I just bought my first new "Custom" (357 MAX)barrel. Among other things, I noticed the hinge pin fit was on the loose side. (It appears the hinge pin opening is a little oval. As a result, she rattles somewhat. Now, my T/C breaches each time I shoot with this barrel. It does not matter what the reload is. Bang! She is open. I guess it would be great if I had to reload quickly. But, I like to study my shots first. What is interesting, it does not do this with my older barrels. Anybody have any suggestions on how to fix this? Or what is causing it?

The hole on the barrel lug looks "oval", or the hinge pin hole on the frame? If it's the barrel, send it right back to the seller, explain the problem, and don't accept it back till it is replaced. I can't see how an "oval" hole can be repaired, so, replacement would be "my" only recourse. Keep everyone posted as to the upcoming events.
Jeff

[ 05-08-2003, 23:36: Message edited by: jffrybrght ]

Exactly, if the hinge pin hole is "out of round" send that baby back to where it came from. I hope like hell it isn't mine, but even if it is, send that thing back.

Check out the amount of lock up you are getting (i.e. how far under the shelf your locking bolts actually go). Then, check the surface of the bolts themselves. Look for any signs of damage.

When your frame opens up like that, it can most often be traced back to the way it locks up. I've seen barrels blow up before they pop open, so that gives you an idea of how much pressure it should take to get that gun open if it's locking right.

Before you get to far, make sure the locking lug is free of grease oil,or any kind of lube. I suggest taking the lugs out and give a good cleaning with a solvent that leaves no residue. I have seen problems in the past with lube and oils miagrating back on to the top of the lug and causing problems.
I bought a Contender frame from a fellow that thought moly lubes were the greatest thing in the world, it has it's place but not where he was using it .

BTW, I agree with the above on the hinge pin hole 100%. I don't know the "custom" makers name nor do I want to know. But I have seen two barrels in the last couple of months that had a tapered pin in them. These were meant to stay with a specific frame and no other. When I first saw them the taper gave the effect of oblong or eggshaped to the pin hole. This was out of an estate and took some time to figure out what was going on.
Just my .02
Jeff

I have an article on www.bellmtcs.com explaining barrels that fly open.

In the event you are stuck with a barrel which does in fact have an oval hinge pin hole, I have drilled them out and sleeved them. That is an option that may save the barrel.

Tip, leave the sleeve sticking out of the lug on each side so it bears against the frame when the hinge pin is being installed so the sleeve cannot be pushed out.

This is something to be avoided, but it can save a barrel quite successfully.

Mike