timing problems

C

charels

New member
when speaking of revolvers, i often read people with "timing problems" i tried the search function, but could not comeup with any exact answers. what are timing problems in a revolver? thanks for reading.
 
Timing relates to where the cylinder is when the hammer falls. As a revolvers cylinder turns it brings the individual hole up so that the cartridge is lined up with the barrel and the hammer. If timing is off the cylinder may either not rotate all the way to the barrel or may rotate Past the barrel. When that happens it is said to be out of time. Usually it is caused by wear to one of the parts, either the piece that comes up from the frame to lock the cylinder in place (Colt calls that the bolt while S&W calls it the lock IIRC), the spring that pushes that up, the hand (part in the frame behind the cylinder that tirns the cylinder) or one of the various links or levers inside the frame. Colt has more parts and is a more complicated setup up than Smith (not to mention turning catawumps) and so are slightly more likely to get out of time. On the other hand, the more complicated Colt set up can be fine tuned better than the Smith.
 
Any and all revolvers can have timing problems. It doesn't matter who makes it or which model is involved. Generally, S&W and Ruger have been more reliable over the long haul than Colt. BUT...

I have an Colt Improved New Service that was made in 1915 and a Colt Army Special that was made in 1926 that are in perfect time. Timing is not that big an issue and can uauslly be fixed if there is a problem.

If I were you, I just wouldn't worry about it. Even if it becomes a problem it is gradual and the kind of thing you will notice during routine maintenance.
 
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