Is it a bad sign if the cylinder moves a bit when locked up?

[Chrysoberyl]

Is it terribly important that the cylinder in a revolver stays without any possible movement in the lock up stage?

 

[Centenniel]

No, most revolvers will have a small amount of play on at least one or more charge hole. It isn't a problem unless it is excessive which can lead to lead-spitting. The forcing cone is designed to handle the small amount of variance that may exist between the barrel and the cylinder charge holes.

 

[500 Magnum Nut]

They will have a little end shake and rotational wobble to run well. They all have some. If it gets excessive you can tighten them up, both ways.

 

[The Rabbi]

Yes! The gun is dangerous to shoot. Send it to me now!

 

[LubeckTech]

Should this test be performed with the hammer at the fully cocked position or with the trigger fully back and the hammer down? Some revolvers are not fully locked up unless the trigger is fully back and I think S&Ws are that way but am not sure.

 

[tomcatt51]

Should this test be performed with the hammer at the fully cocked position or with the trigger fully back and the hammer down? Some revolvers are not fully locked up unless the trigger is fully back and I think S&Ws are that way but am not sure.

On a S&W revolver it doesn't matter. There is, by design, some rotational "wiggle". The "wiggle" allows the chamber and barrel to align as the bullet makes the cylinder throat / forcing cone "jump".

 

[PALADIN85020]

Always test for rotational movement with the trigger fully back in the fire position, and the hammer fully down in the fired position. On Smiths, you will have just a little wiggle. On Colts, because the hand is still exerting pressure on the ratchet clockwise and pressing the cylinder notch against the locking stud, there should be no rotational movement at all.

 

[Chrysoberyl]

In that case,what if there's no movement at all? I ask this because I have to choose between two revolvers,and one of them locks like an armored door,the other doesn't.

 

[tomcatt51]

I have to choose between two revolvers,and one of them locks like an armored door,the other doesn't.

If they're both S&W's, the tight one probably has a hand that's a little too thick. If that's the case, the trigger pull (in DA) will get stiff just before the hammer falls. Feels like a "staged" trigger but it's the hand binding up.

 

[dant]

wiggle room....

Always test for rotational movement with the trigger fully back in the fire position, and the hammer fully down in the fired position. On Smiths, you will have just a little wiggle. On Colts, because the hand is still exerting pressure on the ratchet counterclockwise and pressing the cylinder notch against the locking stud, there should be no rotational movement at all.

This is where the term "wiggle room" came from........

yes, if that is the only difference, then you gotta "shop the deal"........