loose revolver barrels

Harry Bonar · June 13, 2006, 08:58 PM

Shooters:
We're having posts on loose revolver bbls.
When I check out a 45 Long Colt bbl in an SA I, with a small lite in the forcing cone look down the bbl. Then I reverse the process and look up the side of with the lite in the muzzle, of course with the cylinder out, - where the bbl meets the frame look carefully and see if when they screwed the bbl in they stretched that thin where it screws in.
As a matter of fact this is a good test on any revolver in any caliber - the factories many times will set the bbl. so tight to avoid fitting (Ruger used to be bad about that) that they "stretch" that area in front of the frame.
When I re-barrel a revolver I fit the bbl tight but not that tight and I WILL use some red loctite!
You need a perfectly faced frame (some aren't - even Ruger) and a perfectly shouldered barrel to get the fit that won't come loose!
Harry B.

June 13, 2006, 08:58 PM	#1
Harry Bonar Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2004 Location: In the Vincent, Ohio general area. Posts: 1,804	loose revolver barrels Shooters: We're having posts on loose revolver bbls. When I check out a 45 Long Colt bbl in an SA I, with a small lite in the forcing cone look down the bbl. Then I reverse the process and look up the side of with the lite in the muzzle, of course with the cylinder out, - where the bbl meets the frame look carefully and see if when they screwed the bbl in they stretched that thin where it screws in. As a matter of fact this is a good test on any revolver in any caliber - the factories many times will set the bbl. so tight to avoid fitting (Ruger used to be bad about that) that they "stretch" that area in front of the frame. When I re-barrel a revolver I fit the bbl tight but not that tight and I WILL use some red loctite! You need a perfectly faced frame (some aren't - even Ruger) and a perfectly shouldered barrel to get the fit that won't come loose! Harry B.