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forcing cones?

grrrgenz
I am trying to familiarize myself with a lot of different aspects of modern revolvers. I keep hearing that the forcing cone is one of the weakest parts of the revolver. Is this true? Can a forcing cone be replaced by a gunsmith? What should you look for in terms of wear and tear on a forcing cone, and what can be done to "baby" it or do preventive maintenence on it? Thanks in advance for any replies.
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Date Votes
  • Der Gebirgsjager
    Yes, a forcing cone is one of the weakest parts of the modern revolver; but high quality modern revolvers are so perfected in design that the forcing cone seldom is a problem. There is no wear, stress, or strain test for a forcing cone, other than visual. Either it is O.K., or it is cracked. If it is cracked, it must be replaced, which means that the barrel must be replaced, as the forcing cone is merely a cone-shaped bevel at the rear of the barrel and is a part of the barrel. It's purpose is to guide the fired bullet from the mouth of the cylinder chamber into the rear of the barrel and to center it to the bore as it proceeds into the barrel. A cracked forcing cone can be caused by shooting diameter-oversized or overly hard bullets, or by shooting many, many normal bullets, and/or temperature extremes caused by very hot handloads, or any of the above causing a failure in the metal. Most modern revolvers will not experience a forcing cone failure in two or three lifetimes or normal use, so there is really nothing you can do in the way of preventative maintenance except to not abuse the revolver with abnormal ammuntion or handloads. Should a failure occur, the revolver is simply rebarrelled.
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  • v35
    Barrel steels got a lot better post WW2. Older gunmakers used pretty soft steels. If you're talking about preservation, dont use jacketted bullets or hot handloads in older revolvers.
    The deceased gun writer Elmer Keith, who was into heavy handloads,
    wrote about splitting forcing cones with hot loads. He also discussed the importance of forcing cone proportions on accuracy.
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