Help Needed!

[seattleM29]

Well guys today I had a disaster happen. I took out the Pre 14 K-38 to the range today. Ammo being used was plain jane factory 158 grain semi-wadcutter non +p ammo. After the 6th round I tried to open the cylinder and it was stuck. After 10 minutes of working with it gently I got the cylinder open only to look down at a split forcing cone. It is split at the bottom. I just bought this gun a few weeks ago and looked over it very carefully at the show and there were no cracks or splits then. I'm thinking the former owner was running +p ammo through it and it finally has given up. Can the forcing cone be repaired/replaced without having to get a new barrel or am I screwed? If it can be repaired what is a rough estimate and who is qualified enough to do the job? I really appreciate any help.

 

[bamabiker]

I'm no expert but I believe you better start looking for a barrel.

 

[seattleM29]

ya thats what I'm just sick over. This was such a nice gun and I got a great deal on it--maybe thats why it was such a great deal to begin with cuz the owner knew what the gun had gone through. But the action is very tight with no shake. But I wonder if finding a decent used barrel will be like finding a needle in a haystack.

 

[cp1969]

Probably the best bet is send it back to the factory. They do good work (IMO) and turn things around pretty quickly. It'll be like new when you get it back.

 

[bamabiker]

Keep an eye on the forum classifieds and post a WTB ad in the WTB classifieds. You might also look on Gunbroker. Maybe you'll get lucky.

cp1969 has a good suggestion, contact S&W and see if they can help.

 

[seattleM29]

I don't think they would work on a gun this old--it's from the 1950's--or will they? I found a barrel on GB for $100 and then of course I'll have to have it installed but man I wish the original barrel could be kept in tact.

 

[bamabiker]

Can you post a picture of the forcing cone. I'd just like to see it.

 

[seattleM29]

here ya go

 

[bamabiker]

Not real clear but clear enough to see that's a nasty split. Thanks.

 

[seattleM29]

I know S&W makes Model 14's in their classic line but I dunno that it will work on an old gun or if they will even sell a barrel. Probably going to have to find a old barrel and have it installed I'm just sick over this.

 

[bamabiker]

You and the guy that ran over his S&W with his riding mower must be the 2 sickest guys on the forum right now. Sorry.

 

[seattleM29]

OMG I have not even seen that thread yet. I know it's not the end of the world and this gun was far from a collector piece but I have fired thousands and thousands of rounds in my life from all type of revolvers and have never had this happen.

 

[cp1969]

I would certainly talk to S&W. You've got nothing to lose.

 

[seattleM29]

Ya I'm gonna call them tomorrow just in case but I'm pretty certain they will not work on it.

 

[Muley Gil]

My dad bought a post WW II Miltary & Police in 1969 or so.The salesman sold him a box of Super Vel .38 specials as well. The first time we took it out, he shot six rounds, I shot six rounds, and when my mom fired shot number 13, the revolver bound up.

The forcing cone had split. It wasn't near as bad as yours.

 

[seattleM29]

What did you guys end up doing? Replace the barrel or just keep shooting it. BTW the gun shot the 6 rounds very accurately-but I won't shoot it with that crack because it makes it a PITA to open the cylinder and pretty sure it's not safe to shoot now.

 

[Muley Gil]

My dad took the gun back to the dealer and it was sent back to S&W. They installed a new M10 barrel on it.

Don't shoot yours anymore. It is definitely not safe.

 

[seattleM29]

Well I just got off the phone with a rep at S&W and as I expected they have no barrels and the new barrels for their Classic line will not work. The good news is they will install a barrel for me for $60 if I can locate one. I also have a call into Ford's and waiting for a callback--I figure since it's collectible status is totally gone now, if I can get a barrel I might as well have a master blue done at the same time the new barrel is put on.

Once this is done this gun is going to be fed only very very light handloads.

 

[H Richard]

Why not have S&W do the re-blue when they are installing the barrel? Their work is very very good.

 

[seattleM29]

I'll have to check with them to see what they charge-didn't know they still refinish guns--I just don't want it coming back with that matte blue/black oxide look that comes on many handguns today-it wouldn't look right on this gun to me.