Potential problem with 442?

I posted this in a different thread but belatedly realized it was off topic. If a mod would like to delete that post it would be appreciated.

I just picked up a PC 442. When the cylinder is open and full of rounds, if I give it a little spin you can hear the ammo rattling around. It almost sounds like a ratchet. I tried it in 6 other alloy j frames and none make that noise. Any idea what is causing this, or does anyone else have a j frame that does It? It would seem that something is out of spec given that none of the others produce any rattling at all. Almost like a washing machine that is out of balance or something.

Brand new

ArchAngelCD said:

How does it shoot? Any binding of the cylinder or hard to pull trigger? Does it happen when there is no ammo in the revolver?

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Shoots good
No binding and smooth trigger
Doesn't happen when unloaded

None of my other jframes do it when loaded

It's almost certainly the ammo clattering as it spins, but for the life of me I don't know why it does so when the others don't.

Does anyone else have a j frame that rattles the ammo when the cylinder is open and being spun?

cfullgraf said:

Is this the Performance Center 442 that is cut for moon clips. Is the cylinder loaded without a moon clip? (A totally acceptable thing to do).

With the cylinder open, the moon clip cut out provides less support for the rim when loaded without a moon clip. This may be allowing the cartridge to wiggle a bit more in the cylinder as the cylinder is rotated.

Maybe not, just thinking.

Apologizes as I do not have access to my moon clip 442 at the moment.

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No not the moon clip version. What I suspect is that there is an uneven contact surface (or perhaps slightly bent ejector rod?) causing a wobble, thereby making the rounds rattle instead of just being forced to the outer surface of the charge holes and held there by the centrifugal force as the cylinder spins.

gotboostvr said:

I honestly don't know as I've never been in the habit of spinning a loaded cylinder.

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I pocket carry my j frames, so I open the cylinder and give it a little spin prior to pocketing it. Basically as a cursory check that no pocket lint or crud is impeding the free movement of the cylinder.

Jim NE said:

Load the cylinder with three rounds instead of five and see if that alters the pattern of the sound. Or with two rounds, or one round missing...or a combination of all these...spinning the cylinder each time. If the pattern changes, then the rounds are just knocking against something as you and I and a lot of other people suspect. I have several j frames, including a 442, but it doesn't seem like enough of an issue for me to go and experiment.

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It does it regardless of number of rounds. Indeed it is just the rounds rattling, but they shouldn't. The centrifugal force of the cylinder spinning should apply equal outward force to each round and hold them to the outer walls of the charge holes, much like that ride at theme parks where the floor drops out as you spin in a circle but are held to the wall.

There is some sort of wobble happening that is allowing the cartridges to change position instead of being held against the outer surface. While it hasn't currently caused an issue, my concern is that whatever is causing this could eventually bind the cylinder.

351 WINCHESTER said:

It's normal. Your rims are making very slight contact with the stud that keeps the cylinder from leaving the gun when held upside down.

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That certainly sounds reasonable, but why doesn't it happen on any of my other j frames?

gotboostvr said:

The only thing I can think of is over sized chambers of it's occurring how I think I understand.

Have you shot this gun yet? Do you have bulged brass, split cases or sticky extraction?

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Yes 75 rounds or so, and no issues of note.

Thanks for the diagnostic assistance gentlemen.