Revolver cylinder gap

nerta · 03-04-2006, 12:41 PM

The question what is the optimum gap for barrel to cylinder on a revolver. After this question was ask of me I started measuring different revolvers and have found quite a variation among revolvers, even revolvers of the same manufacture.

buckhunter · 03-04-2006, 01:37 PM

I believe you can get the specs from the gun makers online. Min. & Max. dimensions ect. BH

Catching Nemo · 03-04-2006, 04:03 PM

The variations are normal.

Anywhere from .002 to .010 is in "spec" according to Smith and Wesson. Jerry Kuhnhausen's S&W shop manual suggests anywhere between .003 and .010 is fine.

Not enough gap and you will get cylinder bind from the cylinder expanding/stretching, as heat builds up, or from powder build up. Too much gap will cause lead spitting. My gaps range from .004 - .008 on a combination of 2 Taurus and 4 S&W's. One brand new Smith had a gap of .012 and it went back to the factory.

As for what is optimum it depends on who you believe. Some say a tighter gap will enhance accuracy. Jerry Miculek, who is a pretty good shooter, says that is a bunch of baloney. For reliability, in a defensive revolver, the recommendation is a minimum of .005.