To install one of the included barrels, the barrel tube is screwed into the frame, and a
feeler gauge is used to determine the proper cylinder gap.
The newest Model 715 comes with a barrel wrench and
feeler gauge and the barrel can be removed and replaced exactly as the original.
While accurate in trained hands,
feeler gauges give only simple go/no-go determinations.
You screwed in the barrel, then attached the shroud and the barrel nut and with the final adjustment, you inserted the supplied
feeler gauge for a precise fit.
If the
feeler gauge can .t between the riveted components and contact the rivet for the entire length of the inspection area (at each rivet, in other words), the receiver is condemned.
With the cylinder closed, the barrel liner is turned in against a .005"
feeler gauge to set barrel-cylinder gap.
What should the gauge clearance be for minimum and maximum specifications with a
feeler gauge between the barrel and the cylinder on the S&W Model 10 Victory model .38 Special?
The receiver is unservicable if a 0.010
feeler gauge passes through the area between the rivets.
Then put a
feeler gauge between the breechblock and the end of the barrel.
Advance both screws outward in equal amounts while taking
feeler gauge readings.
The barrel is screwed into the frame until it bears against a
feeler gauge of .002" to .006", depending upon the caliber.