Cylinder looseness "play" . How much is too much?

[krod47nw]

I've been looking at used and older S&W revolvers lately at gun shows and such.  Just like most of you I give the cylinder a little wiggle to see how much movement it has. 

My question is:  Is there an actual cylinder tolerance that can be measured?  How much is allowable, how much is too much, and how much does a new gun actually have?

Also, can it be fixed if there is too much, and what is involved?

Kevin

[mechanic]

I'm waiting on some of the more experienced guys to weigh in on pistol issues, but my rule of thumb is, place the hammer on full cock.  There should be almost no movement whatever.  If there is much, you will of course shave lead or worse.  I would like to know some actual factuals on the allowable amount as well.........

[DanChamberlain]

It isn't the amount of wiggle so much when the cylinder is relaxed.  The point at which you should direct you attention is the amount of wiggle when the trigger is fully back.  That's where the maximum lockup will occur.  When the trigger is forward and the hammer is down, cylinder play is meaningless. 

Dan

[Dee]

Dan is partly right here on Smith cylinder lock up. The cylinder is at it's peak tightness when the trigger is pulled.

[krod47nw]

Dan is partly right here on Smith cylinder lock up. The cylinder is at it's peak tightness when the trigger is pulled.

Dee,

What is peak tightness though?  Is any amount of movement with the trigger pulled acceptable?  If so, how much?  Is there a written specification for this?   Something that can be measured or quoted in thousands of an inch? 

Thanks,
Kevin

 

[Dee]

krod, the moment the trigger is pulled it is completely disengaged from the cylinder stop. The BEST way to check the cylinder alignment is to cock the revolver and run a bore rod down it to see if the forcing cone and cylinder align. Most do.
A poor boy way is to shoot the pistol with cast bullets with paper a few inches to either side of the flash gap. If you get lead spray you have misalignment. If you get excess leading on the cylinder face you have some misalignment MAYBE. Maybe not.
I have an old Iver Johnson bicycle works 38 S&W that was my Great Grandmothers that is as lose as a goose on the cylinder but, that's the way it was designed. This revolver is easily a hundred years old, and it still shoots true.
The woman has been dead so long I don't remember her, and I'm 60 years old. From what I hear, if she were still around, and had this revolver in her apron pocket, I would not want her shooting at me.
Cylinder play is all about the tolerance in the fit between the cylinder stop, and the cylinder notch when they are fully engaged.

[krod47nw]

Now I get it.    Thanks for clearing it up for me.   
Great story about your Great Grandmother too.

Kevin