So as everyone knows the dreaded turn line is a distraction from a nice revolver, even more so on a nice blued one. So my question is that when a revolver is opened and closed does it make a difference on whether the cylinder is rotated CW or CCW to lock up for the turn line? Thanks.

Todd

I think you get less wear by not turning the cylinder to lock it up. After loading a six shooter, just put your thumb and forefinger on the flutes at 3 and 9 o'clock so that a loaded chamber is centered on top, then gently close. It should lock up without turning. On a five shot J frame, position your fingers at 4 and 8 o'clock. It also doesn't hurt to carefully stone the edges of the cylinder stop just enough to break the sharp edge.

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Some collect art; I shoot it!

I don't think it matters but I could be wrong.I remember reading an article on how adjusting or timing some how the cylinder stop could prevent this from happening.It was common practice when I got into this sport many years ago to actually creat a turn line by dry firing.Reason being that a uniformed thin line was a indication of a well made revolver.I have even giving turn lines on un fired guns.Present day the line is a turn off for most especially collectors.30 yrs ago you would not be asking this question,instead you would be asking how thin your line looks.

The cylinder stop comes up early on a Smith, so you're going to get a turn line with use. To answer your question though, I do not believe it will make a difference which way you turn it.

What I often do, is rotate the cylinder so that the notch lines up with the cylinder stop as it's being closed.

I think no matter what you do it will drag, thats the design. I like it, Theo

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Take my advice Im not using it

I am not in the dreaded turn line camp. About the only way you can prevent it is by not using the gun. The turn line will happen if the gun is used, and it's normal.

I wonder if the "turn line" phenomenon is something that came about with the advent of the Internet.

Adds character.

Apparently it dates back to day dot. There's threads on this site (not this forum, probably) that show S&W responses to the turn line dating back to the early part of the 20th (not 21st!) century. S&W's statement is basically "it's supposed to be there!"

There are a few instances where a turn line indicates mishandling that I know of.

One instance is with a Colt Single Action Army. The cylinder stop (bolt) comes up just before it locks. A turn line means the user didn't follow the rules by loading the gun with the hammer in the 2nd position (half cock), or by letting the hammer down without bringing the hammer to full cock before lowering.

All depending on how the cylinder stop is fitted at the factory, a turn line may be more or less pronounced, but it will be there, and a feature from the factory due to fitting and function checking. It's a simple fact of the lockwork doing what it's supposed to and shouldn't be made more than that.

I just consider the turn line a fact of owning and shooting revolvers. I wish they were not there but........

Morning Todd

Not everyone knows the turn line is a distraction (at least I don't anyhow). In fact I (personally) consider it an indicator of a properly built & properly timed S&W revolver.

Did you buy the revolver to shoot or only to look at? It's normal on a functional gun that has been shot. There is nothing wrong with it. That's like asking how to prevent barrel and parts wear while shooting. You cant. Enjoy it for what it is....a nice piece of mechanical hardware

If you don't want a turn line, buy a V spring Colt that's been properly used.

As noted above the "turn off" is with collectors looking for an "as new" condition revolver that has not been shot or dry fired enough to develop a turn line.

Those are folks who will unfortunately never have the enjoyment of actually shooting their S&W revolvers. It's sad for them and for their revolvers.

It reminds me of guys at gunshops asking how many rounds have been through a used gun. Everyone says a box or two though you can't always tell if that box was a pallet or a twenty rounder. If it's in good shape, who cares?

If it's to sit in a box in a climate controlled environment handle it with gloves and don't work the action at all.

If it's going to actually be used, it's inevitable.

They are there to drive the anal-OCD guys up the wall....they can't stand the dreaded "TURN LINE".
I don't get distracted that easily, except for pretty women, then I get distracted.
Gary