How does one repair a loose gas ring?

[Nightowl]

I recently purchased a lightly fired 4 inch nickel P&R 27-2. After firing a partial box on Federal .357 Magnum 158 grain ammo, the cylinder began to be real hard to turn. After a lot of investigation, I have found that the gas ring is shooting loose, moving forward enough to tie up the gun.

After narrowing it down to the gas ring, I struck it a couple of times with a plastic hammer, a light plastic hammer, reinstalled everything and the binding was no more.

Now, I expect that after about 12 rounds of magnums, it will start binding again. How can this be repaired? Try some Locktite, send it back to the factory? Suggestions?

 

[Muss Muggins]

Where exactly is the "gas ring?" I've heard tale of such thing, but I'm unfamiliar. . .

 

[saemetric]

It's pressed into the front part of the cylinder. I'd try some red lictite on it if it comes loose again or put some green wicking lo time in now before it backs out.

 

[steelslaver]

Where exactly is the "gas ring?" I've heard tale of such thing, but I'm unfamiliar. . .

That little tube piece that sticks out the center of the front of cylinder. It is pressed in. Never had one come loose myself.

Part # 6 of this schematic from Numerich. $7.60, new one might be tighter.

27-3 (N Frame) Schematic | Numrich

By the way they use the exact same picture for all the frames. None have the frame cross pin for barrel,even on guns that have the pin.

They do give the right number for the part the schematic is labeled for.

 

[Univibe]

A "gas ring" is the piston ring on the AR-15.

 

[cgt4570]

As others have said, if it's working loose (which is almost unheard of), get some Loctite retaining compound (it's used to keep bearings on shafts and I use it to keep my drill press quill in place).

 

[Protocall_Design]

The green wicking kind, #290 would be the one to go with. Take it back apart and clean everything (gas ring and seat) with brake parts cleaner or acetone and Q-tips. Allow the solvent time to evaporate so it's all dry. Reassemble the parts and put the Loctite around the outside in the corner where the gas ring meets the cylinder. Let it sit undisturbed for an hour or so, then clean off any excess, inside and out with Q-tips. Wait a day or more before using.

Be sure to clean off all Loctite that is accessible, as any that's not between parts will remain liquid for a long time because it's anaerobic. That means it only cures in the absence of air. If there is some on the inside barrel of the cylinder, for example, it won't cure until you install the yoke, then they will be glued together.

 

[Nightowl]

The green wicking kind, #290 would be the one to go with. Take it back apart and clean everything (gas ring and seat) with brake parts cleaner or acetone and Q-tips. Allow the solvent time to evaporate so it's all dry. Reassemble the parts and put the Loctite around the outside in the corner where the gas ring meets the cylinder. Let it sit undisturbed for an hour or so, then clean off any excess, inside and out with Q-tips. Wait a day or more before using.

Be sure to clean off all Loctite that is accessible, as any that's not between parts will remain liquid for a long time because it's anaerobic. That means it only cures in the absence of air. If there is some on the inside barrel of the cylinder, for example, it won't cure until you install the yoke, then they will be glued together.

That sounds like a delicate procedure.

Update: Today I shot 26 rounds of Federal factory .357 Mag loads through it and it did not bind at all. I really don't think I have it fixed, so will search for some of the Green Loctite.

Thanks for everyone's help. This is the first time I have ever experienced a gas ring issue.

 

[kthom]

I wouldn't use the Loctite until your gas ring comes loose again! Who knows? It may work for a very long time!

 

[M29since14]

I wouldn't use the Loctite until your gas ring comes loose again! Who knows? It may work for a very long time!

Me too. You'll know soon enough. But don't be afraid of Loctite. Just heed what Toolguy has already said and all will be well. I wouldn't get in a hurry to reassemble. No harm in letting the cylinder sit for a day or two, after wiping the excess away, before you put it back together.

 

[Nightowl]

I wouldn't use the Loctite until your gas ring comes loose again! Who knows? It may work for a very long time!

Yes. I am in no hurry to use Loctite!! It's hard to believe that the light plastic hammer strokes allowed it to shoot as long as it did. I will continue to shoot it until it locks up again. I have no way of knowing if I will be able to remove it from the cylinder as I have no tools fit for the job. I'm not one to take a pair of pliers to it!!

Anyway, we will see what happens. At least now I am prepared to deal with it when/if it happens again. I'm not sure the factory would even want to deal with it.

 

[Muss Muggins]

That little tube piece that sticks out the center of the front of cylinder. It is pressed in. Never had one come loose myself.

Thanks. In all my years of working on S&W revolvers, I've never dealt with a loose one . . .

 

[Nightowl]

Thanks. In all my years of working on S&W revolvers, I've never dealt with a loose one . . .

Me either. I had to tear this one down at least four times and clean and check all the normal suspects with no luck. Finally, exasperated, I started taking things apart a piece at a time and checking to see if it affected the binding until there was only the gas ring as the last possibility!

 

[chief38]

Personally I use Pepcid Complete! LOL