Bearcat cylinder binding

[1SG Ret]

I recently purchased a used blued Bearcat in great condition. A fully loaded cylinder binds on one side only. It rotates fine when unloaded. I have tried Federal bulk, CCI minimag, and Remington bulk. Also, gave it a good cleaning before firing it. Is this a common problem? Any suggestions? Thanks

 

[Sam Johnson]

One thing could be the cylinder pin,, be sure it is true and without scratches or dings.

 

[1SG Ret]

Thanks for the reply.
Everything looks brand new and I doubt the gun was fired hardly at all by the previous owner. Since posting this reply, I've spent the afternoon experimenting with it. There is only one cartridge binding. If I leave that hole empty and only load five, then no problems. If I load six and rotate the cylinder several times, it rubs a half moon on the back of the cartridege. I'm thinking that one cylinder hole is out of spec?

 

[Sam Johnson]

Have you examined that chamber close, with a glass ? Maybe a tiny burr that keeps the cartridge from seating. Also try to polish that chamber a little.
I use very fine grit paper with oil . I had a old model Single -Six that had a battered chamber from being dry fired. Is your cat a new or old model ?

 

[1SG Ret]

It is a new model made in Jan 2003 (or at least that's the date on the envelope with the empty brass). I will check it out with a magnifying glass here shortly and do a chamber polish. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Fox Mike]

Check each individual cylinder hole for the slightest of 'firing pin' marks. One of mine had been dry fired and had damaged the cylinder. Try inserting a fired cartridge in each hole and see if there is any obstruction. It should almost fall in.

 

[1SG Ret]

Thanks for the replies.
I checked each chamber with a magnifying glass and yes, there is a firing pin indention on each chamber (from dry firing I assume). The indention is most prominent on the chamber giving me the problem. I'm pretty sure that is the problem. I think I am going to take it to a local gunsmith and let him polish them out. I don't have good luck with DIY gunsmithing. Thanks to all that offered suggestions.