Anyone ever see a revolver do this? (UPDATED) X2

[roundgunner]

I carry this 340 SC a lot and shoot it more than most would. It gets fed 38, 38+P and full blown 357 on a fairly regular basis.

I had to send it back to S&W last year for a cylinder swap because the original was eroding at the face.

I took it out over the weekend and put 50 38s, 50 +Ps and was working on 50 158gr JHP 357s when I saw the marks on the cylinder from hitting the frame.

I looked for cracks and found none, the cylinder seems to fit fine with no noticeable difference from my other J frames.

I'm pretty sure it should not be hitting like this. I hope if I send it back to the S&W hospital they won't keep it and tell me to pick out another gun, I like this one for pocket carry.

 

[snubbyfan]

That's a new one on me. Eager to see what others say.

 

[JohnAC]

That's a new one on me. Eager to see what others say.

+1

I wouldn't shoot it until you see what S&W says...

 

[Sebago Son]

I'd like to see that gun fired in slow motion photography... I wonder if the frame is flexing under recoil and producing that unusual wear mark. Up close, do the abrasions look like they are fore and aft or across the surface?

 

[jrhoney]

Thats a new one for me. Seems like there is something seriously wrong for the cylinder to hit the bottom of the frame like that...

 

[roundgunner]

I'd like to see that gun fired in slow motion photography... I wonder if the frame is flexing under recoil and producing that unusual wear mark. Up close, do the abrasions look like they are fore and aft or across the surface?

I can't see too well real close but I think it is coming straight down, I will try to find a magnifying glass tomorrow and I will be calling S&W.

 

[Alk8944]

Maybe 2 years or so ago someone else posted photos of exactly the same thing with his Titanium cylinder "Airlight". I don't recall that he ever posted what the final resolution, if any, was.

 

[mag318]

That is an interesting phenominum, let us know what S&W does.

 

[P&R Fan]

I pulled my M340PD out of my pocket and looked. It only has about 50 rounds through it, almost all full-power .357 Magnums. It has some of the same marks on the yoke. I'll keep an eye on it.
Jim

 

[Imaposer]

How is the crane to frame fit? Any noticeable play? What about the cylinder pin and its hole in the breach face? Any ovality of the hole?

 

[Martya]

When I had a question about my 642 cylinder rubbing the frame I emailed customer service and included photos. It was enough for them to return an email with a label attached, no questions asked. I thought it was going to take an adjustment, ended up getting a replacement gun.

I would send at least your 1st and 3rd photos and see what they say. With photos they can forward them to someone 'higher up' and perhaps get a more informed decision.

 

[DeeBee]

How is the crane to frame fit? Any noticeable play? What about the cylinder pin and its hole in the breach face? Any ovality of the hole?

What he said. I bet the hole for the center pin is elongated. JMO

 

[What the]

I can't see the corresponding mark on the frame. Is it top or bottom? Are you certain it's not powder fouling? Is this the same frame and second cylinder?

Sending it back may result in a different gun being offered as a solution, that's a valid risk to remember if you really like that particular piece. Does S&W still sell that model?

 

[cbvanb]

I have the same marks on a 25-5 but realized it was from using .454 sized lead bullets. Turns out the marks were lead splashes, not rub marks. Is there a corresponding mark somewhere on the frame?

 

[handejector]

I can't see the corresponding mark on the frame. Is it top or bottom? Are you certain it's not powder fouling? Is this the same frame and second cylinder?

Sending it back may result in a different gun being offered as a solution, that's a valid risk to remember if you really like that particular piece. Does S&W still sell that model?

I have the same marks on a 25-5 but realized it was from using .454 sized lead bullets. Turns out the marks were lead splashes, not rub marks. Is there a corresponding mark somewhere on the frame?

I think you guys are looking at the wrong marks.
Look between the cyl flute and the locking notch. The frame is marked at bottom right in front of the cyl stop.

Strange- I've never seen that.

 

[M29since14]

I have not seen that before on my own 340PD so will be interested to learn what you find out. Please let us know.

 

[M3Stuart]

It appears to be happening in all positions (between the flute and the cyl stop) - correct?

It appears that each cyl is hitting the frame in the same spot - correct?

 

[Imaposer]

Either the frame is severely flexing or, as I alluded to earlier, there is an issue with crane to cylinder fit or with the lock-up at the rear of the cylinder.

 

[TSQUARED]

I carry this 340 SC a lot and shoot it more than most would. It gets fed 38, 38+P and full blown 357 on a fairly regular basis.

I had to send it back to S&W last year for a cylinder swap because the original was eroding at the face.

I took it out over the weekend and put 50 38s, 50 +Ps and was working on 50 158gr JHP 357s when I saw the marks on the cylinder from hitting the frame.

I looked for cracks and found none, the cylinder seems to fit fine with no noticeable difference from my other J frames.

I'm pretty sure it should not be hitting like this. I hope if I send it back to the S&W hospital they won't keep it and tell me to pick out another gun, I like this one for pocket carry.

If you are referring to the powder etrc. residue on the very front edge of the cylinder - it is inconsequential and will always form when you fire some ammo. With soft lead ammo you will notice it much sooner. Usually a wet rag with Hoopes #9 followed by a bronze brush willl do the job. That residue is virtually not seen on blued revolvers and easier to clean off satinless cylinders than titanium cylinders. It does not concern me and will not impair the function of your revolver I would consider it's removal akin to cleaning your car engine after every trip.

 

[Invictus357]

I'm no expert (at all) but I'd like to hazard a guess here.

Let's say the cylinder is slapping down hard on the frame when fired.

if that is the case we may see a wear elsewhere. That little springded nub on the end of the ejector star. I don't know the name. Is it showing undo wear? is there any shiny wear marks going downwards where that nub sits in the frame?

If there are no wear marks there then I suspect frame flex.

Either way I would not fire it again until Smith takes a look at it.