Smith Model 15 Lockup

Try this experiment. It is more to the point if it is on a Colt.

1. Dry fire the revolver. Keep the trigger back and wriggle the cylinder. There will be little or no play. The bolt ball (cylinder stop) works with the hand to index up the cylinder.

2. Let go of the trigger and wriggle the cylinder again. The play will be more, at there should be play. The bolt ball is still in the cylinder slot, but without the pushing hand to take up the slag, the cylinder is not indexed up properly.

I don't mean to step on any toes, but the Colt design is generally regarded superior to S&W's. It is more complicated. Once initially fitted, it will have less wear and will be more tolerant to wear, and hence will require less maintenance. But it is much more difficult to work on should repair be needed. Our instructor said it the best.

"The Smith is like a pretty 20 something young lady born to a rich family, never has to lift a weight all her life. With constant pampering she will perform beautifully, or she will let you. A Colt is like a Russian woman pulling a plow. Never gives you any problem and never complains. But when she is sick, she really needs help. "
 
I didn't dwell on the role of the bolt (Colt) or cylinder stop (S&W) because it is irrelevant to carryup. The main problem with timing is failure to carry up, that is the cylinder is not turned far enough for the cylinder stop to drop into the cylinder notch. Once that happens, there is no need for the hand to keep forcing the cylinder against the stop, causing peening and wear on all the parts involved.

Jim
 
Back
Top