29-2 question

[bedwards]

It appears as though my favorite revolver may have a problem and I need advice.
Is it possible for the cylinder to touch the frame right in front of the latch under heavy recoil? It all looks and functions normal, but I can see a spot on the cylinder blue that looks like a corisponding spot just in front of the latch on the frame. I bought the gun used and have fired it only enough to make sure it all works. The gun looks as though it has been fired very little. I had it inspected by a gunsmith right after I bought it who pronounced it problem free.

thanks in advance
be

 

[bedwards]

It appears as though my favorite revolver may have a problem and I need advice.
Is it possible for the cylinder to touch the frame right in front of the latch under heavy recoil? It all looks and functions normal, but I can see a spot on the cylinder blue that looks like a corisponding spot just in front of the latch on the frame. I bought the gun used and have fired it only enough to make sure it all works. The gun looks as though it has been fired very little. I had it inspected by a gunsmith right after I bought it who pronounced it problem free.

thanks in advance
be

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

Welcome to the forum!

Pictures would help with your description. It could be a spot on the cylinder that has been worn from rubbing against the cylinder retaining nub on the left side of the frame when the cylinder is opened and shut.

 

[bedwards]

The latch I'm talking about is on the bottom just above the trigger on the frame. It raises into a slot in the cylinder for each time you lock up. There is a rough place there in the finish on the frame and a faint corisponding spot in front of the slot in the cylinder as though it has rubbed there slightly. I will try to get a pic posted tonight. It is so faint, it may not show though. I just don't see how it could give enough to touch there unless heavy recoil flexes the frame more than I would have thought.

be

 

[Texas Roots]

bedwards, I think you've figured it out. I have a 29-3 with the same type of faint marks on all 6. I've shot mine probably 5000 rounds since I bought it new in 1984 and it is still one of the tightest S&W's I have.

I've not ever heard anyone else bring this up on this forum, nor have I seen the phenomenon discussed in any books.

I don't shoot anything any heavier than factory equivalent handloads; but there's no other way for those marks to be there without some flexing of the frame and probably the yoke too that supports the cylinder.

Just goes to show us how much pressure is exerting itself throughout the frame. I don't worry about it. I just shoot it.

 

[bedwards]

The space between the bottom of the cylinder and frame is tight. Tighter than other brands of revolvers I have. I reload for mine, but they are no more than normal loads right out of the book. This is silly, but it is so clean and "pretty". I hate to mess up the finish, but I have no collectors guns. Mine are all shooters.

thanks again
be

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

That thing is called the cylinder stop, or stop bolt. It is what holds the cylinder in alignment with the barrel for firing. I would say that your yoke (the tube the cylinder fits over) has developed excess wear. It can be addressed by a good gunsmith, and should be.

It sounds like the gunsmith who looked at it didn't know what he was looking at. You should ask around locally among fellow shooters in your area, and find out who they recommend for doing gunsmithing. Then take it to him and show him what you are seeing. Your gun shouldn't wear like that. They do flex under recoil, but they shouldn't flex that far. It needs attention, and repair by someone who knows how.

 

[bedwards]

I was afraid you might say that. The gun is LNIB, I doubt it has had a box of shells shot through it.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

I have several guns that I have owned for a long time, that look like new. Some of them are 20-30 years old, and have been shot quite a bit, but not abused, and they still look great.
It's really hard to know if a gun has been shot a lot, when the owner took pretty good care of it.

I'm sending you some PDF's that you might find very informative on the subject.

 

[bedwards]

thanks

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

Your welcome!