A 17-4 with a throated barrel

hodge.dunkin · #1 09-20-2020, 04:00 AM

I have a Model 17-4 with a 6” non-pinned barrel. The barrel throat has a semi circular ground area at the 6 o’clock position kind of similar to a semi-auto pistol feed ramp on a barrel. I am not sure if this was done at the factory. Has anyone ever come across this before? On the one side of the grip frame is a J in a circle stamp and also a 7 in a triangle stamp and also the numbers 4548 between the stamped symbols. I am not sure if they are supposed to signify something.

murphydog · #2 09-20-2020, 06:50 AM

We really need a photo of what you describe on the barrel. The stampings you list sound to be factory internal manufacturing codes but photos would help here too.

Hondo44 · #3 09-20-2020, 08:28 AM

Welcome to the forum.

The semi circular area at the bottom entrance to the barrel throat is most likely just a minor machining flaw from the factory. I can't imagine any accuracy issue it could cause. How does the gun shoot?

The # 4548 is an assembly # explained below. Also explained is why it's on the grip frame of the vintage of 17-4. The other stampings are the usual inspector marks.

ASSEMBLY (factory work) #s: These multi-digit numbers of 3 to 5 digits, are on the yoke at the hinge, in the ‘yoke cut’ on frame opposite the yoke near the hinge (usually accompanied with the inspector’s letter or # code stamp of approval, but not always), and inside of the sideplate, for the pre war and early post war period thru ~early 1958.

After 1957 Model #s were assigned and stamped on the frame in the yoke cut of the frame. The serial # was soon after added in the ‘yoke cut’ as well and the assembly # moved to the left side of the grip frame parallel to the butt. More currently beginning in the 1980s we see non-matching multi-digit numbers parallel to the butt left or right side, and inside the side plate. Once the gun is shipped, the only use for the assembly # is to confirm the three parts it's stamped on, are original to the gun. These are still in use to this day.

hodge.dunkin · #4 09-20-2020, 10:28 AM

Thank you for the replies and the welcome. The gun is very accurate, but it shaves lead when you fire. There will be a line of lead buildup directly above at the top strap, after about 150 to 200 rounds it will start to affect the rotation of the cylinder and I will have to scrape it off with a small piece of brass. Here are some pictures of the barrel and the frame.

hodge.dunkin · #5 09-20-2020, 10:29 AM

And the frame stamps.

nicky4968 · #6 09-20-2020, 11:53 AM

The accumulation of lead on the top strap is normal. Remington Thunderbolt is the worst. Many mistake the lead on the top strap for gas cutting.
Your revolver is fine.
Enjoy.