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Hi Folks,

So I went to the range today (as I do every Sunday) with my favorite range gun. It is a S&W Model 617, 10 shot, large framed revolver. About 200 rounds into my session, I get this HUGE FLASH! Keep in mind I have put nearly 10,000 rounds through this gun in less than a year.

Immediately I opened the cylinder and found a couple things. Obviously, the round the was next in line in the cylinder fired at the same time as the one in the proper place.

Couple things, when I ejected all the spent and unspent shells I found this:



......and this:



What happened?

Don

Ouch, I am glad that from your post you, nor anyone around you, were harmed.

I am no expert, but I will speculate. I'm assuming that the case in the first photo was the one aligned with the bore when the malfunction happened. That being the case, to me it appears the cartridge was not properly supported when it ignited, which caused the back of the case to rupture. The hot gases from the ruptured case likely cause the cartridge in the the second photo to explode. However, if this is the correct, I would not expect the second case to look like that, so perhaps I am off.

From the little experience I have with .22 wheel guns, the cylinders tend to get dirty quickly which seems to sometimes prevent proper insertion of cartridges if one does not push them in with enough force.

First cartridge splits it"s base as it fires and either hot gas or shrapnel ignites the second cylinder. The second cylinder's base is ussupported as it is not in battery and as the projectile goes forward the case back out of the cylinder. While backing out of the cylinder it encounters the frame and bends as it "rubs" against it. There may be some evidence of it rubbing against the frame, scratch in the bluing or brass smear.
What ammo was in use? and did you get hit or burned. Glad no one was hurt.
Stew

Hi George,

Yes, it was a bit exciting. Everybody is OK, but I think something hit me in the lower lip (no big problem). Once you see this happen you will understand why the range requires all shooters to wear safety glasses!

I can understand the first photo and what happened, however the second case baffles me. Please keep in mind that I'm not sure if that one was the one that went off (at the wrong time, but assume it is).

Anyway, cleaned the gun up at the range a bit and continued shooting with out incident. Please keep in mind, I spend as much time cleaning all my guns as do shooting them.

Don

Hi Stew,

I was using Federal, Game Shok (820). This is my favorite round for all my .22 handguns. Over the past two years (nearly) I have probably shot close to 20,000 rounds without a problem through various guns.

.....and yes, when got home and started to look closer, I could see evidence that the case had been forced back against the frame.

Don

I think Stew is on the right track. I own a 617 and it is hard to imagine the case not being fully supported. The cylinder won't move the bullet into firing position if the case is protruding out of the cylinder any. The tolerances are tight in these areas. You say you've shot the gun 10000 rounds this year, is that the total the gun has seen? or is there more? I would consider taking it to a gunsmith to have it checked out.
Hakaman

Hakaman wrote:You say you've shot the gun 10000 rounds this year, is that the total the gun has seen? or is there more?
Hakaman

Hi Hakaman,

No, I bought this gun new in June of last year. And yes, I have to be getting close to 10,000 rounds through it.

I have no problems with the gun. Everything is still nice and tight. I think it was just one on of those goof ball things that happen if you shoot a lot.

Don

I think it was just one on of those goof ball things that happen if you shoot a lot.

Don

It's good to see nobody got hurt.

Record the ammo lot and send the pics, lot number and the description of the incident to Federal. Looks like an ammo (case construction) problem.

I would also inspect all the cylinders for any signs of lead rings (leading) where the cartridges detonate. A little build-up here would cause cases to not fully seat in the chambers and blow out the back side of a thin walled casing.

R,
Bullseye

Glad no body was hurt. It's very odd that none of the cyl have lead with one being fired out of battery. Very strange this happen in a revolver...


If I recall the Game shock is the hyper velocity stuff which Ruger does not like the MK's to shoot. I've shot it in other guns without incident.

Very glad no one was hurt, and no harm to the gun? Wow. That would have maybe left me needing a change of undies.

ruger22 wrote: That would have maybe left me needing a change of undies.

Hi ruger22,

Yes, a new item to add in the range bag

Don

I had a 45acp case let go shooting with dad last year it was a shocking experience. I just kind of stood there for a minute and did a quick,parts inventory (mine not thee gun ) ... I'm sure your response was similar.



Maybe the case was just bad to begin with and there was no gun problem. The second case most likely backed out of place and the pressure crushed it in trust weird way.

Your bullet didn't hurt my gun, so I was sure everything was ok