Expert Armor Advice Needed Model 57

[JeffD607]

I have a model 57 (no dash) that I recently purchased. The recoil shield has scratch marks on it from the ratchets making contact. I have been reading previous posts on this forum and took some measurements to check for “end shake” the measurement between the rear of the cylinder and the forcing cone is .001” and the measurement between the cylinder face and the recoil shield is .016”. When the cylinder is open, there is .030” in back and forth travel of the cylinder on the yoke. Any suggestions or diagnosis greatly appreciated.

 

[minconrevo]

You will need some fired cases in the cylinder before you can begin to more accurately measuire cylinder to cone space as well as back of cylinder to recoil shield. Recognize that some "wobble" fore and aft of cylinder is normal; excessive is not.

 

[SAFireman]

Check to make sure that the ratchet isn't peened or damaged to a degree where it is scarring the recoil shield.

 

[Protocall_Design]

The ratchets should never touch the recoil shield. The round boss around the center pin should be about .005 above the ratchets. That's the only part that should touch.

With fired cases in the chambers there should be .005 to .010 between the case head and recoil shield.

Endshake on an open cylinder is irrelevant. When closed, endshake should be .001 to .002. This is measured by holding the empty closed cylinder forward and measuring barrel-cylinder gap, and holding the cylinder rearwad and measuring. The difference between the 2 measurements is the amount of endshake.

 

[JeffD607]

I am a bit confused by some of the responses. I do not have any empty cartridges for this gun because I have not fired it yet. I am wondering why it has to have empty cartridges with the fact that it has a counterbored cylinder. The cylinder to breech measurement (without empty cartridges) is .005” and the round boss protrudes well past the ratchets. I’m thinking there may be an issue with the .030” of back and forth movement of the cylinder when it is open. If I hold the cylinder forward while closing it, the ratchets do not hit the recoil shield first. If I push the cylinder toward the rear while closing it, the ratchets hit the recoil shield first.

 

[Protocall_Design]

You can use loaded ammo to do the measurements with, but it is much safer with empty cases. Since that cylinder has counterbores for the case rims, the material surrounding the rims keeps you from measuring the distance from where the rim seats to the recoil shield.

The amount of cylinder play with the cylinder open is determined by the frame lug at the bottom right corner of the frame window, when looking at the left side of the gun. If that were not there, the cylinder could just slide off backwards when it's open. Your lug may be worn, rounded off, or maybe the wrong one. That can easily be replaced by a good gunsmith.

 

[jaymoore]

.... If I hold the cylinder forward while closing it, the ratchets do not hit the recoil shield first. If I push the cylinder toward the rear while closing it, the ratchets hit the recoil shield first.

I've seen that condition a few times. IIRC, it may be rarely traced to the curvature of the LH side of the recoil shield where it is supposed to depress the spring loaded center pin. If the fitter got a little carried away it may allow the ratchet to crash.

Usually, though, the cylinder stop boss down lower should keep that from happening. As above, check the frame lug for deformation or wear. That's fixable, sometimes simply by a light peening with a polished face tiny hammer or a similarly polished-face punch. Replacing the frame lug usually requires at least local rebluing, as it needs to be fit.

One other thing to check is whether the yoke is sprung. Generally due to "going Hollywood" and slamming the cylinder shut with a flick of the wrist.

 

[doubletapp357]

alot of great advice from qualified members..... might help to upload some photo's

 

[JeffD607]

It would appear that this is probably the issue. I'm not sure how this got worn this bad a not worn anyplace else on the gun. They can be replaced? My apologies, I have not figured out how to rotate a picture here yet.

 

[Vtgw938]

Always edit your pics and re-save before posting.

 

[jaymoore]

It would appear that this is probably the issue. I'm not sure how this got worn this bad a not worn anyplace else on the gun. They can be replaced? My apologies, I have not figured out how to rotate a picture here yet.

That doesn't look particularly worn in the image you displayed. Usually, they'll get gouged out fairly badly before becoming a problem. Nor does the cylinder appear to be running over the top of the lug, which is good. More photos, in any orientation, in associated areas?

If anything the yoke might possibly be tweaked downwards a little bit. (Whilst in the closed position.)

 

[Protocall_Design]

It looks like that one was that way from the factory. They wouldn't necessarily care too much about that particular part, as long as the cylinder stayed on the gun. The only fix for that is to get a new one fitted, then nickel plated.

 

[JeffD607]

I am now home with the proper tools and have taken the yoke and cylinder off the gun. It would appear the slot on the end of the yoke that the forward plate screw rides in, is bent. I'm thinking this is allowing the cylinder to slide back more than normal causing the ratchets to hit the recoil shield upon closing. Is this sosmething that can be repaired or will I need a new yoke? Thanks in advance.