Hi, first proper thread apart from my intro. I have a 44 Russian First Model No.3 D/A revolver in great cosmetic condition with a nice bore and cylinders but it has excessive end shake, so much so that the cylinder barrel gap when the cylinder is pushed back opens up an unacceptable amount. I know how end shake problems are sorted with more modern closed frame revolvers but my question is, how can this issue be put right on one of these old break open revolvers ?

It's a very complicated and expensive solution to the problem you have. It's caused by worn extractor teeth, and you will have to machine a new extractor, maybe add shims, etc. This cure for your end shake is explained in David Chicoine's book, " Smith & Wesson Sixguns of the Old West" page 301-303. Quick "Bubba" fix is to weld a washer the thickness of the gap and with a .44 cal hole and the diameter of the barrel, to the rear of the barrel to form a gas ring. Best advice is sell the gun and find a better one. Ed.

Thanks Ed, disappointing as the gun is great in all other respects. Strange thing is the bore and cosmetic condition don't go with the wear that has obviously happened to cause the massive end shake. Machining a new extractor is out of the question and welding a ring onto the back of the barrel is going to look **** so I guess it's a wall hanger.

Don't give up on it. Anything can be fixed properly by the right smith.

Here's a list of well recommended Smiths. You should be able to find just the right one for your break-top in this list:

Wally Francis
1-262-626-4964,
W9154 Brazelton Dr.,
Kewaskum, WI, 53040.
I’m told he does good work on old S&Ws. Per Charlie Pate; S&W guru.

Classic Guns L.T.D.
Nothing found for Aboutus
1702 Dixie Hwy.
Crete IL 60417 United States
Phone:
708-367-1620
Email = [email protected]

The Gunsmith, Inc.
The Gunsmith, Inc.: Price List
10210 North 32nd Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85028
Same Location Since 1980
(602) 992-0050
[email protected]

Hamilton Bowen Classic Arms
+ Bowen Classic Arms + Home

Cylinder and Slide
Home - Cylinder & Slide - Handguns parts and accessories

Alan Harton (Only Colt SAAs)
713-772-8314 or 713-907-6031
[email protected]
Sharpstown, Texas, West S/W of Houston

Andy Horvath DIAGONAL ROAD GUN SHOP
14131 Diagonal Rd.
La Grange, OH 44050
(440) 458-4369, (440) 355-5618 [email protected]
The Guns of Alan Harton's Single Action Service
http://www.gunblast.com/Harton-No5.htm

Doug Turnbull Mfg. Co. for firearm restoration of antique guns -
www.turnbullrestoration.com/

Gallagher. His prices are very reasonable also.
http://www.gallagherfirearms.com/ Great guy to deal with.

Ben Forkin
http://www.gunblast.com/Forkin44Vaquero.htm

Frank Glenn
http://www.glenncustom.com/

The Gunworks
534 Scott St
Sandusky, Ohio
(419) 626-3034
https://www.facebook.com/The-Gunworks-142024275829213/

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819

Thanks Hondo44 but I am the other side of the pond

So you are, the big pond!!

There must be someone that's succeeded Cogswell & Harrison for working on Smiths.

I wonder if Jerry Kuhnbausen wrote one of his repair manuals for the top-breaks.

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819

Vbull, try the end shake after loading six rounds in the cylinder.

__________________
Mike Maher #283