Loose Cylinder on Cimarron 1851 RM

[El Coyote]

Howdy ya'll!

I was looking at a Cimarron 1851 RM and I noticed that the cylinder had a little bit of play forward and back. I took it about and reassembled it and the problem is still there. When loaded with snap caps the cylinder sits nice and tight. Is this something to be concerned about? What are the probable causes? Any tips or advice would be a huge help. Thanks!

Coyote

[Paladin UK]

Ho EC...

How much `play` are ya talking about pard ?

Paladin (Whats kinda  nosy  curious  ) UK

[El Coyote]

I'll have to measure it but the cylinder actually rattles around when you draw or handle the pistol. I've been digging through some threads on here and I saw one that discussed using a 5mm washer to correct gap problems, would that be a probable fix for this issue?

[Coffinmaker]

By design, cylinders have an amount of "end shake."  The cylinder is suppose to move back and fourth.  End shake should be around .002 +/- .001
Head space should be about .005, again +/- .001
End shake is necessary for the gun to function correctly.  You may not have a problem at all.

Coffinmaker

PS:  You may still need to correct the fit of the barrel to the arbor.

[El Coyote]

I think it is nothing more than needing proper to correct the fitting of the barrel to the arbor. I sent the pistol off for an action job and the gunsmith said he'd take care of the fitting as well, turns out that is included in his action jobs. So all is well. 

[Bonnie_blue1861]

I'd like to hear how it turns out, once you get it back from your gunsmith.