Less gap = easier extraction 22 lr Dan Wesson

[atblis]

I have a Dan Wesson 22 LR.

Initially, I set the gap using the supplied feeler gauge (want to say it's .008"). The extraction was always a little sticky (annoyingly so actually). I set the gap a little tighter just to see what would happen (don't know the exact amount as I did it by eye). The empties now eject easier. I was actually looking for the accuracy to improve, but the first thing I noticed was the easier extraction.

Any thoughts on why this is? I've heard of hot loads sticking, but this is a 22 lr and the ammo didn't change. I suppose pressure could have, but I would expect it to increase. Perhaps something to with sealing around the casing (higher pressure = tighter seal?). It has stuck with all ammo I've tried (bulk packs and CCI SV) and now after reducing the gap, extraction is fine.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

Interesting. I never use the feeler anymore and just set it as tight as I can that it will move freely. I am less than 0.004 most of the time so I am probably like your setup.

 

[F-111 John]

As an experiment, reset the gap with the feeler gauge and see if the sticky extraction returns.

I suspect that right about the same time you tightened up the gap, you also brushed out and lubricated your cylinder chambers, and that's what really contributed to the subsequent easier extraction.

 

[atblis]

I suspect that right about the same time you tightened up the gap, you also brushed out and lubricated your cylinder chambers, and that's what really contributed to the subsequent easier extraction.

No cleaning. Simply closed the gap a little.

 

[bill in IN]

If you tighten the gap you are moving the cylinder forward and increasing the space at the rear allowing the cases to set back out of the cylinder on firing.... mine does the same but I keep the gap pretty much at factory.

 

[atblis]

If you tighten the gap you are moving the cylinder forward and increasing the space at the rear allowing the cases to set back out of the cylinder on firing.... mine does the same but I keep the gap pretty much at factory.

How does moving the barrel back affect the cylinder relative to the frame?

 

[Steve CT]

At a guess, I'd say that your reduced B/C gap may be directing more of the powder residue down the barrel, with less of it "splashing back" into the chambers. Standard B/C gap on DW's is always .006, many shooters will go as tight as .002 with no problem, and good accuracy improvements. DW cylinders are sometimes not square and flat on the front face, so when gapping as close as .002, always check all 6 chambers, and base the gap on the tightest one.

 

[Missionary]

Good morning
My basic procedure for all my DW´s (many) is to forget the feeler guage. Turn the barrel until it just kisses the cylinder. Back it out 1/16 turn. Rotate the cylinder and verify for drag. If slight drag anywhere back out barrel as little as possible to clear. If no drag install shroud. Recheck as sometimes the barrel will move a bit as you tighten the barrel nut. You will need to clean the cylinder face from time to time but for the increase in accuracy it is well worth it. Also a tight barrel nut is better than just a snug nut... but you can over do that also..
Mike in Peru

 

[carbuncle]

I don't have any input, but I will thank everyone who posted: I have a 6" DW .22 on layaway and this info is very helpful!