629-1 Frame Barrel Fit

[Surf37]

I have a new to me 629-1. I took it apart for a deep cleaning an noticed a gap between the frame and the slot where the ejector rod sits. I've a attached a pic. This doesn't seem right to me, but this is my first 629 and I'd like to know if it's "normal"?

 

[series guy]

That is normal. I have a few like that.

 

[stansdds]

Normal and if you look from the side, you may also see a gap between the ejector rod shroud and the frame. Some of those gaps are big, some are non-existent, just depends on how well one particular barrel was mated to the frame.

 

[Surf37]

Thanks... That's a boot of confidence.

 

[Alk8944]

The gap is by design, all S&W revolvers with shrouded extractor rods have it. Some are just wider than others and more obvious. It is so the shroud will not drag on the face of the frame when the barrel is installed, which would scar the face of the frame.