B/C Gap on 325PD

[sonofthebeach]

I recently bought a new 325PD, and I noticed some "burn" surface discoloration marks on the forward part of the cylinder, while cleaning the revolver after 130 rounds.

I measured the barrel-cylinder gap, and found the gap to be .012" from the right side, and .008" from the left.

With the few rounds that I've run through the gun so far, and considering I'm just beginning to learn to shoot this lightweight .45 revolver, I really can't comment on any accuracy problems.

But I was wondering if by the measurements alone, this might be something I need to be concerned about.

Any ideas or recommendations?

Thanks.

[dfariswheel]

All revolvers will get blast deposits and carbon burn marks on the cylinder face and streaks of carbon on the sides of the cylinder. This is caused by the blast leaking from the gap between the barrel and cylinder, and is normal.

Lately, S&W has been passing barrel/cylinder gaps of 0/012" as "in specification".
However, a gap of 0.008" on one side and 0.012" on the other is not right.
This indicates a barrel mis-cut or something else wrong.

I'd contact S&W and talk to them about this one.

[sonofthebeach]

dfariswheel,

On this forum not too long ago, somebody asked a question regarding shooting a 642 (as I remember), and the subject of proper grip came up. Somebody replied with a link to a video of Jerry Miculek demonstrating various methods of holding onto different revolvers, and one of the revolvers appeared to have a 4" barrel, and a titanium cylinder like the one on my 325PD.The sides of that cylinder were severely discolored from the barrel/cylinder gap blast, and I'm sure that the gap on his revolver was set pretty tight.

So, I'm not really worried about any damage to the titanium cylinder, because like you said, that discoloration is normal...too bad the titanium/aluminum alloy used in the cylinder won't clean up easily, since the "lead remover cloth" that I used on the cylinders of my stainless steel revolvers isn't recommended for the surface finish of the 325PD cylinder.

The difference between the gap on the right side vs the left side is what bothers me, especially if I ever get to the point where I'm able to shoot this light revolver fairly well, and the gun isn't up to the task. I'm also concerned that more blast might be coming from this gap than is normal, and ends up eroding the blast shield under the top strap more quickly than it should.

I'll take your advice and call S&W customer service tomorrow morning and ask them about it.

Thanks for the reply.

---Andy

[JoeHatley]

I went and measured the B/C gap on my early 325PD. It's an even .005" from either side.
Out of the box, the barrel did have a burr on the outside, right at the face. The face, while square, was a little rough. Almost as if the barrel had been faced and the worker stopped mid-project.
I removed the burr and polished up the face. Looks better now and cleans up easier.

Hope things go well with S/W and they get you fixed up.

Joe

[sonofthebeach]

Joe,

Thanks for your reply. I know that S&W will take care of this revolver for me.

Sounds like your 325PD, except for the rough finishing of the face of the barrel, was put together right.

I read somewhere that the SS barrel insert that screws into the barrel shroud on these revolvers made it easier to set the B/C gap. Don't know what happened with this one.

--Andy