Model 64-8 Excessive Cylinder Gap, is it worth fixing?

[FMFdoc]

New to the forum and just getting started with collecting Smith & Wesson revolvers. I recently acquired a Model 64-8 Smith & Wesson, it is in fantastic shape. Timing is good, tight lockup, beautiful finish, but the one thing I noticed is that the cylinder gap is like 1/16 inch.

My question is what could be the cause and is it worth fixing? Don't really want to invest hundreds in a revolver I planned to have as a truck gun. Not many gunsmiths that are any good in my area, and the one I did talk to said it would be like $150 to fix, not sure on a $300 revolver.

 

[silversnake]

Wow how did that even happen? Forcing cone erosion? Frame stretching?

If it were me I would contact S&W to see what they recommend.

 

[Fishinfool]

Take a set of flat metal feeler gauges, and measure the gap between the forcing cone and cylinder. It should be between about .004 and .012. Unless the frame stretched, or there is severe forcing cone erosion, I don't know what would cause the issue. Unless it "spits" lead badly, I would just use it as is. A good gunsmith could turn the barrel in another turn, and re-cut the forcing cone to give you a proper gap, but that will cost a few bucks.

Larry

 

[rwsmith]

If it's an endshake problem..

I do know that endshake can be corrected with shims. Measure the cylinder gap with the cylinder as close to the forcing cone as it will go and again with the cylinder pushed back as far as it will go from the forcing cone. That is the extent of my knowledge.

 

[Ross3914]

The first question is always, "How does it shoot?"

If it works fine, and doesn't spit lead, and is otherwise up to par, I wouldn't bother with it. If you're going to use it for training/classes, home defense, carry, or any serious social purpose, I might think about addressing any issues.

If your vision of a "truck gun" is just something you leave in the truck to fool around with once in a blue moon, then spending more money on it doesn't make sense to me.

If your vision of a "truck gun" is your mainline weapon you are going to keep for the Zombie infestation, and that's the only gun you are going to ever have for the rest of eternity afterwards, then I'd think about getting it worked on.

 

[k22fan]

I can guess at how a revolver would acquire a 0.063" B/C gap. Most likely it developed end shake to the point where while dirty the cylinder was dragging on the rear end of the barrel. Next a previous user who was not aware that the cylinder needed to be held back filed off the rear end of the barrel to remove drag from the DA pull. Frame stretch and forcing cone erosion does not explain a huge B/C gap but a user who was not mechanically inclined and did not care much about his employer's equipment does.

I can only hope your eye ball estimate is way off. Other wise, do not fire it on public gun ranges or any where else where there will be people off to the side of you.

We've all made a few mistakes buying other peoples problems. I would get it professionally repaired.

 

[armorer951]

Absolutely, it's worth fixing.....

I believe the model 64-8 has a two piece barrel design. After verifying with feeler gauges that the front B/C gap is out of spec, one option would be to contact S&W Customer Service for an estimate on having it properly repaired. They may do the work under warranty. 1-800-331-0852