Firing a full load behind a squib, questions.

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M1Garandy

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Let me first state that I did not fire the revolver in question and I do not know the seller.

I saw a S&W revolver for sale that is advertised as having been fired with a normal load behind a un-noticed squib.

This resulted in what was described as having "cracked and flanged the forcing cone".

With that in mind, what are the odds that the frame is junk too?

Thanks.
 
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Ouch! In the absence of a personal inspection I would assume the barrel which needs replacing is frozen in the frame forever. If the bulge is within the barrel threads the frame may not be worth saving. There are more positive possibilities but I sure would not buy this turkey without first having my gunsmith examine it.
 
You might be able to tell something by measuring the frame where the barrel threads in. I would not bet much on it until the barrel was removed and the frame threads checked. Finding a new 9mm barrel might be difficult and expensive. If the frame is swelled all you have is a 9mm cylinder and some spare K frame parts.
 
I'll bet if steelslaver found this turkey in a waste basket he'd make it shoot again. A member posted a picture of his very classy "Smolt" Model 28 fitted with a 6" Python barrel then Armaloy plated. Python threads are smaller than N frame threads so the gunsmith had to solve essentially the same problem you'd have here after removing the 9mm barrel and reaming an oversize barrel thread hole. It was posted that he welded metal onto the Python barrel's threads then recut larger threads. Bearing in mind that in nice condition K frame 9 MMs fetch over $1,000 would you care to comment?

It is also possible that the rear of the barrel is swollen into an oversize but still functional forcing cone and the revolver will accurately fire another thousand rounds or more. I'd give it a test fire -- if I found it in a waste basket.
 
M1Garandy said:
This resulted in what was described as having "cracked and flanged the forcing cone".
Click to expand...

k22fan said:
It is also possible that the rear of the barrel is swollen into an oversize but still functional forcing cone and the revolver will accurately fire another thousand rounds or more. I'd give it a test fire -- if I found it in a waste basket.
Click to expand...

Key word "cracked"
 
The firearm in my opinion would be classified as abused, meaning that the frame maybe damaged. The barrel can be replaced, but if the frame is damaged in any way it is now a small boat anchor.

BTW, what is the seller asking for it?
 
If I found it dirt cheap I would play with it and try to see if I could make it back into a shooter alright. The cracked and flanged barrel concerns me though. Getting the old barrel out might be a problem. If it didn't turn out easily or started to tighten up after breaking loose I would drill it out till it was very thin and then remove. With a K frame you don't have much to work with on the bottom of the fame in the barrel thread location. Might spend a lot of effort and still end up with just some parts. I do have the stuff to do a dye penetration test on the frame. I also have lot of time and equipment.
 
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Saw it off

Why not saw off the cracked and bulged forcing cone portion of the barrel, wrench out the remaining barrel, dye penetrant check the front of the frame, and go from there? If the frame is good, no bulges or cracks in the thread area, all that would be required is a new barrel. The threads might need chasing, but if the barrel can be reasonably clocked and pinned, it should be fine. Cost is the issue. Would such a repaired/salvaged piece be worth the repair $$. Luck finding a new 9 mm barrel would be the key determinant.
 
Thanks for all the opinions.

This was striclty a curiosity question relating to a M547 I saw for sale clear across the country.
 
Sounds like you're talking about 547. Good luck finding parts for that. I even if were a more common gun, I would be very reluctant to get involved even if I personally inspected it.
 
M1Garandy said:
Thanks for all the opinions.

This was striclty a curiosity question relating to a M547 I saw for sale clear across the country.
Click to expand...

Frankly, I think the seller should be pushing it just as a parts gun.
 
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