Model 36 Barrel to Cylinder Gap

[photoman]

I have a 3" Model 36 the has a measured .011" barrel to cylinder gap. Is it safe to shoot with that much gap?

[Dragon88]

That's certainly on the upper end of tolerance, but current factory spec allows up to .012. You might lose a little velocity, but nothing you will notice. Assuming timing and alignment are good, it should be safe to shoot.

[chief38]

Not a safety hazard, and the reason it is "within spec's." is becasue S&W raised their B/C gap tolerances not that long ago. It used to be that .007" was the max, not the .012" they quote you now. In my personal opinion, I think it is too much and would pass on a revolver greater than .006 - .007" B/C gap.

My feeling is that anything larger than .007" will cause excessive velocity loss and spitting, but I guess the Factory has trouble keeping the gap consistent, so they raised their acceptable tolerances.

Chief38

[scooter123]

Short answer it's safe to use, the 38 spl is a very low pressure cartridge today and is tolerant of a wider B/C gap.

[photoman]

Thanks everyone!