Cylinder lockup...

[Old Vagabond]

Hey guys...
I want to know how tightly your cylinder locks up on your CJ. Mine is not real tight, although it locks up tighter when the hammer is back, but not much. I only ask because I am looking for a pistol and have been looking at the cowboy 45's. I have yet to make the rounds of the gun shops, but in reading up on different brands/models I constantly hear about how tight this or that model's cylinder locks up. So what's good? Can it have a bit of play?

[akuser47]

I don't have a way to measure the lock up, but if it's lose it's not good as eventually as it gets shot more it can start having timing issues.

[GasGuzzler]

There's 3953 factors involved but if it shoots good without leading or shaving and the forcing cone is in good shape I wouldn't worry. I'm sure someone has specs but to me it's just a feel.

[akuser47]

That's better said, thanks gas

[GasGuzzler]

I was typing on my fowng while you were posting.

[Old Vagabond]

It is not sloppy, but compared to my Tarus 38 special there is a noticeable difference.

[Archer]

Different guns are different.
Most of us want a tight lockup but Colts for example tend to have some small play at full cock that can disappear as the hammer falls. Smiths, Rugers and Wessons are different.

Somewhere around here I've got a revolver checklist similar to the list the board developed for the 92 when buying one. I've been covered up with work but I'll see if I can find it and post it eventually.

[Old Vagabond]

Thanks Archer

[Archer]

I haven't found my electronic copy in a quick search. I know I've got a hard copy in my ref book and the electronic is probably on my other machine...

Meanwhile here are a few useful notes that are pretty close to the content in the one I was looking for:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6Fh3F ... 4NzM2/view

http://www.thesixgunjournal.net/a-revol ... checklist/

In particular the light finger drag on the cylinder while SLOWLY cocking the gun to check the lockup is important. A gun that looks otherwise perfect can have this problem and it's not something most folks, unless they are revolver junkies, even know how to check.