27-9 Classic flame cutting, etc.

[RickB]

I bought a 27-9 last Summer, and after reading a few reports of finish damage, believed to be caused by the sight leaf screw not completely filling the hole in the top strap- the theory being that the edge of the hole was redirecting expanding gasses downward to the cylinder between the flutes -I asked S&W, while my gun was in for warranty service (repair frame, repair yoke, repair hammer, on a new, unfired gun . . .), to replace the screw with a longer one.
They didn't replace the screw, and made no comment. After sitting on the gun for a few months, I read another internet reference to a longer screw being available, contacted customer service, and they mailed two .010"-longer screws.
The screw swap was easy, I spent a lot more time padding the vice and and wrapping the gun than in swapping the screws, and the new one is a much better fit.

 

[DT75]

"Flame cutting" refers to top strap erosion caused by hot gases escaping from the gap between cylinder and barrel.

 

[Protocall_Design]

Glad you got it fixed. This will not totally eliminate the problem, but will cut down on it a good amount. That's as good as it gets.

 

[RickB]

"Flame cutting" refers to top strap erosion caused by hot gases escaping from the gap between cylinder and barrel.

Yes, it does. Another issue noted by some on their 27-9s.

 

[stansdds]

Flame cutting is not limited to the Model 27-9, it affects all of the revolvers chambered in Magnum centerfire calibers. The flame cutting will occur fastest with ammo loaded with the slowest burning ball powders, specifically, H110/W296. I'd say that few revolvers ever reach the point at which flame cutting would become a structural issue for the frame and the forcing cone will usually show a massive amount of erosion before the frame becomes a problem. To get to this point takes a lot of shooting with those full power loads, a lot more than the vast majority of shooters will ever fire.

 

[Paul105]

This is flame cutting on a 329. As stansdds said above few will ever be shot enough to be noticeable and most likely self limiting on stainless or carbon steel guns.
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This was below the blast shield shown cut in half in below pic.
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This was deemed a problem and S&W replaced the frame at no charge.
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FWIW,

Paul

 

[stansdds]

This is flame cutting on a 329. As stansdds said above few will ever be shot enough to be noticeable and most likely self limiting on stainless or carbon steel guns.
.

.
This was below the blast shield shown cut in half in below pic.
.

.
This was deemed a problem and S&W replaced the frame at no charge.
.
FWIW,

Paul

Yeah, once the blast shield fails, the hot gases are going to very quickly cut through the aluminum frame of the Model 329. Yes, it is a scandium alloy, but it is still primarily aluminum.

 

[JWintergreen]

I was wondering if this was still an issue on current production adjustable sight Smiths. Terrible design change. It's a pain on stainless revolvers, and a disaster on blued ones.

Here is a video that shows what the OP is talking about.
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31_Q1Jz-k8U"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31_Q1Jz-k8U[/ame]

 

[SWFan27]

Smith and Wesson has sent me replacement screws for my 66-8 and 19-9. The little burn marks on the cylinder are a lot easier to remove now.

 

[Shoebox1.1]

I want a new classic 27. I’ll look for short screws. Thank you