I'm doing some work on my 28-2 due to the cylinder release working a little hard. I've replaced the bolt and the thumbpiece which both looked to have been ground on or "modified". I assume someone was trying in vein to remedy the problem. It works great now with the new parts and a very good cleaning. But I noticed that there are slight drag marks under the thumbpiece. The marks were there when I started on it so what I did has not created a new problem. But what I was wondering is are these marks normal? Does the thumbpiece drag slightly on the frame?

Normal for the most part. Don't worry about it.

I use ren wax on a gun that is leaving light marks under the release and has worked well for me for function and looks

I don't buy normal. The part your thumb rides on is elevated by the 'pedestal' underneath. If it isn't tightened down, it could 'tip' under pressure and contact the frame, but I would argue that it's not normal.

Marks on the frame from the back of the thumbpiece, while ideally not "normal" are extremely common on all ages of S&W revolvers, and Colt's too (they call it the "cylinder latch").

If you don't want the scratches on the frame, take the thumbpiece off and file the back all around the protrusion. You can cold blue when done if you want, or not. It should be unseen when you put it back on.

__________________
Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

Thanks Nightowl. This is exactly what I did. Now....what is the best cold blue to use on a small job like this? I do want it protected.

I have something called 44/40 cold blue from Brownells that I have had for several years, but I don't know if it is the best or not. Brownells has more than one kind, I think I would call them and as one of their experts.

__________________
Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

OXPHO BLUE will also work.... maybe a little better than 44-40.... also from Brownell's....
heat (warm) the piece before applying the cold blue...seems to work better...more even color...
JIM........................

__________________
SWCA # L-1911

Just maintain a close watch on the part you blue.
Colt blues contain acid that can actually cause rust.
Flush the part thoroughly to remove the chemical, then dry and apply a good rust preventing lube like CLP Breakfree.

Since you won't see the area inspection is difficult, and you also won't notice the cold blue turning brown with age.

Very good. Thanks for the advice guys! The thumbpiece sat at a slight angle when tight. I have 3 thumbpiece's and they all had that angle where they were closer to the frame at the rear. I just filed the under side of the rear portion down to where it clears the frame even with downward pressure on it. Now I just need to blue the under side.

Here's a pic just because.

Nice!! I would not want scratches on the frame from the thumbpiece, either. It is not uncommon, but I would argue that it is not desireable.

__________________
Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102