topstrap cutting

[blksqurl]

bought a used s@w 357 mag and noticed some top strap cutting someone must have shot light bullets at high vel. also adding to the problem it has an 8 thousands cyclinder to barrel gap .i was thinking of doing one of two things, JB a 5 thousands stainless washer over the end  of the barrel or JB some shim stock on the under side of the top strap where the cutting is.I know the right way would be to cut back the sholder screw it in until the sight comes up top then respace it to a .002 or .003 cycilinder gap,but i dont want to put out the money to have it done.and if i did and loaded it normal would the cutting stop. suggestions and opinions are appreciated smartass comments aren't .  thanks Bill

[trotterlg]

You want to glue something to the rear of the barrel or to inside of the top strap?  I am kind of hoping this is not a joke post to sucker me in, but glue has no place in repairing or preventing this kind of problem.  Larry

[Mikey]

In the first place, the top strap cutting or etching you describe is not a problem you need to be concerned about.  I have absolutely never ever heard of any S&W, especially the 357s of any frame size, ever developing any problems or coming apart where the top strap had been etched, and 'etched' is a much better and more definative term than 'cutting'.  I seriously would not worry about the strength of the frame with a S&W that has seen top strap etching, period.

However, as to the barrel gap - yeah, that's a bit large.  I understand the gap tolerances range from .003 to .006.  You are absolutely correct in that the proper course of treatment for this problem is to return the revolver to S&W and have them reduce the cylinder gap to proper specs.  Have you even yet tried contacting S&W to see what the cost would be??  And while it is there you could always have them refurbish it and make it new.

And yeah, if you reload normally, that is with the heavier 158 - 200 gn slugs and slower burning powders, the flame cutting on the top strap will lessen................

[mbopp]

My M-19 is etched just to the point where it will catch your fingernail on it. It's been relegated to 38 wadcutter loads for plinking with the occasional +P or +P+ plated bullet load, if I want something heavier I'll use the T/C or SBH.
I thought about epoxying a piece of feeler gauge under the topstrap but the general concensus on other forums is "don't worry about it."

[gunnut69]

Good advice already given. This problem has been around for a long time and it seems after a while the effect of the gas is self limiting. I've never seen it get to the point where it becomes dangerous even with the the 357 Max. It's likely a result of higher pressure loads(that's just where the 357 Mag lives) and that over sized gap.. The only thing I would add is that you are unlikely to be happy or even satisfied with S&W customer service.. They once charged me nearly $200 to refinish a M60? That's right,, a Stainless revolver... I'd send it to Cylinder and Slide or PowerCustom here in Missouri, after checking with our sponser list first of course..