I have a S&W 617 22 LR revolver that is 15 yrs old. It shoots great with lots and lots of rounds thru it. It spits when it gets dirty. I noticed the air gap is kind of wide. What is the normal tolerance of the air gap. Should I get it fixed up or not to worry about it. The gun seems tight with minimal end shake or side to side motion when cocked. If it needs fixing, do you think Smith would warranty the repair?

One thing to watch for with rimfire revolvers is that they get filthy as a result of the ammo. You can get a buildup of filth on the cylinder face/barrel face or the locking notches if the piece isn't kept clean. Another issue is crud in the rim recess in the cylinder. The crud in the rim recess will keep the rounds from chambering full and can make rotation difficult, same with the other cylinder face. If rotation gets difficult, or the locking lug recesses are dirty, the cylinder may not be properly aligned, which causes spitting. I have a 617 and an very fond of it, but it turns into a filthy beast much faster than my centerfire chambered revlolvers. I have a M29 Classic Hunter that is of about the same vintage as your revolver, and it is covered by the lifetime warranty. Smith will be able to tell you in one call, serial number in hand, if it's covered. They'll send you a FedEx call slip, you package it and put the sticker on and give FedEx a call and they'll pick it up. You'll likely have the revolver back in about two weeks. I would first explore if the revolver is simply dirty and it's causing the problem..no need to waste your time or S&W's money on the matter if that is all it is. Most rimfire ammo, epecailly some of the more economical types, is filthy...it makes a swaged lead centerfire round look clean.

Although I have some issues with S&W that don't relate to their firearms, I experienced superb customer service when I had to return the above mentioned .44 for repair due to a firing pin bushing problem. Prompt service, problem fixed correctly, very happy. I'll see if it lasts another 5K full house 44 rounds, in addition to many 44Specials and lighter mag rounds, before it has to go back. The aftermarked springs and gunsmith tuned trigger/hammer parts where not replaced, as has been the case with one Ruger I sent in.

I learned the normal cylinder air gap is .003-.009 thousands of a inch. I checked the cylinder gap and it's in tolerance so that's not the problem. The revolver starts out super clean and when I go plinking, then I shoot over 150+ rounds. Towards the end of plinking time is when it starts spitting. I would say if it's fine when I start out, it must be getting dirty. Yes there is a bunch of lead in there to scrap out afterwards. The gun is ok, thanks!