Barrel/Cylinder gap question.

[DeeBee]

I just purchased a slightly used 60-10. Upon inspection, I noticed the barrel gap is very uneven. It is .004 at the top, and gradually goes to .011 at the bottom. Big difference! Would you send it back to S&W for repair? Also will they reuse my barrel, and shoulder it? or will they put on a new one? I really dont want a new barrel, because it will not be stamped the same as my old one. I really want it fixed though. Thanks for any opinions.

 

[Aticus]

Something beside the end of the barrel doesn't look square in your picture. Before I'd send it back to Smith I'd have a good gunsmith check to see if everything is square. If it is, then a good 'smith can adjust the gap and redo the forcing cone. Had it done to a Colt SAA a couple years back, wasn't expensive and didn't take long. If there are no go0d 'smiths in your area the factory can do the same thing.

Pecos

 

[DeeBee]

Everything appears square. I just sent it back to S&W yesterday. I hope all goes well.

 

[climbcut25]

I'm thinkin, unless you are a brave "do-it-your-selfer"... Send it back.

 

[DeeBee]

Well, I got it back today. It only was gone 1 1/2 weeks. S&W replaced the barrel. My B/C gap is now .003, and the barrel is indexed properly. That is the good news!
The bad news, is, I guess a person has no say on how his gun is repaired. I wrote a letter asking S&W to please reuse the original barrel, and shoulder it , if need be. I wanted to keep the gun original if possible. Now, with the new barrel replacement, it has different stampings on the barrel.
Well, lesson learned here is: if the work is warranty, they will not call you, and will just perform whatever repair is necessary, even if you request a call, in your note to them.
I am happy they fixed my model 60. But just be aware , that you have no say in the repair, if it is warranty.
Here are some pics of the new barrel on my model 60.

 

[Lenny_D]

I think it looks great. A .003" gap is just about perfect. I'm not sure why you'd want the original barrel. I don't feel as though it means much to keep it original as far as the value of such a common model. You mentioned that it was marked differently. It looks etched in its new form what was it before?

 

[DeeBee]

I think it looks great. A .003" gap is just about perfect. I'm not sure why you'd want the original barrel. I don't feel as though it means much to keep it original as far as the value of such a common model. You mentioned that it was marked differently. It looks etched in its new form what was it before?

Remember this is a pre lock model.
The markings were originally opposite of what they are now. Also the original markings were shorter, and deeper. I will post a picture of the old markings in a little bit.
Heres what the old barrel looked like:

 

[Lenny_D]

DB,
I see what you mean. The original markings looked as though the were rolled on and the new barrel looks acid etched to me. Still a good looking gun though.

 

[DeeBee]

DB,
I see what you mean. The original markings looked as though the were rolled on and the new barrel looks acid etched to me. Still a good looking gun though.

They are both roll marked, but I definitely like the older markings.