Why is frame material missing on my J frame?

4306

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Noticed a rather severe bevel milled/forged on my 442 and wondered why this area is apparently weakened. The area is opposite the yoke and to the rear of the serial number/model number. (sorry no pic) Thanks
 
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Well I think you will have to post a picture for someone to be able to tell you about it!:) I once sold a revolver to a person who thought the stop that keeps the cylinder from sliding off the yoke when the cylinder was open was a severe flaw!

Ed
 
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Got a New In Box J frame Mod# 360j from my local gun store in June with that area shown in your picture that was a lot worse.
Sent it to S&W Customer Service for repair of 1- cylinder rubbing against forcing cone when opening and closing causing scratches on the front of the cylinder and 2- yoke rubbing on frame when closing (material gouged).
Got gun back with the bolt replaced that took care of #1 issue and #2 issue was considered a Non Issue by CS.
Hope that helps!
If it gets worse or really bothers you give CS a call.

Be SAFE and shoot often!
 
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I am not concerned with the wear at the lock up point. The frame under the barrel and below the cylindrical groove, immediately to the rear of the serial number has the edge beveled at an angle. This bevel will cause a gap at the yoke when the cylinder is closed.
 
the actual beveled edge appears in my image as the mottled/spotted surface.
 
The bevel is part of the frame design, just above the yoke pivot. My 438 has the same feature. It appears to provide extra clearance at the gas ring, perhaps to prevent buildup when doing a lot of shooting and allow smooth function without cleaning so often?
 
All of my K,L, and N frame revolvers have a squared off edge to the frame in this area. This area is below the gas ring.
 
I think my curiosity about this feature is misunderstood. I am not implying my revolver is a ***. I am interested to know why S&W made this engineering change to my J frame and not K,L,and N frames.
 
My BAD! Looked at my J frame (scandium frame) and it is squared off with NO beveled edge.
It does have a quarter moon cut out relief so the bottom of the yoke will fit into the frame when closed.
 
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My 642 developed that same wear mark on the frame and also I noticed some minor pitting on the inside of the recoil shield just above the firing pin bushing. I'm not worried about it. I consider it normal wear & tear from use.
 
Again, NOT discussing wear on the frame. Addressing a beveled edge formed during manufacture.
 
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