Marcruger2
Bearcat
Hi Folks,
My buddy and I are trying to diagnose a barrel issue with a custom '50s Flattop 44 Blackhawk (OM obviously).
After 20 years of shooting, the barrel has suddenly loosened in the frame to the point that (with the ejector rod housing off) the front sight is canted right viewed from the muzzle to about 10 degrees off when barrel is hand tightened up against the frame. It was never loose before.
The barrel is an aftermarket Douglas. The loads shot through it have all been 240 lswc 44 Special loads 6.9 to 7.5 grains Unique. Should not be loads that stress out a 44 Magnum revolver at all.
Work was done by the late Bob Yurina of Virginia Beach VA. A respected gunsmith who worked on all of Doc O'Meara's Colts.
As an engineer brain, it seems the only way it could loosen is for the barrel threaded portion to crack, or for the frame to have cracked. After cleaning inside and out, I do not see a crack in the barrel or frame. Used strong magnifier and bright LED lights.
What else could cause a barrel to suddenly loosen to the point that it needs another 10 degrees turn to get to hand tight?
I look forward to your answers or guesses. God Bless, Marc
My buddy and I are trying to diagnose a barrel issue with a custom '50s Flattop 44 Blackhawk (OM obviously).
After 20 years of shooting, the barrel has suddenly loosened in the frame to the point that (with the ejector rod housing off) the front sight is canted right viewed from the muzzle to about 10 degrees off when barrel is hand tightened up against the frame. It was never loose before.
The barrel is an aftermarket Douglas. The loads shot through it have all been 240 lswc 44 Special loads 6.9 to 7.5 grains Unique. Should not be loads that stress out a 44 Magnum revolver at all.
Work was done by the late Bob Yurina of Virginia Beach VA. A respected gunsmith who worked on all of Doc O'Meara's Colts.
As an engineer brain, it seems the only way it could loosen is for the barrel threaded portion to crack, or for the frame to have cracked. After cleaning inside and out, I do not see a crack in the barrel or frame. Used strong magnifier and bright LED lights.
What else could cause a barrel to suddenly loosen to the point that it needs another 10 degrees turn to get to hand tight?
I look forward to your answers or guesses. God Bless, Marc