Model 1905 with rough chambers, need help

[chasmatic]

I have a model 1905 originally 38/200 that went Lend-Lease to England during WWII. Parker Hale bored and sleeved the cylinder, machined it for 38 special. New or reload rounds drop in and fall out OK but fired brass is hard to eject.

From what I see, the chambers are just a bit rough (no gross scoring or spiral tool marks, just ... not glassy smooth). I would like to smooth them out. I'm not sure what would be the best way to do this - jewellers rouge and a felt tip on a dremel, one guy suggested crocus cloth with a wooden dowel, I understand that there are chamber reamers available but spendy. I'm fairly competent with tools and machine shop stuff but I never did something like this.

Help! I would welcome advice from anyone that has experience with this issue. I don't want to do something that would make matters worse.

 

[m-1911]

Your nproblem is most likely due to the chambers being oversized and the 38 Special brass expanding when it is fired. This is a common problem with these 38 S&W guns converted to 38 Spcl

 

[walnutred]

Brownells sells chamber polishing brushes for revolvers that come with honing oil, which are designed to be used with a drill. While I've never used one in 38 caliber I have use ones in 45 and 12ga. They are basically based on the tools mechanics used to polish brake cylinders and work fairly well.

 

[flagman1776]

This is an interesting idea. I was looking there but have not seen it yet. Do you have an item number or something to help locate this product?
Thanks,
Russ

 

[chasmatic]

1905 rough chambers

Gary, you're correct, the cylinder left the factory chambered for 38 Smith & Wesson (38/200). Parker Hale bored it out and inserted sleeves, then bored them out for 38 special. Before I really looked closely I tried some 38 S&W cartridges, uh uh, wouldn't fit. If you look closely at the picture you can see the sleeves.

Hmm, looks like I'll have to check out Brownell's. Thanks for that tip.

BTW, sorry, I should have posted this on the 'smithing forum.

 

[km5wu]

This is an interesting idea. I was looking there but have not seen it yet. Do you have an item number or something to help locate this product?
Thanks,
Russ

It's SKU #:080-608-138.

Paul

 

[flagman1776]

Thanks, Paul, I couldn't find it... with the SKU it came right up.
I hope to get one under the tree.
Russ