586 Cylinder Replacement

[Ochsy]

I few weeks ago I sent a 586 no dash in to S&W because I found that 2 of the cylinder throats were smaller than the other 4. With significant force you couldn't push a jacketed .358 bullet through from either direction. The other 4 throats seemed perfect at or near line to line with a fresh bullet. They just let me know I needed and I paid for a new cylinder be installed.

Do any of you know why they'd go the replacement route instead of just honing out the 2 tight throats? Makes we wonder what else they may have found. Gun in is otherwise great shape.

 

[jb28]

Don't know, But I'd ask for the old cylinder back if that's possible.

 

[Doriangray6]

I few weeks ago I sent a 586 no dash in to S&W because I found that 2 of the cylinder throats were smaller than the other 4. With significant force you couldn't push a jacketed .358 bullet through from either direction. The other 4 throats seemed perfect at or near line to line with a fresh bullet. They just let me know I needed and I paid for a new cylinder be installed.

Do any of you know why they'd go the replacement route instead of just honing out the 2 tight throats? Makes we wonder what else they may have found. Gun in is otherwise great shape.

Likely just a time factor. Installing a new cylinder even though it has to be fitted is a lot quicker and easier than honing, refinishing, and refitting the original cylinder.
Since this is an early model 586 it's odd that nobody noticed the undersize throats before.

 

[.455_Hunter]

The OP's saga highlights why sending older guns back to the mothership can result in non-ideal outcomes. This is especially true of tasks that can be handled by a competent local gunsmith.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

I few weeks ago I sent a 586 no dash in to S&W because I found that 2 of the cylinder throats were smaller than the other 4. With significant force you couldn't push a jacketed .358 bullet through from either direction ...

I was thinking 45 year old 357 Magnum, which I bet had 100's of 38 Special shot in it and the cylinder was not cleaned properly.

Mostly I can not believe the previous owners never repaired it.

 

[Engine49guy]

This has me wondering if the new cylinder will have the new style extractor star,
Im guessing yes.

 

[Nightowl]

A few years ago, I sent a 686 back for the hammer nose update and they told me the cylinder was "jugged". Their term for a bulged chamber. I didn't want the new style cylinder in it, so I sourced an older one and sent it to them to install. They did, and sent the "bad" cylinder back to me. Why send a bad cylinder back? I have had a couple of gunsmiths look at it and can find no bulge. I'm mystified.
My point is, they might send your old cylinder back even if you don't ask them.

 

[chief38]

I few weeks ago I sent a 586 no dash in to S&W because I found that 2 of the cylinder throats were smaller than the other 4. With significant force you couldn't push a jacketed .358 bullet through from either direction. The other 4 throats seemed perfect at or near line to line with a fresh bullet. They just let me know I needed and I paid for a new cylinder be installed.

Do any of you know why they'd go the replacement route instead of just honing out the 2 tight throats? Makes we wonder what else they may have found. Gun in is otherwise great shape.

Personally, I would have just reamed/honed out the two tight cylinder charge holes and been done with it. If they fit a new cylinder to your vintage revolver the bluing on it will be different as that process has changed. I also deeply question the ability of their "Gunsmiths" these days. IMHO reaming the original is the easier and better method by far.

Why they are not reaming the original cylinder's two tight charge holes out and why they want to fit a new cylinder to an old gun bewilders me! I'd question that first thing Monday morning! If all else is fine and two tight charge holes are your only issue, I'd request they do what I'd deem a proper repair - ream to proper dimensions. You will also be keeping the revolver original which to me is a better way to go. Personally I would not let them change the cylinder!

The only reason to change out the cylinder is if they found another serious issue with it or they damaged it while inspecting the revolver.