So I just got an 8 inch  NOS Monson 741 VH dating from about 1984.  In the box with hang tag, wrench packet and manual.  Appeared to be unfired. So much bigger than my 15-2 VH that it takes your breath away.  I screwed in the barrel and set the gap at about .004.  Only about .002 of cylinder end play.  At any rate, first thing I noticed was that the forcing cone had not been properly finished, barely touched the lands, and had a huge machine tool groove going all the way around right where it touched the lands.  Not good.  I ordered an 11 degree reamer kit from 4D Rentals, it got here in two days, and it took me about 30 minutes to get it all set up and properly reamed.  I highly recommend both the kit and the supplier.  Next, I pin gauged the chambers and slugged the bore, and all were OK at .410 for the chambers and .409 for the bore.  Then I  slid some empty cases with .060 rims in the cylinder to check for headspace.  Uh oh.  Wouldnt close on any of the chambers, and no light visible between the recoil shield and cartridge cases.  Opened it up and lo and behold the firing pin bushing was proud of the recoil shield by about .002, just enough to rub on the back of the cartridge rims and prevent closing or rotation of the cylinder.  Appeared to be a very tight interference fit in the frame, so I decided against trying to tap it further in.  Instead, out came the small triangle file and I carefully dressed the face of the bushing until it was almost flush with the frame.  I'd say I took off maybe 1 1/2 thousandths. You could just feel the edge of it with your fingernail.  At any rate, I tried the fired cases again and it worked.  Closed on each chamber and rotated through without interference.  A feeler gauge showed .002 clearance behind the cartridge heads.  So, I took it to the range and shot about 25 rounds of several different cast handloads I'd worked up for my RBH 41.  All functioned well and were as accurate as my old eyes would let them.  I took the gun home and cleaned it gently and what did I see?  The firing pin bushing had been driven back in the frame by about .001, so that it was now just barely below the face of the recoil shield.  Guess I should have tried tapping the bushing back before resorting to the file!

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.  Measure twice and cut once is a lifetime lesson that has to be refreshed periodically, at least with me.  I would be interested to know if anybody else has experienced a similar thing with the bushing. My 15-2 doesnt have one. I'm not so worried about the forcing cone because all it takes is a guy in a hurry to get home that didnt finish up or inspect his work, and was easily fixable.  I look forward to getting a set of fiber optic sights for my old eyes and seeing what kind of group I can print.  Hope all of you are doing well and enjoying your revolvers.  Thanks in advance for any input.

Mike  

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