S&W 65-3 smoked brass

[Boat]

I have a used S.S. S&W 65-3 that produces smoked or discolored brass when firing .38 special. The gun is tight with little cylinder gap. I wonder if this is normal or do I have a worn cylinder?

 

[keyboard commando]

soot

normal for regular .38 special loads

 

[jfh]

...or if not normal, at least not uncommon. It's typically a sign of low pressure (power) rounds in which the brass does not fully expand to fill the chamber and thereby allowing blowby, so to speak.

Were these standard .38 Special ammo, or some reloads?

Jim H.