Center pin hole in recoil shield.

[flpickupman]

How big is too big?

I have a 66 given to me by my brother that isn't as tight as my 64. The center pin hole looks a little oblong from side to side. ( there are one or two other issues as well I imagine )

How big of an issue is this potentially? If it is a problem, how easily is it rectified?

Thanks.

 

[Alk8944]

Oval center pin holes are caused by abusing the gun by slamming the cylinder closed like in the old detective movies. It can cause timing problems. The factory at one time installed hardened center pin bushings in all revolvers. Call S&W customer service at 800-331-0852 and ask them if installing a bushing is still work that they do.

 

[flpickupman]

That sounds promising. Thanks.

If they don't, is there another method of repair?

 

[jj2am44]

Oval center pin holes are caused by abusing the gun by slamming the cylinder closed like in the old detective movies. It can cause timing problems. The factory at one time installed hardened center pin bushings in all revolvers. Call S&W customer service at 800-331-0852 and ask them if installing a bushing is still work that they do.

I disagree. I have never done that and some of my 29's have it. I have hear that bushings could be installed.

 

[Alk8944]

I disagree. I have never done that and some of my 29's have it. I have hear that bushings could be installed.

You disagree with what?

 

[jj2am44]

I have never closed a cylinder by flipping it shut and yet some of mine have the elongated hole. I believe Smith and Wesson or a gunsmith can put a bushing in there.

 

[Alk8944]

I have never closed a cylinder by flipping it shut and yet some of mine have the elongated hole. I believe Smith and Wesson or a gunsmith can put a bushing in there.

There can be some wear to the left side of the center pin hole which is normal wear. This does not constitute an oval hole, just superficial wear as the center pin rubs over the sharp corner of the hole when the cylinder is closed.

If there is wear to the right side of the hole it is from the cylinder being closed too forcefully causing the yoke to flex and allow the center pin to bypass the hole and then drop in as it comes back to the left. This is always accompanied by burrs on the right side of the ratchet recess in the breech face caused by the ratchet striking the step when it goes past where it should normally stop and lock.

Neither one of us knows if the OPs gun actually has an oval hole or simply superficial wear to the edge of the hole. I take him at his word that it is oval. By the time the hole actually WORE oval under normal use it would be thoroughly worn out in several other areas.

 

[jj2am44]

The wear on mine is on the left side as you are aiming it. What you say makes perfect sense-the right side gets peened oval when you slam the cylinder shut.

 

[flpickupman]

If looking at the hole from the muzzle end, the hole is more elongated on the right-hand side. The side the cylinder arrives from when being closed. Not so much on the left-hand side. Perhaps egg shaped would be a more appropriate description. The hole is slightly bigger on the 66 than on the 64.

My apologies for any confusion and many thanks for your replies.