Old SAA clone is a real "Drag"

[jasonfb]

So my dad loves cheap guns.  I wish he did not as I have inherited an Italian clone from him. It has markings from an importer from Pomona, Ca ( I cannot remember the name).  The gun works great as long as it is not loaded.  If I put rounds in the chamber it drags and binds up.  The ejected brass has a lovely arc carved out of the base from where it rubbed the frame on the way around.  The arc crosses the primer but it is not limited to the primer.  It happens with all ammo be it factory, handloads or even those funky plastic practice rounds of yore.  It will shoot but the drag is always there and I doubt that is good (or safe).  There is very little gap between the cylinder and bbl.  What could be causing this?

[jimster]

Sounds like a head space problem.  Do you know exactly where it drags?  Like by the loading gate?  You would have to put one round in and play with it a bit to see where it's draging.  A dummy round would be best, or maybe a fired case if your worried about a live round.  I'm wondering if it drags by the loading gate, it is possible the loading gate is loose, I have seem them get loose before, you would have to take it apart to tighten that up if that is the problem. 
Should be some brass showing where it drags, take out the cylinder and look for that.


Let us know what you find out. 

[jasonfb]

It would not shock me if something were loose.  Heck, the pin that holds the firing pin in the hammer wants to fall out and I can see on the frame that the hammer has been dropped with the pin sticking out as there is a dent.  One problem at a time. . .
I will check the headspace and report back later.  Can I fix this myself or is a smith required?  I can change a tire and boil an egg.

[timothy]

I bet the gun was dry fired alot and the firing pin hole got peened toward the cylinder. Its happend to my italians, no problem though just get some emery cloth or fine sand paper and polish the hole untill you can feel its flush again with your finger. Should take about 5 minutes. Also check the front of the cylinder bushing and where it meets the frame for power residue, make sure its clean. Good luck

[Travis Morgan]

Stick it in a shadow box on the wall, then look at it every time you're tempted to buy a cheap gun.