Revolver Wear Pattern

[Cardboard_killer]

I picked up a used Rossi 68 last weekend for cheap (J-frame copy). When I detail stripped it I found a few problems.

One of the things I noticed was that the hammer seat on the rebound slide and the trigger hook on the trigger have worn unevenly. Both have worn significantly more on the right side (the side towards the side plate).

I'm not sure what would cause this, nor if I should be concerned. Does anyone have any thoughts?

Other things wrong:

* The hammer seat is also chipped, so I am going to have to replace the entire rebound slide.
* There is a problem with the fitting of the double action sear, causing "sear click"
* The cylinder slide release, while functional, will not retract far enough to be removed from the frame (I think the spring channel has rust or debris limiting it).

Sigh. Anyone that complains about MIM parts should look at the fitting on these Rossis. Oh boy.

 

[OKFC05]

picked up a used Rossi 68 last weekend for cheap

I am so sorry. Do you have a gunshow soon where you can quietly sell it?

 

[shouldazagged]

I owned a Rossi M88 (same gun in stainless) years ago and carried it till I could afford a Smith. Good little gun, never any problems. Sounds as if you got one of those Citrus models.

 

[Cardboard_killer]

Actually, its an old Interarms import--Rossis which have a decent reputation. Everything I've found is fixable, and some of it was probably preventable if the prior owner had occasionally lubed the gun properly. From the lack of wear on the outside and the problems on the inside, I suspect it was dry fired a lot more than it was actually fired or carried. And it spent a long time in a closet.

Edit: I got this one form the same place I bought a rossi m18 (model 63 clone); both were less than $200. The m18 was a keeper, although you could tell that the quality wasn't near as good as a model 63.

 

[Cardboard_killer]

I'm wondering if the hammer pin isn't slightly bent. That would explain wear on both the rebound slide I think. But the wear angle is noticable, say 5deg, but I don't see any damage to the pin. It might be bent so slightly I cannot tell with the naked eye, but I don't think that would be a problem.

Anyone?

 

[Ol'Pappy]

I have several of the Rossi 88's and 68's-mostly parts-guns or fix-it guns off of gunbroker. One of them had a loose trigger pin (stud) so you might check that and re-stake if necessary. You can usually find spare parts pretty cheaply.

 

[Ol'Pappy]

Edit: I meant to say hammer pin, not trigger pin.

 

[Cardboard_killer]

Well, I think I made a silk purse out of a sows ear. Maybe not quite that good.

I replaced the rebound slide with a S&W j-frame slide, polished up the innards, adjusted the double action sear let out to fix the sear click, and then replaced the cylinder hand spring, the rebound spring (with an 12# wolff spring), and the mainspring (with a 8# wolff spring). Finally, I put a pair of pachmyrs on it. Only thing left to do is test her with the lightened springs. Trigger is nice and smooth, although I prefer K and N frame triggers always.

I gave up on the cylinder slide release. It works fine, so I'll keep it oiled and leave it alone. I also gave up on the odd wear pattern. It will be interesting to see if the new rebound slide wears in the same way as the old one. With the grips, I have about $245 into her. I've had more expensive dates.

 

[snubbyfan]

Looking forward to the range report. Hope it works well, sounds like you got a handle on it. It always more satisfying when you do it yourself.

 

[Cardboard_killer]

Went to the range an put 50 rounds into paper. I shot at 30 feet, and was shooting a 4" bull. I wasn't always on the bull, but usually, and always on the paper. I don't particularly care for J-frames, but don't have enough experience with them to know if this was acceptable or not. I think I would trust it in a SD situation, which would likely be at 3 feet, not 30.

I did have four misfires, all at the end of the box when I was shooting one handed, double action. Two of them looked like good strikes (I was using factory reloads that have given some duds), but two may have been light strikes. So, back home, I've installed an 8.5# mainspring. That should fix the issue; plus, I'll test with better ammo next time I go out.