Cylinder Lug in Frame too Long?

[Roca]

My apologies if this has been addressed in this forum previously. I used the forum search tool as well as Google but didn't turn anything up. Any links to threads I missed would be appreciated.

I have two older J-frames, a 36 no dash with a 3-inch pinned barrel and a 49 no dash. The 36 is an ex-plain clothes LEO's service gun and has seen plenty of range time and holster wear but is still tight and solid. The 49 has barely been shot a few times since it was new.

However, both have the same problem, the cylinder lug in the frame will not allow the cylinder to turn if there are any cartridges in the chambers (fired or un-fired) and the cylinder is opened and swung all the way out. The rims of the cartridges contact the cylinder lug. I don't see anything I would describe as excessive crane wear that might cause the problem. Both lugs are tight in the frame and aligned properly with the cylinder face.

How is this situation best corrected? I picked up a copy of Kuhnhausen's shop manual but no mention is made of this situation that I can find. Is this simply a case of filing/stoning the end of the lug until proper clearance is obtained and then re-bluing the end?

Thanks

 

[dfariswheel]

Lug fitting could fix that, BUT you'd have to be very careful not to change the shape too much or the cylinder will literally fall out.

Second, this is really sort of a non-issue. That the cylinder doesn't rotate well when fully open isn't critical with a small frame like this, unless you're using a speedloader.

 

[Roca]

Lug fitting could fix that, BUT you'd have to be very careful not to change the shape too much or the cylinder will literally fall out.

Second, this is really sort of a non-issue. That the cylinder doesn't rotate well when fully open isn't critical with a small frame like this, unless you're using a speedloader.

Thanks for the response dfariswheel.

First, this is an issue because I am using speedloaders and speed strips. Otherwise, as you said it wouldn't be an issue.

Second, I probably wasn't as detailed as I could have been. The cylinder isn't the problem. It fits into the most forward of two "notches" cut into the lug. Its the rearmost notch that is there apparently to clear cartridge rims that is the issue. I was only referring to the cartridge notch in the lug as a candidate for fitting.

But you made a very good point. It does look like any adjustment to the portion of the lug that retains the cylinder would release the cylinder...not cool.

Actually I can't think of any reason for the cartridge notch in the lug. There isn't any equivalent notch on the integral lug on the J-magnum frames.