S&W586 - Rings in my cylinders

[chupps]

After shooting regular 38's and 357 rounds out of my S&W 586 I noticed rings in the cylinders. Because of their location, I thought they were caused by powder residue, but after what I consider a thorough cleaning (20 min with hoppes solvent and wire brush) I can still see them. My eyesight isn't what it used to be, but it looks like they may have been machined in by the mfg or possibly caused by the rims of the cartridges. Do I need to do a better job cleaning or not worry about it? Thanks

 

[fisherman66]

I wouldn't worry about it. They are caused by bullets traveling over the carbon buildup and "checking" the surface. I doubt they could be polished out, but they will not adversly affect the functionalitly of the firearm. Consider it a part of the gun gaining personalitly.

(If it is a blued revolver I'd get a good coat of oil on the ring area and let it sit for a day then wipe it throughly after it has penetrated that area.)

 

[Pistolenschutze]

After shooting regular 38's and 357 rounds out of my S&W 586 I noticed rings in the cylinders.

Is that like "ring around the collar?" OK, OK, bad pun.

I think fisherman is right, the rings won't impede performance in any way. If you really want to get rid of them you might try some jewelers rouge or metal polish like Metal Glow. I've found that Metal Glow works extremely well for problems like that, but be very careful to remove all of it after you're finsihed.

 

[Jim Watson]

The most obvious "ring" in a revolver chamber is where the actual chamber ends and the inside diameter goes down from about .380" for the cartridge to a .358" throat to align the bullet with the barrel.

Looking in a dirty 686 I see a fuzzy ring of fouling at the level of a .38 Special casemouth and the distinct ring of the chamber - throat transition.