Triple Lock

[jay73]

Acquired a Triple Lock today. SN 1568. I was not able to identify the bulged barrel in the auction photos. May be hard to see in the pictures, but can definitely feel it. I can't see anything inside the barrel.

Looking for opinions if this can be shot. It is otherwise in good mechanical condition.

Thanks


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[Jim Watson]

If you can't see a ring looking through the barrel, can you feel a tight patch "jump?" Could it be an outside contouring error?

Even if bulged, I'd shoot it. I doubt it will blow up because "the metal is strained" and it is far enough back for clean rifling to take over and give decent accuracy.

[jay73]

Originally Posted by Jim Watson

If you can't see a ring looking through the barrel, can you feel a tight patch "jump?" Could it be an outside contouring error?

Even if bulged, I'd shoot it. I doubt it will blow up because "the metal is strained" and it is far enough back for clean rifling to take over and give decent accuracy.

On second look, I do see a ring inside.

[texmex]

The safe thing for people to tell you is "Oh no, of course not". I will go out on a limb and say with regular low pressure 44 Special loads, I would shoot it. I might go on the semi-safe side and say I would take extra precautions for the first cylinder full like wearing a glove and using my off hand while putting something flak proof between my face and the gun (maybe a welding helmet).

[The Gila Bender]

Good looking shooter! I'd shoot it with lead mild target loads. I have a 1926 Model .44 transitional with a ringed barrel and a 1950 Model Outdoorsman with "feel-able" bulge at the ampersand. Both shoot just fine and are accurate with mild loads. Enjoy! Attached (bad) photos show the bulge on the OD, and location of the ring in the barrel of the .44 3rd (photo by Lee).

Actually the sweaty and chinked .44 is one of my favorite shooters. No "collector value" concerns! Ha!

WP_20130620_011.jpg WP_20130620_012.jpg
location of ring in barrel.jpg S63104 44HE 3rd July 19 1946 warts and all_1.jpg S63104 44HE 3rd July 19 1946 warts and all_2.jpg

[tatume]

If you shoot it do you lose the opportunity to return it for a refund?

[Babysitr]

Auction refund?? I really doubt it...have it inspected and use as such....probably a long shot to find a barrel, in the event it shoots poorly, but you never know....they often shoot fine with ringed barrels...don't ask how I know!

[tatume]

Reputable sellers will take back an item if a significant defect was not disclosed (perhaps unnoticed by the seller). A three-day no-fire, no-disassembly policy is common. The buyer said he could not see the bulge in the auction photos. Based on the available information, I don't doubt it.

[Muley Gil]

I'd shoot it. I have had several revolvers with bulged barrels and they shot just fine. BTW, 5" .44 Special Triple Locks don't show up every day.

[crsides]

I can see the bulge just in front of the frame an inch or so. I've had a few with bulges and they shot fine. Bothered me some, but they shot fine.

[jay73]

I believe the auction was an "as is" type, and I can live with the result. It was bought to shoot and seems the concensus is it will still shoot.

I like to gamble at some of these auctions. Win some, lose some. I'm OK with a 5" shootable TL.

Thanks for all the feedback so far. Its much appreciated.

[BC38]

Originally Posted by crsides

I can see the bulge just in front of the frame an inch or so.

Yup, I can see it too - pretty much centered right where the "CTG" barrel marking is located.
But if I didn't know it was bulged there is a really good chance I wouldn't have noticed.
If the price was right, I'd probably just live with it. But if I paid market value for it, I'd be going back to the seller, and if necessary the auctioneer, looking to be made whole for receiving a firearm that wasn't as described - since the bulge wasn't disclosed.

[Dave.357]

I can see bulge, I would shoot it.
I had a 6” 28 with a bulge in same
Place I shot .357 magnums out of
It till I found a good barrel for it.

[S&WIowegan]

I bought a Colt 1917 model way back in the early 1960s and shot it occasionally for years. I only noticed the bulged barrel a few years ago as I acquired knowledge from folks on this forum. It shot straight and never seemed to be effected by the bulge. It's now over 100 years old and still functions with 230 gr hardball.

Give it a try with mild 44 Special ammo. Wear gloves and eye/ear protection. Let us know how it goes.