another question re: flame cutting on a model 10

[Todd_K]

Hi all,

I'm looking at a Model 10 that appears to have a decent amount of flame cutting--about what I would expect on a 357 that has seen some use. This is the first 38 I have seen with really noticeable wear in this area; is this common? The rest of the gun shows average use. Still locks up tight, barrel-cylinder gap is normal, and the breech face is not polished completely bright.

Looking for input on how common flame/gas cutting is on 38s.

Thanks in advance,
Todd

 

[Todd_K]

Hi all,

I'm looking at a Model 10 that appears to have a decent amount of flame cutting--about what I would expect on a 357 that has seen some use. This is the first 38 I have seen with really noticeable wear in this area; is this common? The rest of the gun shows average use. Still locks up tight, barrel-cylinder gap is normal, and the breech face is not polished completely bright.

Looking for input on how common flame/gas cutting is on 38s.

Thanks in advance,
Todd

 

[john traveler]

Possible, but not common. Flame cutting is possible on nearly ANY medium caliber revolver. It does not have to be a .357 Magnum to be subjected to prolonged exposure to slow-burning powders and loads notorious for flame cutting. The classic .357 Magnum load of 110 or 125 grain jacketed bullet and maximum charges of H110 or WW 296 powders is credited with flame cutting and split forcing cones in M19/M66 revolvers. You can also load .38 Specials using these powders and bullets and push them up to maximum SAAMI pressures.

I once owned a second-hand M19 in excellent condition put more than 50,000 rounds (actual primer count) through it in two PPC seasons. It also digested about 5% .357 magnum rounds during this period. To look at the forcing cone, timing, and endshake, you would swear that it had not fired more than two boxes of factory ammo.

 

[Todd_K]

Thanks for the input, John. The forcing cone is pretty badly leaded, which makes me think someone was running hot lead-bullet handloads through this.

Besides the areas I checked on it already, are there any other signs I should be looking for to see if this would be a safe buy? or would the flame cutting be enough to disqualify?

Thanks again for the info.