the first time and decided it was the light in the photography and they probably weren't flat; that's why I deferred to the OP's assessment . . . . .

jimmyj · #24 06-09-2011, 12:59 PM

Hi:
1. Attempt to insert .357 magnum rounds in the chambers to determine if the chambers have been lengthen to .357.
2. make sure the chambers are dry and fire some factory 158gr ammo and check the cases/primers.
3. check spaces between recoil shield and rear of cylinder.
4. check space between forcing cone and front of cylinder.
IMHO: In the past some really hot reloads have been fired in your revolver.

PuertoRican · #25 06-09-2011, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe in SC

Looking at the discoloration in the corners, which is the same color as the marks on the recoil shield makes me think that some of that might come off the surface of the bluing. I'd take some hoppes and wet a piece of cloth cut to the right size, lay it on the surface and prop the gun up for a few hours rewetting the patch as needed. Then take an old toothbrush and wet the surface again and brush it out. Some of that may come off. You might be pleasantly surprised.

Joe, thanx for the suggestion. I'll do that.