Gap Between the Barrel and the Frame ? ! ? ! ? !

[November]

I just noticed that there is a very small gap between the barrel and the frame on my new (used) model 65! The gap is at the top where the two meet and goes down to the threads. It is a VERY small gap, but when I hold it up to the light, it shines through. Should I be concerned? The barrel/cylinder gap is a little large at .008/.009. I would like to think that turning the barrel one rotation would kill two birds with one stone, but I don't think it'll go a full rotation (no light shines through at the bottom of the barrel near the ejector). Any thoughts?

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Ask the gun. How does it shoot? If it shoots satisfactorily, I'd leave it alone.

 

[stans]

Leave it as it is unless there is an accuracy problem.

 

[J.M.]

Nov.

Have a gunsmith look at it...he'll be able to tell you at a glance if it's a problem.

Seriously, even if the gun is shooting fine, and all seems well - have it looked at. - JM.

 

[Owen]

There should be a small gap between the frame and the barrel. There is a circular boss on the barrel called the crush ring. The purpose of the crush ring is so the barrel can be turned onto the gun and tightened down without scratching up the frame. If the sights are straight up and down, and you can''t turn the barrel with your fingers (easily) you are in good shape.

owen

 

[November]

Thanks for the replies. I guess I didn't expect to see a gap at all, but if it doesn't affect function/accuracy then that's OK. I'll see how it does at the range next week then go from there. Thanks again.

 

[Mike Irwin]

Are you talking about a vertical gap between the barrel and the frame, or a horizonal gap between the barrel extension (what sticks through the frame and mates up with the cylinder) and the topstrap?

If you're talking about the horizontal gap, that's completely normal.

If the first, then while not entirely common, it's not really an issue unless the gun won't shoot well.

 

[dfariswheel]

Back in the mid to late 80's S&W seemed to have a intermittent problem with barrel-frame gaps.

The barrel was on tight, the guns shot fine, but it was an cosmetic defect.