J Frame Advice Needed

D

Dr.Rob

Staff Alumnus
Found a GREAT deal on a J-Frame (all steel model 49). It's got some finish wear, but the side latch is a bit loose. There is some up and down play in the latch. Can this be tightened with the screw that runs through it or is this normal??

Any thing else I should look for that is peculiar to wear on a J-Frame?

(I'll be checking it for lock-up end shake, etc.)
 
If you're talking about the screw that goes into the cylinder release lever, it should be tight. If it is tight and the lever still wiggles, someone else will have to tell you how big a problem that is. Sounds like a good find.

Have you looked up Jim March's "what to look for in a used revolver" thread?

Regards.
 
Handgun's Annual always has the reprinted "Used Gun Buying" article by Robert Shimek and it's got good advice too. :)
 
I'd say normal

I just checked some of my J-frames and every one had a tight screw and a cylinder release lever that moved up & down a little.

KR
 
As long as the screw is tight on the stud, a little up and down motion of the latch is perfectly normal.

The stud is attached to a flat bar that rides in a groove in the left side of the frame. It needs to have a little float room so as not to bind.
 
Model 49 Bodyguard in 95 percent condition books retail for around $180.00.

Agree with mike on the wiggle.

Sam
 
Paid $250 used otd today after researching the forums. Hope it turns out okay at the range. No play on the latch. Is this thing durable? My other rev is a Speed 6. Thanks all.
 
Rob,

Quite frankly, there can be a WIDE range of play in this part without function being affected.

The part is held captive in the groove. The rear is pretty much free floating. On the X axis it's held in place by the thumb latch and nut. On the Y axis the rear of the cylinder latch is born on by a spring -- there's no physical attachment to the frame.

At the front, the locking stud is held captive by the hole in the recoil shield. The hole serves to align the locking stud and keep it in place.

As long as the hole in the recoil shileld isn't enlarged, it's really of no great concern how much play the part has on its Y axis.
 
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