...When you are finished
I know it's too late now but I would have sent the original cylinder to Gary Reeder to see if it was still viable for rechambering to his .356 GNR (.41 Mag necked down to .357).
View attachment 788974Beautiful cylinder. Went to the bench with great anticipation ... Swapped the crane assembly , and --- It does not fit! Cylinder will not close into frame when mounted on crane assembly ; it will drop into position and cycle sans crane , but with resistance - insufficient clearance between cylinder face and forcing cone. My micrometer is on my desk at work , but I know what it will tell me : the replacement cylinder is a few thousands longer than the original. Deep disappointment. Solution is to relieve forcing cone? Beyond my pay grade , to borrow a term.
No turning back now , I guess. I am considering sending the HP to the "Mother Ship" and having it fitted , tuned , and re-blued while I'm at it.
Comments? Suggestions?
Actually you’re in a splendid situation.
With the tight cylinder, all it needs is the barrel faced back a few thousandths.
This doesn’t require a lathe or barrel removal, but does require the correct tools. A decent revolver smith will have the required facing cutter, forcing cone cutter, and handle with bushings. It’s about a 30min job.
I actually happen to have those tools. I was given mine by a retired smith, but they are readily available from Brownells.
Now you just need to find the right gunsmith.
When finished you’ll likely have a better than new M28!
Due to demands of production quotas, the factory techs just throw them together with sorted parts. No special attention.
I’ve sent several “Smiths” back to the Performance Center for “refitting” under warranty. Others, the charges were very reasonable.
One came with a bad charge hole (chamber). Not unlike what you’ve got. It’s now the most accurate revolver I’ve ever owned and I won the Distinguished match at the NPSC with it.
1. Over pressure cartridge. Most likely using reloaded ammunition that was loaded too hot. That is why the owner got rid of it. The reason the gun did not grenade is because it is so overbuilt.
DO you still have the gun ?Well , each situation is specific to the individual. For me , the Highway Patrolman is a classic of aesthetically attractive design . The partial lug is spot on , to my eye. I guess that is why I acquired it. On the other hand , I do not carry 357 for SD , and I see no point in buying 357 magnum for punching holes in paper and plinking. (if that term applies to a high power caliber ...?) I carry .38 +p in J frames and therefor practice with 38 ; and I have a lot of K frames for recreation. All of which means that I am not all that eager to spend money to correct my one and only 357. Do I need an N frame? Not really ... do I fix and keep it because it is a handsome , iconic revolver ? ..... don't know yet.
If I were to cut my losses and sell to someone who wishes to take corrective measures I would be thinking $350 , since you asked. Is that realistic?
Do you still have the gunWould you remember , and are you willing to share , what that cylinder replacement by S&W cost you? And , to keep it in perspective , how long ago it took place?