Any idea on what is causing these marks?

[sully007]

It a S&W 38 spl.

[Escobar]

looks like regular F#$%ckin $2it

[Escobar]

comedy, sorry, had a couple S&W's myself

[dsltech]

Totally normal. Have the exact same look on my 627 vcomp. Even my model 66 stainless gets that drag mark.

[jimmythebrain]

completely normal for the S&W alloy framed guns and any of there guns with the black spray on finish. this is a purely cosmetic issue and is the result of the cylinder being opened and closed. The stainless guns get these marks but they are not as pronounced.

you could have the area refinished but it would just come right back. If you do not want one o f these marks, then just do not ever handle the gun or open or close the cylinder.

[Full Spectrum Firearms]

Appears to be normal wear

[jazman]

Possible the extractor rod is not tightened down enough, check the "nut" on the muzzle end and see if it's loose. I think it's a reverse thread but always get them mixed up.

[SLO1911Fan]

That appears to be a little on the excessive side. I've seen it a number of times with people who either use their wrist to snap the cylinder closed, or competition shooters who slam the cylinder hard after a reload.

Check the extractor rod, make sure it isn't loose and that there isn't a bur.