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New Style Frame Lug Question

Tripwire229

Tripwire229

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I was wondering if anyone has ever had any issues with the new style integrated frame lugs on any revolver but particularly a 686. I have two 686's and the frame lug on both seems like it barely touches the cylinder when it is open. My dad's old 66-1 has the old style frame lug and that has easily double the overlap onto the cylinder. I was wondering if this is something I should watch or do they really not cause problems. I just worry about play developing in the yoke causing the cylinder to be able to pass over the lug or am I worrying about something that just doesn't happen.
 
Tripwire229 said:
I was wondering if anyone has ever had any issues with the new style integrated frame lugs on any revolver but particularly a 686. I have two 686's and the frame lug on both seems like it barely touches the cylinder when it is open. My dad's old 66-1 has the old style frame lug and that has easily double the overlap onto the cylinder. I was wondering if this is something I should watch or do they really not cause problems. I just worry about play developing in the yoke causing the cylinder to be able to pass over the lug or am I worrying about something that just doesn't happen.
Click to expand...

Yes, it can be a problem. I don't know why s&w ever made that change. At least they could have made more contact.
 
Not being rude, just ignorant: could you describe this frame lug, the overlap and what issues may arise?

Thanks.
 
I'm not familiar with the term "frame lug" or "lug"

Please explain!
 
The lug is the projection on the left bottom rear of the frame window, and its purpose is to keep the cylinder from pushing to the rear of the gun and partially coming off of the yoke, when the cylinder is opened and the ejector rod is pushed to eject cases.

The older guns had a lug that could be replaced if it got worn enough ( it is a round button), but the new Smiths have a larger lug that is part of the frame itself, and is not replaceable. It is also not near as nice looking as the older lugs are.

Older lug:
th


Newer lug on left side of frame:
th
 
When the new style frame lug first came out, someone said they were told by S&W that it provided a stronger frame for the guns that used high pressure loads. That makes some sense, the old "button" design would be ok if the area is under compression but not good if the area is under tension; when the cartridge fires.

But my 640- "0" is marked "Rated For +P+", and has the old frame lug. I guess there is "strong"and "stronger".
 
That's interesting never thought of it being changed to be stronger, but what I am really wondering is if anyone has heard of the cylinder over riding the lug and coming off during a reload because the new frame lug seems to make such little contact with the cylinder
 
Tripwire229 said:
That's interesting, never thought of it being changed to be stronger, but what I am really wondering is if anyone has heard of the cylinder over riding the lug and coming off during a reload because the new frame lug seems to make such little contact with the cylinder.
Click to expand...

Yes, there have been a few mentions of this here. Ironically, if this occurs the usual solution is to install an old-style frame lug :).
 
Looking at the SCSW 3rd Ed. I realized why I didn't recognize the term "lug".

On page 271 they state that the M 686-5 ; the change was made to eliminate the cylinder stop "stud" on the frame.

I guess the term is "stud" not "lug" . I have learned something new!
 
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I recall the first failure of the new cylinder stop or lug that I witnessed. It was a new J frame .38, a Model 642 if I remember, and the look on the shooter's face when he slapped the ejector rod with the palm of his hand and the cylinder assembly kerplunked into his spent casing coffee can, was memorable. The stop should have been sized a lot bigger.

I don't know if the new stop came about because it was stronger or cheaper and easier to make. I suspect a combination of both. I do think it is a lot less attractive and pretty industrial-looking.
 
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