I hear such stories but fail to completely believe them. I just don't buy into metal fatigue as a reason which cylinders on quality revolvers blow apart. It takes pressure and LOTS of it to blow out the cylinder on a well made gun like a S&W, Colt or Ruger. In spite of what the owner's claim there is I'm quite sure a whole lot more to the story.
That was my first impression also, but it didn't split at a stress point like the flute or the notch for the hand. It split at the thickest part of the cylinder.
Now possibly with modern components it built up more pressure, quicker than with the old ammo but he stated he kept to a mild load.
He is a very experienced reloader, as well as a s&w collector and certainly didn't want to blow up the gem of his collection by pushing pressure limits.
S&W didn't heat treat their cylinders until the 1920's. Same issue was present with their Hand-ejector .38's and .32-20's with modern ammo.
His is from 1914 so possibly that has some bearing on this situation.
Anyone got a link for parts?
