Do I have a Problem?!! Flame cutting? Worse? Help!

[Matt Hooper]

I just bought this S&W Model 43C .22lr last weekend. New. Two trips to the range and only 100 rounds through it and this is what's happening! I cleaned the gun before and after.

I have heard of flame cutting the top strap but this looks far beyond anything I have seen. Ran only high quality CCI rounds. We are only talking about .22 here!

Does this look normal? Any help greatly appreciated!

 

[arjay]

That's lead.22s can be filthy.Take an empty casing,flatten the end and scrape away ;-)

 

[kaaskop49]

I'm certainly no expert, but could that be leading? I used to see that when I fired locally-produced wadcutters through my .38s.

 

[Harrison]

I may be wrong, but that looks more like lead splatter mixed with a little bullet lube. I doubt you would get much actual flame cutting on a 22RF. Almost every revolver is going to have some flame marking on the top strap directly above the cylinder barrel gap. Actual serious flame cutting usually occurs with the big magnums.

 

[tcc]

I agree with the above. I haven't tried the flattened case but it sounds good. That plus some elbow grease! Just be careful not to use something that will do damage.

 

[BigBill]

I purchased a ruger MKII that was more leaded than that. The pistol was traded in probably because it didn't function any more it was that bad. After a good deleading i had a brand new looking pistol.

Where's the lead in or forcing cone on the barrel?? I would call them to see if it needs more of a forcing cone.

 

[USAF385]

What kind if ammo are you using? Lead bullets or plated?

 

[Matt Hooper]

OP - Lead bullets. Cleaned it better but still pretty cut. Still new at this revolver thing so I panic! Thanks everyone. BTW, what would be a good tool to get in there? Tried a brass brush but it frayed.

 

[arjay]

Some guys use a shoelace like floss.

 

[Alk8944]

The only "problem" you have is a revolver seriously in need of cleaning. Modern (last 80 years) .22 ammunition simply will not cause gas cutting in a steel frame revolver.

 

[Matt Hooper]

Is that excessive lead build up though for only 100 rounds? Could the gap between the cylinder and the forcing cone be off?

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

Dip a shoelace in mothers metal polish(or any metal polish,Flitz,Maas,etc) and use it like floss between the forcing cone and top strap.It will pull all that lead out quickly and leave a nice shine behind.

 

[Pef]

Is that excessive lead build up though for only 100 rounds? Could the gap between the cylinder and the forcing cone be off?

My 22 revolvers do the same thing. The are just dirty guns and need some TLC after each range session.

I have a set of dental picks I use on my 63's and my 34. It takes a light touch, though, as I don't want to scratch the heck out of the finish.

 

[brokenprism]

A Dremel tool with a pumice bit will take that right off. You may have to run it up and down the bore, too, since it's probably in the same conditon. Then get some .22 shotshells and you'll be good to go.

 

[Harry58]

The same thing happens to my 63, & it sure looks like cutting. But, I haven't seriously tried to clean it off. It has never happened to my 617 shooting the same ammo.

 

[lebomm]

The flattened rimfire case is good advice ! And if you take your big scissors or metal shear and cut the end off at an angle, it'll get into the tight places more easily. Best part is, they're plentiful & CHEEP !

Larry

 

[Nightowl]

That just looks like leading to me. But, it is quite a lot, and appears excessive for only 100 rounds. Maybe try some different ammo, .22s seem particular about what ammo they like.

 

[Bart45]

Looked at my 34 I've had since the late 60's that has been shot a lot, and there is a little lead on the frame, but not as much as yours. Wondering if cylinder is lining up properly?

 

[ShortStroke]

I picked up a 43C a couple weeks ago but it hasn't seen any range time yet. I'm curious if mine will do the same thing. I'll cast a vote for the leading theory at this point in time and will post pics of mine after 100 rnds or so.. let us know if yours cleans up good.

 

[DaveBreck]

Matt,
I bought a new 617 last year and after about 60 rds. it looked exactly like yours. It turned out that the forcing cone was not cut properly. (not deep enough) The way I check for proper FC depth is to stick a 40 gr. RN .22 in the forcing cone. It should go in almost all the way
up to the brass with minimal pressure..