Strange "grind" on Brazilian frame

AK103 · #1 07-07-2018, 07:37 PM

This morning I picked up a Brazilian marked 1917. Took it out to the range when I got home, and while cleaning it just now, I came across a strange grind in the top underside of the frame, just behind the barrel. I dont remember seeing it on any of my other Smiths.

Is this something common? Nothing came up in a couple of quick searches here and on Google. Any ideas/thoughts?

TIA.

This is it here......

Nesmith · #2 07-07-2018, 07:42 PM

It's a fouling cup that was used on most (all?) models through the 1920s. It was intended to reduce fouling effects from blackpowder rounds.

AK103 · #3 07-07-2018, 07:52 PM

Hey, thanks Nesmith. I was a little concerned when I first came across it. I have a number of Smiths, but other than an old #4 top break, nothing this old.

Seems to be a decent shooter. Im going to try and get out with it again tomorrow.

P.W.Herman · #4 07-08-2018, 09:42 AM

I refer to it as a "crud catcher".

Wiregrassguy · #5 07-08-2018, 10:17 AM

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! When you removed the cylinder and yoke, did you catch the hold open detent pin and spring? They could have already been missing since it was from Brazil.

AK103 · #6 07-08-2018, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P.W.Herman

I refer to it as a "crud catcher".

Yea, that seems to be appropriate, as it was loaded with it when I first started to clean it.

AK103 · #7 07-08-2018, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wiregrassguy

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! When you removed the cylinder and yoke, did you catch the hold open detent pin and spring? They could have already been missing since it was from Brazil.

Thanks.

I havent removed the cylinder yet. Im not familiar with the detent and spring youre referring to. Nothing appears different than any of my other S&W's in regards to the frame/yoke to show it would be there. Is it internal?

AK103 · #8 07-08-2018, 10:30 AM

ETA; I just did a quick search on the detent and see where it is. Ill take a look a little later when I get back from the range.

It doesnt "feel" as if theres anything in there acting as a detent, but Ill be careful when I pull it off.

The frame around the screw that holds the yoke in has some buggering on it. Looks like somewone tried to tighten it with the wrong screwdriver. Dont know if they had it off or not. Guess Ill find out.

Wiregrassguy · #9 07-08-2018, 10:42 AM

I thought I saw a missing yoke screw on one of your pictures and thought you removed the cylinder to take a picture of the fouling cup. Anyway, I can assure you that Brazilian has been field stripped many times during its military service. You can tell if the detent is missing by opening the cylinder and tilting the gun to the right. If the cylinder closes, it is missing.

andy52 · #10 07-08-2018, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AK103

Thanks.

I havent removed the cylinder yet. Im not familiar with the detent and spring youre referring to. Nothing appears different than any of my other S&W's in regards to the frame/yoke to show it would be there. Is it internal?

With the help of forum members I just manufactured a yoke detent and spring for my Triple lock.

AK103 · #11 07-08-2018, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wiregrassguy

You can tell if the detent is missing by opening the cylinder and tilting the gun to the right. If the cylinder closes, it is missing.

Im assuming its missing, as it does close easily when tilted right.

H Richard · #12 07-08-2018, 01:23 PM

It is easy to make up parts to replace, but there really isn't any reason to do it. They were discontinued in the early 20's and no one ever missed them.

Wiregrassguy · #13 07-08-2018, 02:44 PM

Interesting. I have a 1932 1917 that has them and a 1935 Registered Magnum as well. I know they were discontinued after the war.

KEN L · #14 07-08-2018, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P.W.Herman

I refer to it as a "crud catcher".

Actually, it wan't designed to "catch" crud, but rather to deflect residue & dirt away from the area where the barrel protrudes through the frame. Some say it was put there to prevent flame cutting, but doubt, for the time period, that was the case.

P.W.Herman · #15 07-09-2018, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KEN L

Actually, it wan't designed to "catch" crud, but rather to deflect residue & dirt away from the area where the barrel protrudes through the frame. Some say it was put there to prevent flame cutting, but doubt, for the time period, that was the case.

Seems to work better as a crud catcher than a crud deflector on my guns.