Performance Center Stamping - how?

[Talan2000]

Hi all,

I have a pretty basic newbie question -- how does S&W stamp/mark the barrels on performance center edition firearms.

For example, I've been looking at a revolver online and it seems to me that there is an odd bulge/deformation on the barrel where the "performance center" is stamped.

That leads to my question -- surely the impression is made by some type of "roll" marker and not hand stamped, right?

What would cause such a deformation - as if the barrel was stamped too hard?

Or - is it an indication of something else entirely - say a bulged barrel?

What do you guys think?

Thanks!

Todd

 

[Alk8944]

If you are asking about the raised "burr" around the letters, this is completely normal, and even more accentuated with the larger font used in recent years. Anytime you apply a mark by stamping the displaced metal has to go somewhere. S&W used to apply the roll marks and then finish polish the parts, and this would polish away the burr you see. In recent years they polish then apply the markings.

Try looking at other guns in your LGS and you will see they all have this.

 

[bigggbbruce]

I think I wouldn't buy that one.

 

[Talan2000]

Collects

Yes, precisely. I am concerned about that deformation between the e and the c. It's not a burr, it is more like a dent...It's on a gun on an auction site - not cheap. I asked the seller if it was a bulged barrel and they assure me it is not but didn't say what it was from ... implied it was from too heavy a stamp on the barrel. I don't know.

 

[PatriotX]

In addition to the dent/bulge, the finish doesn't look factory on the barrel.

Personally, I would look elsewhere.

 

[AveragEd]

Ask for a photo of the barrel taken from a different angle. If the barrel really is deformed, it will show up better in that view. But I agree with those who suggest passing on that gun if the imperfection is very obvious - PC guns cost too much for a buyer to settle for less than near-perfection.

Ed

 

[Laker2004]

At any rate. I would pass. something's goofy there

 

[ljd]

686 PC & Govenor Grips Swapped. Opinions?

I was looking at shortening the grips on my 686 performance center (L frame) so it may be a little more concealable.

I took the smaller grips from the Governor (X frame) and put them on the 686. Happy with the results for sure.

I looked at just buying a set of the Crimson Trace for the 686 but can't find the ones like the ones I have now that have the S&W logo.

I don't think I'd be happy with the Crimson Trace logo on the grips just knowing there are CT grips with the S&W logo out there somewhere.

Even better, Crimson Trace grips in wood and S&W logo.

Governor feels great with the wood stocks from the 686 but I don't really want to put much wear on the wood stocks.

 

[Muss Muggins]

Hi all,

I have a pretty basic newbie question -- how does S&W stamp/mark the barrels on performance center edition firearms.

For example, I've been looking at a revolver online and it seems to me that there is an odd bulge/deformation on the barrel where the "performance center" is stamped.

That leads to my question -- surely the impression is made by some type of "roll" marker and not hand stamped, right?

What would cause such a deformation - as if the barrel was stamped too hard?

Or - is it an indication of something else entirely - say a bulged barrel?

What do you guys think?

Thanks!

Todd

My guess is lighting problem. Can't tell if it's bulged from that photo. Need one looking at the muzzle, a little offset.

 

[Talan2000]

Thanks - Caveat Emptor

Well thanks for the feedback guys. I'm far far from any kind of expert, but i've spent a fair amount of time recently looking at online guns for sale and it does appear that the roll stamping is kinda hit or miss - if you'll pardon the pun.

This actually is the standard finish on the PC 625-8.

As suggested, the metal has to go somewhere I guess when stamped, and maybe they used to polish that "squish" out in the past - it's certainly not on any older guns I've seen with roll stamps...so I think this may be just sorta common on newer ones because they don't take the step to polish them...or maybe the press operator pushed too hard or was in a hurry...I'm still waiting for the "How it's made" episode to show me a firearms plant

I shied away from this one, and "impulse bought" a 625-8 JM version -- (this one is a 625-8 PC if that wasn't clear) version but it too has a minor deformation on the roll stamp - and an overly deep "." in .45ACP. I bet they "satin finish" on the JM version masks what appears more evident on the "shiny" stainless finish of the PC version of this firearm. I don't know what PC once meant, but it would seem to this novice to be far from "near perfection" today - certainly from a cosmetic perspective.



vs



Todd

 

[AveragEd]

I can't take you on a plant tour but I can show you how rollmarkings are performed. Being an outdoor writer has a few perks and one of them is an ability to tour firearms plants. In 2008 or 2009, I was a guest at Beretta's Accokeek, Maryland plant where their semi-auto pistols are manufactured.

That is the Italian-manufacture machine that rollmarks their firearms and below is a close-up of a pistol barrel that was just imprinted. From the photos, it's easy to see why the process is called "rollmarking."

As you can see, there is no way a human can "press harder" with the markings. Pretty much, if one is too deep, the rest will be as well until someone adjusts the machine.

Ed

 

[Talan2000]

Ed, Awesome! What a great opportunity to visit a factory! My dad actually visited the Beretta factory in Italy back in the late 60's while in the Navy on a cruise in the Med. Came back with a shotgun and a 22 pistol straight from the factory...and a set of tires apparently, but for some reason they haven't stood the test of time like the firearms he purchased

I opined that the operator had "pressed too hard" somewhat facetiously. Any idea though, why the distortions are appearing in the metal? And if a roll press applies the markings as it clearly must -- why does the decimal in .45 ACP look like a meteor that has struck the surface of the moon? It's noticeably deeper and seemingly skewed on the surface of the gun and it's not just this example?

You figure the die/stamp is just too "tall" at the decimal?

Thanks for sharing the pics!

Todd

 

[AveragEd]

I can only speculate that the rollmarking machine was set improperly. As far as the decimal point being more heavily indented than the rest of the markings, you're probably on the right track.

Ed