What kind of feeler gauges do I need to check the barrel cylinder gap on revolvers, and where do I get them?
I have a rebarreled Python that seems to have a rather generous B/C gap. My automotive feelers are to thick to be effective. Where do I find the right gauges?
Thanks,

OZ

A good auto parts store will have leaf style feeler gauges.

Feeler gauges are all the same and can be found at any auto parts store. In any set I have ever used the minimum thickness is 0.015", less than the thickness of tissue paper. I can't imagine what you have if they are all "too thick"

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Gunsmithing since 1961

Thanks, All8944!
Looks like my BC gap is.012. I think it is supposed to be .006.Ugh.I guess I'll shoot it and see if it spits lead.
Don't think it will be worth getting the barrel turned,

OZ

Over the last several decades S&W as well as other revolver manufacturer's B/C gap tolerances have vastly grown from a max. of .006” to .012 (doubled). This is for several reasons. First off, they now have the least experienced and least knowledgeable staff they’ve probably ever had. They are more parts assemblers now than true gunsmiths. Secondly, I don’t believe the pride of workmanship is like it used to be. Then because most self defense guns made and purchased for that purpose are no longer revolvers I believe that their focus today is to bang out as many plastic pistols as fast as they can and make as much as they can. I believe their revolver lines are now second fiddle to their semi autos and their main focus has shifted. As long as their revolvers shoot and are basically operating, they get shipped for you the customer to do the final quality control inspection. There are more than likely lots of customers who don’t even realize what a fine revolver is supposed to feel like today. We here are not the average revolver owners and are more discriminating imho.

As far as feeler gauges go, any set that goes from .001 to .015” will suffice. There are different types and you want a set that opens in a pocket knife fashion and has gauges approximately 3” in length. This style can be used to check any brand of revolver and should be kept lightly oiled when not in use to prevent rust as most are made from carbon steel.

If you look at the top end used brands such as Starrett or Brown & Sharp on "fleabay" you might score a top top notch gently used one for about the same money as a new Chinese version will sell for in a store. Generally the Starrett or B&S will have a larger range of gauges. Not that you really need the high end Feeler Gauge to do this - but why not get the best for about the same money? Just the way I operate for what that's worth.

They are under 5.00 at harbor freight

Here is a chart for S&W

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I just mounted a scope on one of my TC barrels - .0015 is a go, .0020 is a no go. Doesn’t get much tighter than that.

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213th FBINA

Some of the older, carefully factory-fit .22LR will have a .0015" at the cylinder front to forcing cone measurement. Gun will run at this spec only if it's square and true.

On the center fires I am pleased if they are .004 to .006", preferring the nearer to .004" or a tad less.

those inexpensive HF feeler gauges have serious QC issues. Read the reviews.

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NRA RSO

A piece of loose leaf paper is about .003" thick.
Most quality feeler gauges are .0015" at the thin side.

A thick .015" E string on a guitar means that "My Funny Valentine" might be on the guitarist's play list as opposed to "All Along The Watchtower" .

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