N Frame possible crack

[mtelkhntr]

I looked at an N frame model 27 and it appeared to have either a deep scratch or a crack in the frame. Looking the revolver from the left side the mark runs from the upper left corner on the cylinder window, through the pin and ends at the front of the frame. The pin isn't marked but if it weren't in the frame this mark or whatever it is would go right through the center of the hole. Has anyone seen or heard of frames cracking in that area?
Thanks

 

[rjm6120]

Is there any way you can post a pic or three of the area of concern?

 

[mtelkhntr]

I don't have the revolver just saw it. It and me are now 250 miles apart

 

[WR Moore]

That's not the thinnest part of the frame thread boss. Doesn't mean it might not crack there.

There is a commercial product usually found in welding supply stores called CrakChekr or something similar. You use brake cleaner or something similar to get the area chemically clean. You then, per directions, spray on the penetrating solution and wipe the surface clean. The developer is then sprayed on. If it's actually cracked, you'll see a contrasting color line where the crack is when the developer dries.

If the seller kvetches, there's any number of come backs. You'll be willing to buy the gun if it's intact. Hints that they wouldn't want their rep to suffer if they sold a non-repairable gun as functional might work too.

My version of the directions may be slightly off, but I've used the stuff on tractor spindles periodically after having one break on me. Been worth the cost. It's much easier and more convenient to change cracked but working spindles in a barn than wherever one breaks in the field while worrying about the tractor falling on me.

 

[G-Mac]

What WR Moore is describing is called "dye penetrant testing". Weld inspectors do a lot of this type of testing. The kit typically comes with everything you need in spray cans...the cleaner, the penetrating dye, and the developer. Not an inexpensive proposition just to check one gun that you are considering buying.

 

[Art Doc]

I would be shocked if a 27 cracked like that. Shooting wouldn't do it. Maybe dropped...from an airplane...and run over by a bulldozer.

 

[G-Mac]

I would be shocked if a 27 cracked like that. Shooting wouldn't do it. Maybe dropped...from an airplane...and run over by a bulldozer.

Unless they shot too many +P rounds in it.

 

[Alk8944]

Unless they shot too many +P rounds in it.

Where have you seen, or even heard of, .357 MAGNUM +p?????
And no, that wouldn't do it. Except for the rare occurrence of cracks to the bottom of the frame lunette frames simply do not fail until the cylinder does first!

 

[mtelkhntr]

I would be shocked if a 27 cracked like that. Shooting wouldn't do it. Maybe dropped...from an airplane...and run over by a bulldozer.

That's my thought but I could catch it with me fingernail. I'll see if they'll magnaflux it or do the penetrating dye. It'll be a while before I get back that direction

 

[G-Mac]

Where have you seen, or even heard of, .357 MAGNUM +p?????

Please note "wink" icon at end of my post.

 

[WR Moore]

Not an inexpensive proposition just to check one gun that you are considering buying.

IIRC, the kit cost me about $20, which is cheaper than possibly buying a firearm with a cracked frame/receiver. I got a number of uses out of the kit before it lost pressure as all such canned pressurized products can do.

Thanks for the proper name for the process, it was late and I'm no longer young.

Mangaflux would work too, be less messy but the issue is finding someplace willing to do it on a gun plus getting it there and back. Dunno about costs.

 

[G-Mac]

IIRC, the kit cost me about $20, which is cheaper than possibly buying a firearm with a cracked frame/receiver. I got a number of uses out of the kit before it lost pressure as all such canned pressurized products can do.

Thanks for the proper name for the process, it was late and I'm no longer young.

Mangaflux would work too, be less messy but the issue is finding someplace willing to do it on a gun plus getting it there and back. Dunno about costs.

Here's some current prices on dye penetrant kits....

Amazon.com: dye penetrant kit

 

[WR Moore]

Finally got around to checking that link. Looking through it, you could buy the separate items for $25. It's like anything else, ya gotta shop around. BTW, I found-at least with grease saturated tractor spindles-that using the gum cutter/brake cleaner before using the kit cleaner was a really good idea. The test area has to be chemically clean.

 

[HamHands]

I would be shocked if a 27 cracked like that. Shooting wouldn't do it. Maybe dropped...from an airplane...and run over by a bulldozer.

I've never seen an "N Frame" cracked in all my years. It was Smith's heaviest/strongest frame until the X frame came out. Not saying it couldn't happen... especially if someone mistakenly used rifle powder while reloading pistol cartridges. I'd love to see pics but know that OP and the pistol are away from each other.

 

[.455_Hunter]

especially if someone mistakenly used rifle powder while reloading pistol cartridges.

???

I think you have things a bit backwards. Other than making a big mess of unburned grains and low performance, rifle powder in a pistol is not going to cause a structural failure in a handgun.

Now a case full of Bullseye, on the other hand...

 

[Muley Gil]

???

I think you have things a bit backwards. Other than making a big mess of unburned grains and low performance, rifle powder in a pistol is not going to cause a structural failure in a handgun.

Now a case full of Bullseye, on the other hand...

Then you have a blue steel, six shot, double action hand grenade.

 

[GerSan69]

Are you sure you weren't looking at the side plate?

 

[murphydog]

Without the miracle of digital imagery forthcoming, I would guess a polishing defect leaving a ridge (or groove) in the frame.

 

[steelslaver]

I have a couple cans of both dye and developer in my shop, because working in the welding industry it was easy to come by and considered a cheap consumable.

But, I suspect that if you sprayed some Knoil or the like on a suspected crack and then wiped it off well and sprinkled something like corn starch on it, the starch would suck oil stuck in the crack out and show as a dark line. Simply using red dyed diesel or food coloring might cause it to display better.

I also believe a strong magnet and some metal filings could be used. Magna Fluxing they just apply a electro magnet and some fine metal filings to the suspect area and if there is a crack the filings line up on the sides of the crack. The fancy ones use filings with a dye that displays under a black light. Apply and hit it with the light under a cover and it shows up as a bright line.

 

[M29since14]

Means little, but I am with Alk8944. Never heard of or seen a frame cracked there unless the gun was destroyed by a failed cylinder (which takes off the top strap, in severe cases). I'd bet a hamburger it's a machining/polishing defect.