My .500 Smith has gotten progressively worse. When I fire it, tiny metal shards are thrown back into my face and I end up looking like a reject from the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Asked around and the gunsmiths told me it was "out of timing". Contacted Smith and they sent me a packing slip and basically said that's what it is.

I'm GUESSING here, that the cylinder lock slots have become elongated or the cylinder lock pin has become worn. Am I close?

In a nutshell, the cylinder doesn't exactly line up with the bore which is why lead is spitting off the sides.

Could be any number of reasons. Just be glad that S&W stands behind their revolvers and is willing to fix it.

Have to be careful with the big revolvers. Mostly like the BFR 45-70 with a huge cylinder. You need to cock them slow so the cylinder does not slam the locks or notches.
Actually it is best for any revolver, those cowboy guys sure beat up cylinders, imagine what Jerry Miculic does to his guns.

quote:

Originally posted by rnovi:
In a nutshell, the cylinder doesn't exactly line up with the bore which is why lead is spitting off the sides.

Could be any number of reasons. Just be glad that S&W stands behind their revolvers and is willing to fix it.

What Robert said.

How much use has this thing had?
Peter

Have you tried points an plugs?????

A number of possibilities.Back in the old days my M29 spit bits of copper jacket .They redesigned the forcing cone and once they had re-cut it everything was fine.
You shouldn't have to slowly cock the gun for it to function properly.Anyway send it back to S&W.

Most likely the hand has become worn. It carries the cylinder up into position when you cock the gun and allows the cylinder to lock into position.

You can check it by VERY slowly pulling back on the hammer. Make sure the gun is unloaded, of course. Once it's back, gently grab the cylinder and see if it will turn. If it does you'll hear an audible "click" as it locks in. "IF" you hear the click, that cylinder is out of time. Do this for all 5 positions and you'll be able to see which ones are out of time.

Pythons, as great as they are, were notorious for this because the lock work was finely fitted and too many guys wanted to play cowboy. The problems with them is not only did the hand get worn down, the star was peened over.

If it is the hand, any competent gunsmith should be able to fit it with an oversized hand. I replaced one on a worn Model 19 with no problem.

Thanks DEC

LMAO at OlBiker. Bet the paper book match flap won't work at setting them, do you think?

George, how many rounds do you estimate you have put through your .500?

Whitworth, I sold that 500 Mag to George, I put about 800 rounds or maybe a little more down the tube of the particular gun. Now George has shot the hell out if for the last 2 years. SO I don't know how many actual rounds he has, but I am sure it is close to 1400 to 1500. I know, because I reload for him...

I told him I thought the timing was off, or it had to do with the forcing cone, but S&W will get it right for him...