cylinder lock-up in revolvers

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - cylinder lock-up in revolvers

Posted: 10/8/2004 4:16:15 PM EDT

After a revolver is cocked, should the cylinder be rock solid in place, or is some minute movement OK? For some reason, all the S&W models I checked out at one place had some slight movement, but I've always thought this is no good for accuracy and other reasons.

Thanks.

Posted: 10/8/2004 4:42:26 PM EDT

[#1]

Some movement is fine. I think there are a few revolvers out there like the nagant that actually lock the cylinder but all normal revoelvers mande by the major manufactures have cylinder lash. As long as its only a couple thousandths of movement it's fine. Thats what the forcing cone is for.

Posted: 10/9/2004 6:48:59 AM EDT

[#2]

Not only just cocking the hammer, but gently guiding it back down with the trigger and holding the trigger all the way back, then try it again...it should be much tighter. (double check cylinder for ammo)
Generally, the Colt Python is the only revolver that should have no rotational play in the cylinder, whereas in most other revolvers some is normal...with the trigger held all the way back and hammer down.

Posted: 10/9/2004 7:30:43 AM EDT

[#3]

Yep, like Gene said. Thumb the hammer back, then pull AND HOLD the trigger and ease the hammer down. KEEP HOLDING THE TRIGGER. The pistol will now be in FULL LOCKUP. Feel the cylinder play now. Do it for each chamber. There should only be a thousandth or two of play. If you get lots of slop, I would not fire the handgun.

Posted: 10/9/2004 4:38:54 PM EDT

[#4]

Quoted:
the Colt Python is the only revolver that should have no rotational play in the cylinder,

I think that rule works for all Colt DA revolvers not just the Python.

Posted: 10/9/2004 9:19:59 PM EDT

[#5]

The only revolvers Ive ever seen that had none were Freedom Arms products or custom jobs from very good smiths.

Posted: 10/10/2004 1:35:02 AM EDT

[#6]

Thanks, that test while lowering the hammer is a good thing to keep in mind.

I've also seen an NAA mini-revolver that had no cylinder play when cocked. (That's the model with removable .22LR and .22M cylinders.)

Posted: 10/10/2004 3:59:44 PM EDT

[#7]

Thanks to anothergene for the idea of checking the cylinder after letting the hammer down. I`ll have to remember that when I go 44mag shopping.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - cylinder lock-up in revolvers

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