Cylinder side play on M97 limits?

[tominboise]

I have two M97's, one a 44 special I purchased new, and a .357 Mag I purchased used.  The 44 locks up tighter then a bank vault, no end shake or cylinder play at all.  The .357 has a slight amount of cylinder play, just enough to feel it move a bit.  Should I be concerned about this?  

Tom

[Graybeard]

Again my advice is to call FA and ask. I'm sure there is a tolerance on it. There is no such thing as ZERO but all the FA's I've held and shot are darn close to zero.

[Bob Baker]

Typically, a slight amount of movement isn't a problem.  Your accuracy will generally let you know if it needs to be checked.  Most I have looked at aren't a problem.  The few I have seen over the years that looseness is a problem are caused by fanning or cocking the gun really hard and fast.  When this happens the back side of the slot in the cylinder is beat out or sometimes even broke out.  When we see that is is obvious what has happened.

[TScottO]

Both of my 97s have a very slight movement during lock up on one or two chambers. Even with that little bit it’s practically unnoticeable even if you are looking for it. Based on the guns I own, the 83’s have a tighter lock up but as I said, you really have to be looking for it.

Cock the 97 and let the hammer down. When the hammer is down and the trigger is pulled back I’ll almost bet the little bit of play you see will disappear. I’ve always been under the impression this is where it really counts because that’s when the bullet is traveling out of the chamber into the barrel. I know the minor bit of play in mine goes away when I do this.

Take Care,
Scott