barrel torque 586-8

terribletimmy3 · #1 12-01-2013, 03:56 AM

I have a NIB classic line. Their is a gap between the barrel and the frame of which I can see light through. Is this acceptable or was the barrel not torqued? see pictures.

Gunsnwater · #2 12-01-2013, 04:48 AM

Looks a little sloppy but if it's tight it's probibly ok. Talk to S&W and see if you should send it in. It doesn't look like a full turn so some metal will have to be removed. Use a feeler gauge and find out how big the gap is. Is the barrel bottomed out any place?

scooter123 · #3 12-01-2013, 08:59 AM

There is a circular raised boss on the barrel that is about as high as a piece of paper. The reason for this is so that installing the barrel wont leave circular scratches on the frame when the barrel is tightened down. As a result those who look very closely will see a small bit of daylight between the ejector rod housing and the frame. Look really close and you'll see a crevice at the top corners of the barrel rib and can collect a tiny bit of dust/grime.

So, what you are seeing is completely normal and S&W should not be expected to do anything about it. If it bothers you just consider how upset you would be if you round the finish had been scratched on the frame during the installation of the barrel, which would be the result of not having that circular boss.

wproct · #4 12-01-2013, 09:59 AM

I agree with Scooter123's explanation. Some revolvers will display this characteristic more than others. I once had a 6 in bbl 686 that showed this gap even more so than your revolver. I sent pictures and an inquiry to Smith & Wesson, and never received a response from them. I shot the revolver and never had a problem, but I wound up trading it off because I'm kind of OCD about that kind of thing.

I really think that it's nothing that will ever cause you a problem.

Alk8944 · #5 12-02-2013, 01:15 AM

Scooter123 is absolutely correct!

jaymoore · #6 12-02-2013, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scooter123

There is a circular raised boss on the barrel that is about as high as a piece of paper. The reason for this is so that installing the barrel wont leave circular scratches on the frame when the barrel is tightened down. As a result those who look very closely will see a small bit of daylight between the ejector rod housing and the frame. Look really close and you'll see a crevice at the top corners of the barrel rib and can collect a tiny bit of dust/grime.

So, what you are seeing is completely normal and S&W should not be expected to do anything about it. If it bothers you just consider how upset you would be if you round the finish had been scratched on the frame during the installation of the barrel, which would be the result of not having that circular boss.

Besides, if it wasn't torqued, you could unscrew the barrel by hand, which was the case with this example! (Only the second time I've had such a surprise since 1989...)

terribletimmy3 · #7 12-02-2013, 07:06 PM

thanks my other 2 are a lot tighter the one in question is about 3 to 4 thosandths.