Cylinder movement with trigger depressed.

[eazyrider]

I just got a Colt Anaconda and when I pull the trigger all the way back and hold it the cylinder has movement. Not a lot but some. My Python has absolutely none. I have never fired this gun as I got it tonight. From what little I know about the internals of revolvers the cylinder isn't supposed to move at all. Or am I wrong about that? If it is abnormal how do I fix it? This gun was a gift so it's not like I bought it without checking it out or anything.

 

[Jesse Heywood]

Colt started the cylinder float with the Trooper Mk III. It is supposed help with bullet shaving by allowing the bullet to self-align.

 

[9mmepiphany]

All S&Ws have this movement as do the Rugers

The reason Pythons, as well as their forerunners and the D-frame, do not it because of their design locking the cylinder in place by raising the hand

 

[goodtime]

I have a Python with zero movement, and a King Cobra with a tiny bit. When was the Anaconca made? I think Anacondas made in years past were designed, just like the Pythons, to lock up with no movement as the trigger is held to the rear. Eventually they can shoot themselves a bit loose, but its no big deal. Jesse Heywood described above why other makers purposely design this movement into the mechanism.

 

[harvester]

cylinder movement

The Colt Python action is totally different from Anaconda and they share no parts. The Anaconda cylinder will be able to move a little when trigger is held to the rear as has already been noted but the Python cylinder does not, nor do most other pre 1970 Colt double action revolvers. The King Cobra, Anaconda and Trooper MKlll series will all have similar actions and a slightly loose cylinder, even when trigger is pulled fully rearward. The actions of the post 1970 double action guns, except Python, were not as hand fitted in order to reduce cost. The actions were changed for mass production. So, a little cylinder rotational movement is acceptable by design.

 

[eazyrider]

I appreciate all the responses. Makes me feel better about it. Just from comparing the two it seems the Python is the better gun. Just so much smoother and tighter all around. Still a great gun though. My Python was made in 1980 and the Anaconda in 1990 by the way.

 

[Jesse Heywood]

You are right about the Python being a better gun. That is due to the hand work done during assembly. The later design of the Anaconda lends itself to the newer manufacturing methods. If the new design guns were given the TLC that the Python got in manufacturing, the new design would be far better than the Python. But then I couldn't afford one.