17-3 normal wear?

[rogerwilco1]

I'm lucky enough to have a 1970 17-3 blued 6". Shoots great but sometimes the cylinder gets a real tight fit. I usually take it and clean it at that point - extractor rod, etc.

I do notice that there's some wear to the bluing where cylinder frame assembly has its flange, showing a silver trail a bit from where the extractor rod hits the assembly, probably from previous loading over the years.

Should I be concerned or is this pretty normal for a 45 year old gun that still shoots great as long as I clean it when needed?

Affect its value in your opinions? Or normal. Thanks.

 

[P&R Fan]

Two suggestions. First, clean under the extractor star. .22 LR ammunition can be pretty dirty, and that may cause the problem. Second, is the extractor rod tightly screwed in? If it is out a bit it can tie the gun up. Remember, it is left hand threaded. Put a pad over the knurled part when you screw it in so you won't mess up the rod.
Jim

 

[gboling]

Is residue on the cylinder face dragging on the barrel throat?

 

[H Richard]

Without pictures, it is difficult to tell, but most probably it is normal wear over 45 years. If cared for will last several more 45 year periods.

 

[rogerwilco1]

here's a pic attached

I attached a photo. Thanks.

 

[Lobster Picnic]

That doesn't look normal.

 

[rogerwilco1]

better pic?

Attached a hopefully better pic.Looks like the star somehow left its mark. Any ideas? And should I or is there anything I should do other than shoot it (and keep it clean?) It shoots nicely.

 

[rogerwilco1]

Any advice?

Just wondering if i should just keep shooting this, have someone look at it, possibly touch up with rebluing that area? Any ideas and opinions would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[ken158]

How is the end shake?

 

[rogerwilco1]

I don't have any of my old tools right now but, to feel, its very, very small. I'll try to actually measure it later today. Thanks. Any idea what the tolerance should be?

 

[Retired W4]

The ratchet looks to be rubbing on the recoil shield. Not sure why but it's not normal. I have seen that before but only on a few guns, and that's out of thousands. Best of luck on it.

 

[rogerwilco1]

I wrote S and W to see what they say and I'll keep looking on the forums. Great gun. I want to take good care of it. 17-3 with three Ts.

 

[rogerwilco1]

Smith&Wesson got back to me : "It looks like a burr has kicked up on the ratchets. You can remove the cylinder from the gun and with the cylinder in your hand place something under the extractor to keep it up and away from the cylinder. Then take a small file and face off the ratchets until they are smooth. That should fix your problem."
I'll let you know how that goes for those who are interested.