625-6 In for spa treatment

[S&WIowegan]

Beautiful work and pics

I have been a USPSA competitor since 1989 and early on developed a fondness for shooting S&W 625s in revolver division. I started out shooting 5"bbl. 625-2s and 3s. By the late 1990s, I had obtained one of the 625s designed by Jerry Miculek which had a 5 1/4" bbl. and a short cylinder. During a major match at PASA Park near Quincy IL the cylinder started skipping notches and essentially free-wheeling. I was using Federal factory 230gr hardball. Fortunately, I had a back-up 625 and used it to finish the match.

My gunsmith and I found the peening and raised burrs exactly as pictured above. We cleaned up the burrs and normal function returned. I think a combination of factors cause the peening. First, fast double action shooting; second heavy 230 gr hardball, and finally relatively soft stainless steel in the cylinder. I have never had noticeable peening when using a titanium cylinder nor do 8-shot 627 cylinders suffer severe peening. Also, blue carbon steel doesn't peen badly.

I don't consider using an S&W revolver in USPSA matches abusive but others may disagree.

 

[AManWearingAHat]

That was really a pleasure to read through, your photography is excellent. Thank you for post this! You caught things I wouldn't have even thought to look for. One day I hope to have a shop outfitted like yours!

 

[Doug M.]

I'm not sure when I can take the time to go to the range and shoot, but I will be going to pick this up today.
I keep telling Bill he does not charge as much as he should for the quality of work he does, but I don't think he takes me seriously.

 

[Jebus35745]

Bill, how did you make the "U" notch rear? That is a sight combo I like, Larry

 

[BMCM]

Started out with a .160 tall "V" notch slide. Cut the notch with a Grobet 2cut parallel round file ahhh 3/16" as I recall.

Cheers
Bill

 

[Doug M.]

Ok, so life happens and I can't believe it took this long to get to the range with this revolver. I was trying to get down there to test another pistol and had the brilliant inspiration to take this along. I loaded up 5 moonclips with Black Hills 230 grain ball, and 5 more with my old duty ammo (230 grain gold dot). I was ... tired and maybe sugar crashing when I shot, so my performance was not anything to brag on or post, but pretty clearly this revolver is back to doing what it should do. Every penny I spent to have Bill do the work he showed was worthwhile.

 

[Green Frog]

I found this thread while looking for something else... what a pleasure it was to read. Bill, your handiwork is amazing, until you said you cut that round groove by hand with a needle file, then it went to a whole other level! I can only sit back and say WOW. I know Doug is pleased and he has every right to be!

Froggie