Issue with a 12-2. Cylindar slack

[endzone]

I found a 12-2 today in a pawn shop for a great price...$199. Obviously, it caught my eye. It's a blue RB at about 75% condition. When I inspected it, I found that the cylinder had a lot of slack or movement forward and backward on the ejector rod. To the extent that when closing, the cylinder would extend slightly beyond the opening and hit on the frame. You had to wiggle or adjust it to make the cylinder close. It was like it was missing a bushing or spacer or something. Does anyone have an idea as what kind of a problem this is and what it takes to fix it? I'd really like to think this would be a great buy but if it's going to be an expensive fix, I don't want the hassle. Thanks for any input.

 

[clang444]

Sounds like the frame is stretched out from lots of usage. You can shim the cylinder, but your cylinder to barrel gap may be excessive.

You also want to check for the dreaded frame crack on the flat where the barrel screws into the frame.

 

[armorer951]

I'm assuming you mean that you feel this movement when the cylinder is closed. If so, it's most likely end shake...or excessive gauge between the end of the yoke barrel and the cylinder. Usually, this condition can be remedied by stretching the yoke barrel, or by the insertion of shims to take up the ecess space or gauge. Some backward an forward movement of the cylinder on the yoke when the cylinder is open is normal.

You don't say whether when attempting to close the cylinder it was contacting the frame at the rear or the front. Could also be missing the required frame lug, or the frame lug is damaged.

 

[endzone]

the slack is apparent when the cylinder is open. And it's excessive. Lots more than normal. I'd say it probably moves 1/4". And it hits the front of the frame unless you pull it backwards. When closed, the lockup seems tight and normal.

 

[OldChief]

Armorer951, do you think he might be missing the extractor rod collar?
I noticed that clang444 mentioned that there might be a crack in the frame. In the Specials and variations section of the catalog the first item says, "Watch out for cracked frames on this model." The fact that this is an alloy firearm, it's hard to say what is causing his problem without inspecting the piece. He may even have a big problem with end shake on the yoke. Endzone, have your revolver checked by a competent gun smith or call S&W customer service and ask their advice.

 

[endzone]

The fact that it's an airweight with all the issues that can come from alloy frames causes me to be "gun shy" of this one. I think I'm going to pass even at that price.

 

[endzone]

thanks for the input fellas.

 

[OldChief]

Endzone, I've been thinking of the problem with this revolver all day and I may have figured it out. If you go and look at it again, check and see if the proper screw, if any, is in the side plate under the cylinder. Someone may have gotten the wrong screw in there. if there is one. I know you said you're going to pass on it but the problem has been really bugging me. If that's all it is, $199 would not be a bad price if you just want it for your collection.

 

[endzone]

Endzone, I've been thinking of the problem with this revolver all day and I may have figured it out. If you go and look at it again, check and see if the proper screw, if any, is in the side plate under the cylinder. Someone may have gotten the wrong screw in there. if there is one. I know you said you're going to pass on it but the problem has been really bugging me. If that's all it is, $199 would not be a bad price if you just want it for your collection.

Thanks for your idea OldChief. I'll go back in to take a look at it
today.

 

[Tired Gunsmith]

Bent or misaligned yoke comes to min first.

 

[OldChief]

Bent or misaligned yoke comes to min first.

Yes, that's a possibility too.

 

[kaaskop49]

The fact that it's an airweight with all the issues that can come from alloy frames causes me to be "gun shy" of this one. I think I'm going to pass even at that price.

^^^^what he said. Walk away from this one. No, run. From your description, the gun sounds really bad. With all the guns out there, you're not saving anything by buying this worn out turkey. The price is a deuce, so imagine how little the pawn shop gave the previous owner. I've never had luck with a 12, so I'm prejudiced from the get-go. Wish you well.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[endzone]

The gun had sold by the time I got back in there on Tuesday. I didn't figure it would last long at the price they were asking. I'm not crying over it. Thanks for all the input guys.