S&W Model 28 trouble. A little help?

[EddieCoyle]

I have a S&W Model 28-2 Highway Patrolman.

When you fire it, on only one of the chambers, you can see "sparks" around the cylinder gap (these are not normal and it doesn't happen with the other five chambers); also, stuff gets sprayed out of the sides at the people next to you.

What can cause this, and how do I fix it?

 

[kevin9]

First thought would be some kind of small crack in that cylinder.

Second thought would be something is not square in how the cylinder is rotating. If the cylinder somehow wobbles as it rotates then you could have a larger gap on certain cylinders. Using a feeler gauge to measure the gap for each cylinder should show this. Some kind of burr or bump on the cylinder could create the same effect.

 

[Feral]

I have the same model, the same thing happens to mine on all cylinders when i use .357 magnum loads.

 

[Pilgrim]

I just recently picked up a 28 no dash, 6 inch but haven't fired it yet. I'll do it this week and see if I have a similar problem. I'll get back to ya.

 

[center442]

I have a S&W Model 28-2 Highway Patrolman.

When you fire it, on only one of the chambers, you can see "sparks" around the cylinder gap (these are not normal and it doesn't happen with the other five chambers); also, stuff gets sprayed out of the sides at the people next to you.

What can cause this, and how do I fix it?

If it were "spitting" on all the chambers I would suspect the timing is off, probably from wear. This happens when the cylinder stop doesn't lock up the cylinder tightly. Usually this is a worn stop. It can also happen if the stop notch in the cylinder is mis-cut or filled with crud.

Since you're only getting excessive spitting from one chamber I would suspect the cylinder rather than anything else. If you can identify which chamber is causing the problem take note of which stop notch is engaging the stop and inspect that notch carefully. See if there is a burr or any crud built up there that would interfere with a normal tight lock up.

As I'm sure you know, all revolvers spit somewhat, but your situation is a little unusual. It is also possible that the one particular chamber that is causing the problem was bored slightly off-center. It would only take a few thousandths of an inch error to cause the problem you are describing.

If you can't find the problem through a visual inspection then it is probably time for a visit to a gunsmith or the factory.

I've always been fond of S&W revolvers. The model 28 is on my list of "guns I'd like to have." It's a LONG list.

Good luck with resolving this problem. Please post back when you find out what the problem is.

 

[Patriot]

I have a S&W Model 28-2 Highway Patrolman.

When you fire it, on only one of the chambers, you can see "sparks" around the cylinder gap (these are not normal and it doesn't happen with the other five chambers); also, stuff gets sprayed out of the sides at the people next to you.

What can cause this, and how do I fix it?

EC,

You need to PM Round Gun Shooter. I see he hasn't posted in this thread so he probably
hasn't seen it. Neither of the two I have do this (4" & 6").

(Of course, if you are trying to stuff those 700gr bullets down the pipe of the 28 I can
see you having a problem! )

TBP