Thought I broke my mint 12-2...

[gp911]

...but instead it appears that the cylinder gap is virtually nil and after about 50 rounds the powder residue binds it up. I just got the gun off the original owner (a THR member) and it had about 90 rounds through it since he bought it new in the mid-70s.

I've heard of this issue before and I'm wondering how best to skim a couple thousandths from one surface or another to open the gap up a smidgen without damaging anything.

In other news, I really liked the 37 year old S&W ammo that came with the gun. It's a +p sjhp similar to the Remington stuff commonly seen today but the cases look to be aluminum or dull nickel.

 

[Old Fuff]

Before you alter anything on the revolver, check the cylinder gap with a feeler gauge while holding the cylinder as far back as it will go. Be sure of course that the cylinder face has been cleaned and no lead remains.

You may find that it has a case of cylinder end-shake, and the worst thing you could do is remove any material on the rear face of the barrel.

 

[gp911]

Good point, I will do that and see what I get.

 

[rcmodel]

Before you do anything drastic.

Clean out under the extractor star with an old toothbrush & solvent.

May be just be some unburned powder flakes under the ejector holding the cylinder end-shake foreword.

rc

 

[beag_nut]

+++what rcmodel said.
Also, don't complain about what may be the holy grail of revolverdom: minimal bc gap.

 

[gp911]

Oh I'm not complaining, I just want a functioning revolver after shooting a box of ammo. I'll report back what I find when I clean it & measure the endshake. I'm not worried, this is a sweet little gun with virtually no wear, I'm sure it's something simple. Thanks for all the help so far guys, I'll keep you posted.