What does a turn line mean?

[brewer12345]

I see revolvers with barely noticeable to pronounced turn lines. What does it mean? Heavy use? Something out of alignment scratching the cylinder? Something to avoid?

 

[Eutycus]

Is this the same as a drag line on the cylinder?

 

[brewer12345]

Yes, turn line, drag lie, line scored around the cylinder as it turns.

 

[Eutycus]

Actually I don't think a turn or drag line is any indication as to how much a revolver has been fired. Manhandled yes, but not fired. I've seen revolvers that have hardly ever been fired but sure look like they've heavily used.

 

[Colonial Boy]

Nothing much to worry about, it’s caused by the cylinder stop rubbing as the cylinder rotates.
Careful adjustment can eliminate it; it’s why you see unfired pistols with a plastic tie that will stop anyone from cockIng them and rotating the cylinder.

 

[andy52]

Turn lines happen on all revolvers but the better made the gun is the less they show. If the cylinder stop isn't well fitted or the cylinder stop spring is too heavy they become much worse.

 

[Phil Coffins]

It’s often caused by improper operating a revolver. Lower the hammer from half cock and the bolt rises to the cylinder and if the cylinder turns it gets a turn line. To avoid that always go to full cock before lowering the hammer. Note the cylinder after years of use.
IMG_1277 by Oliver Sudden, on Flickr

 

[45D]

Actually, as far as S.A.'s are concerned, it is typically a sign handling ignorance and/or a timing problem. The cylinder should only be touched when loading or unloading. . . allowing the action to turn the cyl will keep it "ring free". You'll see YouTube vids of folks evaluating a revolver and they'll draw the hammer back slightly and turn the cylinder . . DON'T DO THAT!!! Half cock is there for that purpose!!!
If the left arm of the bolt is sliding off the side of the cam instead of falling off the front, timing will degrade as the cam wears and a ring will be in your future.
Also, spinning the cyl and drawing the hammer to full cock to stop the cyl (Hollywood style) is an excellent way to add a "beauty ring" to your pristine revolver!. Lol!!
The action is the 19th century "computer ". The hammer has the "program" and the hand, bolt, trig. actuate when they are set to . . . it knows "what, where and when" so don't help !!

Mike

 

[45D]

Oooops

 

[Bad Karma]

Actually I don't think a turn or drag line is any indication as to how much a revolver has been fired. Manhandled yes, but not fired. I've seen revolvers that have hardly ever been fired but sure look like they've heavily used.

Not really manhandled. If the stop is a little tall it will rub. There are solutions but careful handling isn’t going to stop it. Removing a few file strokes worth of material from the top of the bolt will do it.

 

[45D]

If the bolt is high, it's not fitted correctly or the cam is failing because of too much bolt spring pressure (which magnifies the problem if it's sliding off the side). At half cock the top of the bolt head should be flush with the frame at minimum. Most new revolver bolts (Italians) descend fairly deep which stresses the bolt spring which also adds to the failures mentioned above.

Mike

 

[45D]

2nd post and 2nd double. Maybe I'll learn.

Mike