[tpaw]

For the second time, I took my S&W Model 340 PD Revolver (357) to the range, and for the second time, I was hit on the left side of my face with a sliver of metal to the point of which it drew blood! Good thing I wear safety glasses! During each event, I fired about 10 to 15 rounds and then I'd get hit with the sliver of metal. I believe it's called sheering? I am using proper ammo, no reloads or cheap ammo. What's going on!!!!
I don't even want to fire this thing any more!!!
Any advice would be greatly appreciated..............:(

[Katty]

Maybe take it to a real good gunsmith and have him take a look. I would no matter what. He may be able to see the reason.

[DaleCooper51]

I would contact Smith and Wesson.

[dbarale]

What were you shooting? What were you shooting at and at what distance?
Could it be bullet splatter?

[tpaw]

What were you shooting? What were you shooting at and at what distance?
Could it be bullet splatter?

Shooting 357 mag., paper targets, 7 yards with open fields behind it.

[The Lone Haranguer]

Escaping gases and tiny particles (e.g., unburned powder granules) from the cylinder/barrel gap are normal with a revolver, but pieces this big are not. It sounds like it is shaving bullet material (a piece of jacket or a sliver of lead) due to the cylinder not being indexed correctly with the barrel when firing, or from an excessive gap cylinder/barrel gap. I recommend that you not continue to shoot it, and contact Smith & Wesson for return instructions.

[Virginian]

Unless you have a metal target frame the you are hitting, do not shoot it again and call S&W for them to get you a UPS or Fed-Ex call number. It is out of time, and that is most definitely not an amateur fix.

[tpaw]

My next move will be to call S&W Monday morning and see what they say. Thanks for all your responses guys. You have been very supportive and helpful.