Timing/Loose Cylinder Question

[Blackwater OPS]

I bought a used SW 342 (scandium cylinder) in .38+P and as it was my first revolver I did not check the timing before I bought it. Well I know better now but I am stuck with it. It's hammerless so I dry fired it and the cylinder is as loose with the trigger back as it is uncocked. I checked and it will cost about 75$ to tighten it up. Is this worth it? I am not sure how serious of a problem I have. I am also not sure if its affecting accuracy because its the only 2in barrel weapon I have shot regularly so I would expect to be much less accurate with it compared to my 5in pistols.

 

[Dfariswheel]

The S&W revolver design REQUIRES that the cylinder be loose when the trigger is held back.

This is so the bullet can align the chamber with the barrel when the bullet enters the bore.

The only double action revolvers that lock up tight with the trigger back are the older design Colt guns like the Python and Detective Special.

Timing is another matter, as is alignment.
In other words, do you actually have a timing problem, or is it just that the cylinder isn't tight when you pull the trigger.

A timing problem is when you cock the hammer, and the cylinder fails to rotate far enough to lock before the hammer drops.

Depending on what's wrong, this S&W is WELL worth having it repaired.
I would recommend sending it to S&W for the repairs.
NO ONE knows more about it than they do, they have all the parts handy, their pricing and turnaround will be better than anyone else, and most important.... They'll do it RIGHT.