Dirty Model 66-8

[ike1518]

I just got a new 4" 66-8 revolver and put around thirty rounds through it and it is dirtier than my 617 22lr after a hundred rounds. I don't mind cleaning guns, in fact I'm a bit obsessed about it, but this seems way over the line. I have another 66-8 with 2.75" barrel and it shoots relatively clean. However, this new revolver shows significant burn marks on the outside of the cylinder and underneath the top strap is dirtier than anything I've seen before - center or rimfire. I know guns get dirty but this one seems excessive. I'm thinking of giving Smith-Wesson a call about it but was wondering if anyone has ideas to consider? Is it a forcing cone gap issue?

Thanks.

 

[MajorD]

To keep a revolver running you knock enough of the carbon dirt debris off it to keep it running and ignore the rest. I am not much for cleaning guns. If it is working, I leave it alone dirty until I get to 500 rounds or so. I make sure to get the important stuff ( under the star,bore and chambers.

Especially stainless guns look dirtier after firing than blued ( one of countless reasons I prefer blue) if it works as designed how dirty it looks is meaningless

 

[stansdds]

These newer S&W's have a rear sight leaf screw that is short, which creates a bit of a well in the frame. This well creates a strange fouling pattern on the cylinder and more fouling on the frame near the end of the barrel extension.

 

[Telecaster]

Could it be the satin finish that holds soot better than the slicker older finishes?

 

[sodacan]

Could it be the ammo?

 

[ike1518]

Thanks for the replies. The problem isn't the finish as my other 66-8 has the same finish and I use the same ammo but it doesn't have this problem.

 

[stansdds]

How about some pictures of the fouling?

 

[ike1518]

How about some pictures of the fouling?

I'll try to remember to take pictures next time I shoot it.

 

[scruffy]

The only S&W revolver I had that shot remarkably dirtier than my others was a 686+ with .012" - .013" B/C gap. No other issues with it, and only minor spitting, but the cylinder and frame window were a mess after 50 rounds of factory ammo.

 

[JonE406]

Could it be the satin finish that holds soot better than the slicker older finishes?

I think the finish does hold the soot better, I have one that is 2.75" and it gets filthy no matter what ammo I use, it's just all part of shooting.

 

[stansdds]

True, a satin/media blasted finish will hold more residue than a polished surface. Polished surfaces are also easier to clean.

 

[Inusuit]

Just clean it.