[ ... ] On the frame (cylinder side) is it not level all the way around. Is this by design to compress the rounds as they approach firing position, or is this poor machining? Either way it is a problem since some of my cartridges hang there. [ ... ]
The ridge you are describing and showing in the photo is perfectly normal. It acts as a "ramp" to bring the cartridge into the
correct head spacing - from the front of the recoil plate to the back of the cartridge. No, it is not poor machining, but rather the lack of custom fitting these guns. If they did so, the gun would cost twice as much because of the manual labor involved.
This ridge can indeed be annoying and be
part of the problem. I can assure you that cases can get snagged here. Been there... done that. Personally I use a very fine diamond stone to file down this abrupt and rather sharp ridge. Doing so creates a very smooth transition for the cartridge to enter into battery and prevent hangups. They slide into the ramp like butter slides across glass.
Another problem area for hangups occurs where the loading gate meets the recoil plate upon closure. I bevel the loading gate along the edge to create a more rounded and smooth surface.
I
never get hangups in my SAA revolvers. My life may depend on it. I can honestly say that my revolvers are finely tuned and customized machines.
I do not advocate that you do the aforementioned to your firearm unless you are absolutely sure that you know what you are doing. Perhaps a gunsmith familar with the SAA can assist you.
Here are some other things that I do with these guns -
http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,45969.msg569380.html#msg569380