I recently picked up a used Schofield made by the Performance Center back in the early 2000's. I noticed the dents in the back of the cylinder that match the cylinder retention plate. I did see others talking about these marks but did not find anything as to cause. After playing around with mine here is what I think is happening. I would appreciate any information but here are my thoughts. When the pistol is closed the cylinder does not move forward or backward regardless of if the hammer is in full cock, half cock or fired position. The only time there is play in the cylinder is when the gun is opened. My thoughts are the dents in the cylinder are caused if excessive force is used to open the gun. If one slams the gun open to get the shells to extract and fly free the back of the cylinder slams into cylinder retention plate denting the rear of the cylinder. If the gun is opened and slowly moved until the shells are pushed out and no force is used then the dents should not occur or worsen.
Does this sound like it may be the cause?
Thanks

Can you add some photos. Your description is good, but a pictures is worth a thousand words. Thanks.

First time trying to upload photo, hope this works

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It is the recoil pushing the cylinder back against the top sight tabs.

Line up the cylinder and the barrel and you will see that the tabs line up with the marks on the cylinder.

Factory loads (and hot loads) are hard on Schofields. I have been shooting a pair for over 10 years. One has hardly any marks on it and the other has less than yours. I was shooting commercially reloaded Cowboy loads for about 3 years and have been reloading since.

I agree with Injun Ryder, the beating that cylinder has taken has to be recoil related; just opening the cylinder can't possibly create enough force to ping the cylinder that badly.

Good luck. Those Scofields are beautiful guns.

I am a reloader as well, if you don't mind me asking, what load are you using? I have been looking around and the manuals show the lowest pressure load is 250 gr lead bullet with Trail Boss powder. I believe the pressure is around 7500.

When I purchased the revolver I was given a partial box of Ten-X and partial box of Ultramax. I assume that was what the previous owner used. Man were those dirty loads.

Just sent you an e-mail.

I was shooting Ten-X 200 gr until I started reloading.

I have gotten a few boxes of Ultramax and Black Hills. Both are pretty hot for Schofields.

As for being dirty, by my standards, I will say that is the nature of the Schofield. The cylinder/barrel gap allows a lot of gas to pass by and get into the base pin opening. Also, the recoil shield will allow blow by. (I have had CAS spotters complain about that).

I find that I have to completely clean the cylinder assembly after each match or it gets too much build up of residue.

If you have not taken the base pin out, note that it has left hand threads! Also, I have found that it is best to remove the rear sight, not just remove the last screw and loosen the forward screw. This can cause the sharp edge at the front of the sight to get bent.