Checking bore-cylinder alignment?

[sgt127]

Does anyone have a neat trick to check bore and cylinder alignment without a range rod? I have one for 38/357, but, I want to check the alignment on a S&W .41 mag. I've looked as well as I can down the bore with a bore light and magnification, nothing seems way out of line, I've also dropped a rod down the bore laying against both sides, touched on one cylinder and then fell through. However, I had a tiny bit of shaving with some hot loads. Should the visual check be enough and leave well enough alone? I just replaced the hand, the old one wasn't carrying up like it should, carries up well now and I left a tiny bit of slack in lock up so the new hand wouldn't push it past alignment. I may just shoot it a bit more and see if things settle in or if that one was just a fluke. Open to suggestions. Also, If I should want to make my own rod, what should the diameter be for a Duty range as opposed to a match range on a .41?

 

[Old Fuff]

If you have not done so, go to the revolver section and read the "check-out list" posted by Jim March. Next to a range rod he has the best idea.

That said, the trouble with shaving or "spitting" may be a bad throat in the barrel. See if it's rough or off-center.

 

[Standing Wolf]

That said, the trouble with shaving or "spitting" may be a bad throat in the barrel. See if it's rough or off-center.

I'll concur with that, and add that a breech face that isn't exactly square with the cylinder face can cause lead shaving problems.

 

[Jim K]

Unlike the Colts, the S&W revolver hand will not push the cylinder out of alignment, since it moves up past the ratchet rather than continuing to push against it like the second step of the Colt hand. That is why most S&W revolvers, even new in the box, have a little rotational play at lockup.

Jim