Used FA question?

[dvnv]

I am in the process of purchasing (over the internet)a used FA Field Grade ser.# 18XX. Upon inspection...

The cylinder, while functioning well in the gun (action very smooth), binds severely when trying to remove it. I have been able to remove it by rotating it out, seemingly in only one position of rotation. There is a thin circular wear line on the cylinder face which I figure is a result of drag by the forcing cone when removing. Another thin circular wear line exist toward the front on the side of the cylinder which I figure is a result of dragging on a high spot in the frame (I couldn't see one)when removing.

The barrel finish does not match the frame finish as closely as it does on another of my Field Grade FA (purchased new).

Have any of you heard of any FA having a problem with the cylinder binding during removal?

If a different FA barrel or cylinder had been installed by someone other than FA, is the factory linebore advantage negated?

Is there any way to tell if the barrel and/or cylinder are original to the frame?

It is an older model which matches mine and I could live with the imperfection if it shoots well, but my gut tells me this gun has been messed with may not have the typical FA accuracy.

What do you guys think? dvnv

 

[targetshootr]

The seller may be able to answer those questions or provide a phone number to the orignal owner. Did he volunteer all that info?

Oh, must be in the 3 day inspect period. Mine doesn't show any of those characteristics, fwiw, but FA tolerances being what they are, any crud or lead build -up could cause that scenerio.

 

[achadwick]

I had a similar problem with my FA 454. I studied it for a few days and discovered that problem in my gun was that the ejector rod had unscrewed a little and was scraping the front of the cylinder. I screwed it back in and the problem disappeared. Just push the ejector rod out of the cylinder (with the loading gate opened of course) and screw the rod in with your fingers. If your fingers can't get a good grip, then wrap some cloth around a pair of plyers and use them instead. Whatever you do, DON"T scratch the ejector rod!

The cylinder, if original to the frame, should have the same serial number inscribed on it. At least mine does, a slighly newer model than your's.

If worse come to worse, you can always send the gun back to the factory to have it fixed. FA's customer service is second to none. If they can help you, they will. A botched amature job might take more time or money to fix, however.

Hope this helps!

 

[dvnv]

Thanks for the replies. I will take another look today and will try the ejector rod. dvnv