Charter Arms .38 Undercover Revolver

Question
Dave, my mother purchased this revolver new and we went to a local firing range just yesterday, I was standing to her right side while she began firing, upon firing I felt like I was getting pelted by powder flash or something unknown to me but not on every shot (I then stood behind her when she was firing), another gentleman to her left also mentioned to us that he was being hit by what he said was lead. He informed us that the revolver was not lining up with the barrel when the lead round came out of the casing. He called this problem something but I can't remember what he called it. Since the revolver is new should we take it back to the place of purchase? Can this problem be fixed? My mother, 71 years old, now does not like the gun and says it isn't a safe weapon, any advise? I'd appreciate it. Thanks.
Norman / Central NC

Answer
First: Any revolver will have some gases and powder residue escaping to the sides, since there must be a small clearance between the front of the cylinder and the rear of the barrel (the rear part of the barrel is called the forcing cone).  This clearance is required so that the cylinder can rotate freely.  This clearance is called cylinder gap and will have an amount specified by the factory for the particular model gun.  If the gap is greater than specified, there may be excessive gas and powder residue exiting to the side.

Second: At the point of firing, the cylinder must line up with the barrel.  Again, the accuracy of this alignment is specified by the factory.  This alignment is called the timing of the cylinder.  If the timing is off, then bits of lead may be expelled to the side.

Both of these can be measured by a gunsmith to see if they are within the factory tolerances.  If they are out of spec, many gun manufacturers will make the adjustments without charge for the life of the gun.  But I expect that any gun manufacturer will make the adjustments at no charge if the gun is still new.

You could take it to a gunsmith first, to see if he would charge you to make those measurements, or you could decide to send it to the manufacturer to check it.  But if it is within spec, the manufacturer may charge you for the service.

Hope this helps!

Dave