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What's causing this on S&W 27-2? - UPDATE.

Jorge
Earlier today, I purchased a used Smith and Wesson 27-2 that's in great shape. Since the gun came from a gun store consignment's bin, we know little from it's previous owner.

As you may well surmise, I have yet a chance to take her for a spin.

Although the frame itself shows little or any wear and the action is tight, I have noticed some erosion on the right side of the extractor's ratchet (where the hand engages) and some wear on the opposite side of the stars' ends (left side - just where they meet the recessed chambers). Upon close inspection, I see no drag between the cylinder and rear of the frame.

What could be causing this? Is there a reason for concern? Is this something I may be able to fix by myself?

Thanks.
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Comments

7 comments

Date Votes
  • givette
    PP, Check for excessive side to side play on the hand. Here's how:

    Get a 'smif that has a good looking ratchet and hand. Open the action, pull the cyl. release to the rear, and slowly cock the hammer. Try and grab the hand with your nails and move it from side to side while it is sliding upward in the cutout on the frame.

    Now, repeat the same with the one that has the worn-looking hand/ratchet. If you don't notice any difference in the side-by-side play, then the '27 is probably still in spec, only shows more use.

    Oh, I almost forgot..look down the muzzle, and see if the chambers line up correctly with the barrel. Although I don't think so, it may be a cylinder alignment problem, where the bullet has to knock the cylinder in line when the gun is fired. Good luck! Joe
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  • marlinman93
    Looking down the bore will not really discern alignment. Best to slide a cleaning rod down the bore until it contacts the edge of the cylinder to see if it catches on the throat. Cheack each side of each cylinder one at a time.
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  • Bill Jordan
    What you needd to check cylinder/ barrel alignment is called a range rod. and you can get one from Brownell's.
    Bill Jordan




    "I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than to have a frontal lobotomy."
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  • Jorge
    Thanks all for your replies.

    I compared the M-27 to my other revolvers. It shows way less a cylinder side to side wobble as compared to a Cobra and M-36, less than a M-10 and M-65, and about the same (yet very little) as a newer M-629 and M-686.

    I inserted a cleaning rod tru the barrel, and it catches on the cylinder holes; however, so did the same on all the other guns.

    The cylinder locks everytime, the hand is sharp, the throat shows no evidence of misalignment, yet the extractor ratchet show more wear than it does on all other revolvers.

    Could it be that the previous owner had the hand replaced and timing worked upon?
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  • givette
    quote:Originally posted by Polite Psycho
    Thanks all for your replies.

    I compared the M-27 to my other revolvers. It shows way less a cylinder side to side wobble as compared to a Cobra and M-36, less than a M-10 and M-65, and about the same (yet very little) as a newer M-629 and M-686.

    I inserted a cleaning rod tru the barrel, and it catches on the cylinder holes; however, so did the same on all the other guns.

    The cylinder locks everytime, the hand is sharp, the throat shows no evidence of misalignment, yet the extractor ratchet show more wear than it does on all other revolvers.

    Could it be that the previous owner had the hand replaced and timing worked upon?



    What about the hand? Did you check for excessive side-to-side play of the hand? (See my post above). Best, Joe

    EDIT:
    PP, the hand is of a harder steel than the "bumps" on the extractor that it is supposed to engage. Can't figure out the excessive wear, though. Can you post a closeup of the area in question? Thanks, Joe
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  • Jorge
    Thanks Joe.

    The hand swings freely in it's vertical plane, but not sideways. It's edges, in contrast to those in the ratchet, look quite sharp.

    Such good condition on the hand is what makes me wonder about a previous repair job on the gun.
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  • Jorge
    Maybe I told you - or not - the hammer struck off center.

    The gun came back from S&W's Performance Center sporting a new cylinder stop, but old ratchet.

    Thanks all for your replies.

    [:)]
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