Sharp edge on forcing cone

[GKC]

I just bought a new GP100 3" (test fire date December 14, 2012) and the forcing cone has a razor sharp edge on it. It actually has a bit of a "lip" around the forcing cone, which is very thin and very sharp. I was thinking of filing it down, or stoning it...it's not really a problem with the function of the gun, but when I am cleaning the gun I might get a cut from it. Any reason why I shouldn't smooth it out? Any suggested methods/tools?

On a good note, this gun doesn't have the usual sharp edges on the trigger and trigger guard that I have encountered with other GP100s and SP101s.

 

[k22fan]

The sharp edge left by the forcing cone reamer is one of the first things I look for while inspecting a used revolver that is claimed to be unfired. It wears to a slight radius very quickly in use. I’ve never heard of dulling the edge before firing a new revolver, but I also haven’t bought one with a lip left by the reamer. I’d shoot it and let nature take its course, but I’m no gunsmith and I’ll watch to see what any gunsmiths suggest.

 

[GKC]

The sharp edge left by the forcing cone reamer is one of the first things I look for while inspecting a used revolver that is claimed to be unfired. It wears to a slight radius very quickly in use.

Maybe I'm not understanding you, but this lip or edge is on or around the outside of the forcing cone...I'm not sure how it would wear with use since there in nothing as far as I know (which I admit, is less and less every day) that contacts it. The cylinder doesn't, the bullet doesn't, so I'm not sure what would.

 

[k22fan]

I misunderstood you. Since your sharp edge and burr or lip are on the outside rear edge of the barrel I’d carefully deburr it. The goal would be to remove the burr and a few molecules of barrel steel to dull the sharp edge.

 

[Hondo44]

Ken,
I always cut the sharp edge just for the reasons you describe. Mount gun barrel pointing down in a padded vise. Open the cyl or remove. Then take a strip of crocus cloth which is very fine and use it like a shoeshine rag over the sharp edge until gone. Will not effect bar/cyl gap if not over done.

 

[GKC]

k22fan and Hondo44,

Thanks for the info!


Ken

 

[David Bradshaw]

I'd much rather have sharp edges on a trigger or hammer----easy stuff to deal with----than anything that anything out of order in the barrel. A sharp edge at the base of the forcing cone won't do anything. As suggested, you can burnish said edge with your finger and crocus cloth. However, do not touch the "barrel face," that flat ring on the back of the barrel. Hot gas will eventually soften the "sharp edge."

A bullet cannot contact said sharp ring----not unless there are terrible chamber alignment or timing issues.

There are more important places to check on a new, or new to you, revolver. Namely, slug the bore.
David Bradshaw