642-1 Question

[shooter686]

Hello All -

Excellent wealth of info here.

I picked up a new (used) to me 642-1 - MIM trigger, no lock. 12/10 test fired cartridge. Little to no evidence that it was ever fired. No case head marks on recoil sheild, perfect cylinder stops, etc.

I have no prior experience with aluminum frame Smiths - here is my question: the lock pin at the rear of the cylinder really drags across the recoil sheild and has worn a noticable groove in the frame. As best I can tell, the groove has deepened since I've had the gun (one week+) and I have not even shot it. The "star" that the hand contacts to roate the cylinder has even left a few drag marks since I have owned it leading me to believe that the pin is cutting into the frame more than usual. For what its worth, while have pulled the new acquisition out a couple of times in the last week (like all of you would) to look at, I have not opened and closed the cylinder non-stop.

Thanks for your input and experience!

Shooter686

 

[pharmer]

Don't worry about it. The cylinder locks into the bushing. Aluminum is softer than steel, so the wear seems exaggerated. I have one too, great guns. Joe

 

[steamloco76]

I have the exact same revolver. The cylinder pin will dig a groove into the aluminum frame which is normal. The mark only goes so deep then stops and as the previous reply mentioned- the pin locks into a steel bushing. Continue your practice without fear.

 

[shooter686]

Thanks for the input

No steel bushing on mine...in fact, the hole the pin drops into is rounding out quite nicely as well. I expect some wear in this area just like a steel revolver - just not at the suprizing rate its occurring. I'll give it some time and see what happens...

Next question - the finish on the frame appears to be more of a coating than annodizing - which is it?

For the record - I really like this little gun and can't wait to get it to the range!

Thanks agin for the input.

Shooter686

 

[photoman]

 

[shooter686]

great pic photoman. I'll try to post a comparable pic.. but suspect that it wont be as good as one taken by someone with the moniker "photoman".

The picture clearly illustrates the groove from the pin. Normal for all revolvers. In my personal experience (with steel revolvers) when that groove is developed it adds to the overall "smooth feel" of the gun. In the case of my 642 - the feel is one of "galling" for those familiar with the term. Feels like the pin is gouging out a path with each time the cylinder is opened or closed. Normal - probably, but thus the nature of my question.

Photoman - is that a steel frame? How much use? the groove in my 642 (with no witness marks from case heads - read low round count) is much deeper than shown in your photo.

No worries here - it is what is - I'll shoot it and enjoy it - just noticing some new things with a new firearm and wondering what all the rest of you have seen/experienced.

Appreciate the responses and enjoy the knowledge base here.

Shooter686

 

[Mphstiger1981]

great pic photoman. I'll try to post a comparable pic.. but suspect that it wont be as good as one taken by someone with the moniker "photoman".



Shooter686

ha-ha... sort of like the old saying "never play cards with a man name Ace, and never eat dinner at a place named Mom's".

 

[MeefZah]

My 642-2 and 442-2 do the same thing, as someone else said, the aluminum frame is softer than the steel pin, which causes the wear.

I really think it isn't an issue.

The posted photo looks to me like a 442-1 (NL), but they are all pretty similar so I won't swear it.

 

[shooter686]

I'm all dressed up and nowhere to go- I have some pics, but dont know how to post them.

Can someone give me a quick lesson?

Thanks,

Shooter686

 

[diamonback68]

I'm all dressed up and nowhere to go- I have some pics, but dont know how to post them.

Can someone give me a quick lesson?

Thanks,

Shooter686

No free lessons. Go to FAQ at the top left and type in "pictures" and it will answer all your questions

 

[getoff]

all of my modern airweights did this. hasnt had any effect on shooting, or loading. just part of the charm of the lightweight gun!

 

[shooter686]

Thanks Daimonback

Here you go....Comments?

 

[photoman]

Photoman - is that a steel frame? How much use? the groove in my 642 (with no witness marks from case heads - read low round count) is much deeper than shown in your photo.

That's one of my primary 642's. Thousands of rounds.

 

[MeefZah]

That's one of my primary 642's. Thousands of rounds.

Isn't the pictured gun blued? I'm cornfused... I thought the 642 were stainless.

 

[MeefZah]

Here you go....Comments?

Looks normal to me.