Gas Cutting Topstrap 586

[ezb57]

Hello all: Shot this revolver a lot last month putting maybe 300-500 rounds through it including a couple boxes of .357. I think the gun has less than 2000 rounds total through it, the vast majority of that with .38 Special.
Took it down for a good clean found this cutting on the top strap complete with bits of copper jacket blasted into the cut. Sides of barrel ahead of cylinder look blasted too. I always felt this gun had a slight spitting problem, and I have long thought /think the forcing cone looks poor.
I didnt expect to see this level of wear so soon. Is this worrisome?

 

[TJm15.38]

I am no expert and certainly no gunsmith. These things I would leave to the S&W professionals. However, that amount of flame cutting would be worrisome to me to the point that I would review the type of ammo expended and seek professional gunsmith evaluation of the revolver.

 

[Nightowl]

If you have spitting, it should be checked out. The flame cutting is normal for Smiths, but with so few rounds, could be questionable. It normally self limits around where you are now.

As for the spitting, you will want to check the gap between the barrel and cylinder to determine if it is excessive. If you do not have a set of gap gauges, check with your local automotive shop. They are worth their weight in gold and last forever. Also, check the carry up (some folks call it timing). Hold the gun upright and slowly cock the hammer in single action. The cylinder stop should engage all six stop notches before the hammer is all the way cocked. Next try it in double action. If all do not properly engage, then a repair is in order. Some guns will over do it and push the cylinder beyond where it should be and also cause misalignment chamber to barrel and cause spitting. That is also a repair issue.
If these checks reveal a problem, then a trip to the factory, or a good revolver smith is in order.

 

[Rock185]

ezb57, Have the spitting situation checked out. But Magnum revolvers firing Magnum ammunition will display gas cutting to the top strap. I have one S&W revolver over 50 years old, fired mostly with factory Magnum ammunition and equivalent hand loads. I had it overhauled by S&W in '80, but it still has the same frame, displaying more gas cutting than shown in your photo. S&W did not see that as a problem. The gas cutting I can see would not worry me...YMMV

 

[ezb57]

Now that cylinder and barrel extension are clean, measuring shows .008 from either side. Timing looks good in SA and DA. Not sure how much further to go, maybe time to invest in a throat tool or let a pro at it?

 

[stansdds]

I definitely see some erosion at the edge of the forcing cone, that comes with shooting full power magnum ammo, especially with bullets weighing less than 140 grains. The spitting is something to be concerned about as it indicates one or more chambers are not properly aligned with the barrel when the revolver fires. I do not think that correcting an alignment issue is something that someone without the proper tools, parts, and knowledge should attempt.

 

[Pisgah]

Lead fouling, no cutting...

 

[The Norseman]

Cutting

Thank you for sharing your experience.
I think on the cutting no worries yet
(not at all very deep).

The spitting should be investigated.
One reason I always advocate wear
eye protection when shooting any
Firearm.

I’m curious as to what exactly you were
shooting. If you don’t mind please tell
and show pictures of the boxes and
ammo.

The Best to you and your Endeavors.

 

[ezb57]

Thank you for sharing your experience.
I think on the cutting no worries yet
(not at all very deep).

The spitting should be investigated.
One reason I always advocate wear
eye protection when shooting any
Firearm.

I’m curious as to what exactly you were
shooting. If you don’t mind please tell
and show pictures of the boxes and
ammo.

The Best to you and your Endeavors.

I have fired a wide variety of ammo over the years but here is a photo from a recent session. Its been mostly Federal and Remington 125gr +P .38 and some assorted brands, some Remingtom wadcutters I had, and a few boxes of this .357 you can see.