Flame-cutting of the revolver top strap

[capp325]

My S&W 686 is showing signs of "flame-cutting" at the top strap area above the forcing cone. Essentially, a thin strip of metal immediately above the forcing cone has become rough and "porous", for lack of a better word, from gas erosion. In my estimation, I've shot somewhere between 500-700 magnum rounds (110 and 125gr) through the gun.

Is this erosion self-limiting or should I expect it to get progressively worse over time? Will it eventually lead to frame failure? And is there anything one can do to reduce/eliminate flame cutting?

 

[Canuck223]

Your gun is doomed. Since I'm a nice guy, I'll let you give it to me.

Don't worry. Never heard of a frame failure yet from that type of erosion.

 

[Johnn Peterson]

Is it actually flame cutting or erosion or is it a lead type residue or deposit?

 

[IM_Lugger]

a pic would helpful, but flame cutting isn't uncommon with S&W revolvers esp in .357mag (maybe because they are the most common I don't know...)

 

[capp325]

Is it actually flame cutting or erosion or is it a lead type residue or deposit?

My first thought was carbon deposits, but it's actually erosion.

 

[capp325]

Not my gun, but the erosion looks similar:

 

[Johnn Peterson]

After your picture, I see what you mean. A definate erosion or flame cut. After seeing that I went and checked all of mine, Colts, S&W's and Rugers and nothing like that. I'd be tempted to perhaps send the pic to the tech people at S&W and see what they have to say. If you do, keep us posted.

 

[762shooter]

Erosion

After your picture, I see what you mean. A definate erosion or flame cut. After seeing that I went and checked all of mine, Colts, S&W's and Rugers and nothing like that. I'd be tempted to perhaps send the pic to the tech people at S&W and see what they have to say. If you do, keep us posted.

Is the cylinder gap excessive?

 

[Cerdan]

Found this on another forum: "A Smith and Wesson gun collector told me he talked to Smith and Wesson about that phenomenon. He asked Smith what happens. Smith told him that the flame only cuts so far and then it stops. I guess it must get heat treated or something."

...they were talking about a M19, though. Also, the general consensus seems to be that this happens more often when firing 125gr than 158gr .357s.

 

[capp325]

Is the cylinder gap excessive?

Nope, the cylinder gaps seems fine.

 

[daBear]

That is not uncommon, especially with full house or hi power magnum loads. I was told not to worry about it and in fact if you rub graphite in the cut, it will stop any additional cutting. Personally I have not tried it but it kinda makes sense. I have it in my 629s as well as 586 and 686's. Not deep but it was enough to concern me. Hasnt worsened over the years since.
Cheers
dB

 

[capp325]

That is not uncommon, especially with full house or hi power magnum loads. I was told not to worry about it and in fact if you rub graphite in the cut, it will stop any additional cutting.

You mean graphite-based lube?

 

[ian_in_vic]

My 686 was like that too, I kept checking it and it didn't get any worse.

 

[daBear]

You mean graphite-based lube?

Nope, that'll probably splatter and smoke..Just plain old "pencil lead" will do the trick. Repeat after each cleaning or prior to shooting.. Seemed too simple to me but if it works, why not..
Regards
dB