Is lint really a problem for this situation?

[TheProf]

Ok...guys...

1. Just acquired a SW 360 revolver. (Chief's Special configuration) for a practically for free (so I could not refuse it).

2. I plan to pocket carry the thing and remove the hammer spur.

3. Now, will lint be a problem since it is not an "enclosed" hammer edition like the 642?

4. I'm meticulous on cleaning the cylinder, cylinder rod/extractor rod, the barrel....but I'm not comfortable about opening up the base plate itself.

5. So...my question is... if I only do #4... and this is not an "enclosed hammer" gun... what should I expect with lint building up?
Is this just an exaggerated problem?

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Is this just an exaggerated problem?

Perhaps a little. It would take an awful lot of it, tightly packed, to actually bind up the action. If you leave a little bit of spur on the hammer, you can thumb cock it and perhaps override any such binding. And with a pocket holster the lint question is mostly moot anyway. Perhaps some "canned air" blown into the trigger and hammer slots with the hammer cocked might be of some help as well.

 

[Guillermo]

Is this just an exaggerated problem?

Depends on you. If you drop it in a pocket it is conceivable (a long shot) that you have an issue after months of carry.

If you keep it in a nice clean pocket holster and every now and then wipe it down with an oily rag it won't be an issue. Like Haranger said, a "can of air" like folks use for cleaning their computers works fine for removing dust and the like.

BTW, don't forget to get into a regular regiment of changing ammo. Again, while improbable, the pocket is potentially a humid place. I change my ammo every 4 months months, relegating the "carried" ammo to the range bag (the gun and the speed strip).

None has ever failed to fire and I admit that it might be overkill but I never have to think "how darned long has this stuff been in here?"

 

[WC145]

I blow my carry guns out once or twice a week with that canned air they make for computers. I've never had any lint issues.

 

[TheProf]

I do make it a practice to daily wipe down the gun...and the can of air is a good idea. But I was referring to the hammer area...will lint get inside the gun cavity itself? Has anyone had issue with this? (Even with a pocket holster...this area is not covered...)

 

[Guillermo]

will lint get inside the gun cavity itself

nope

 

[WC145]

I do make it a practice to daily wipe down the gun...and the can of air is a good idea. But I was referring to the hammer area...will lint get inside the gun cavity itself? Has anyone had issue with this? (Even with a pocket holster...this area is not covered...)

That's what I was talking about. I carry a S&W 360J almost everyday, I blow out around the hammer, up inside the opening for the trigger, and all of the other nooks and crannies. I have yet to have any problems with lint build up.

 

[RustyHammer]

.... just don't carry it in your belly button! Problem solved ..

 

[gazzmann]

No!!!

 

[tipoc]

Whether it can be a problem or not is actually up to you I think.

If you pay attention to the gun and regularly check it's function prior to carry you can avoid most any problem from cropping up. Part of proper maintenance of a gun is frequent inspection of the gun. If the action of the gun begins to bind a cleaning is called for. This is the same for a Centennial, Bodyguard or Chief's Special or any revolver or pistol.

So the question seems to me to be; Will you allow your gun to become so jammed with pocket lint, rust, old oil, spent powder residue and grime that function is impaired? Or will you regularly maintain it?
Your call.

The amount of lint, dust, etc. that a M36 may get inside it over a M640 is minute, unless you ignore it.

And yeah, the "problem" of lint build up is exagerrated.

tipoc

 

[Guillermo]

just don't carry it in your belly button! Problem solved

lint wasn't even a problem for the 600lb guy that smuggled the gun into the Houston jail