S&W top break

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  • lseries

    Member
    Dec 11, 2011
    254
    I have an old S&W top break. From what I can figure out from the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd ed., p. 84, it is a .38 double action, fourth model.

    It used to be possible to push on the hammer with the action cocked and have the hammer fall. A gunsmith who I won't name told me the problem was that the sear was soft and tried to harden it. He was unsuccessful, and now it will not operate single action (i.e., the hammer will not stay cocked). He told me that parts are no longer available from S&W, which didn't surprise me a bit.

    Can anyone recommend a gunsmith who could work on this and, possibly, fix it? It must be possible to make a sear. Any ideas how much it would cost, assuming that the diagnosis of a soft sear is correct?

    Thanks.
     

    Magnumite

    Ultimate Member
    Dec 17, 2007
    6,564
    Harford County, Maryland
    A good revolver smith should be able to help you. You might need to have both the sear and hammer full cock notch hardened and honed IF there is enough undamaged metal to do this. That is an old revolver so most those familiar with we no longer with us. I've corrected a couple old revolver malfunctions so I am sure a qualified smith could. MGW, Madora, Bowen Hamilton to name a few could. But there would be shipping to couple of them so that will contribute to the cost. Badgersmith Gunwork, located in Bel Air area, may take it on, give him a call. He is in the phone book and at most local gunshows as well
     

    lseries

    Member
    Dec 11, 2011
    254
    Thanks for the suggestions. I'll follow them up.

    There was no charge for the non-repair, and I have no complaints about that gunsmith or the shop he works for.
     

    SalemCat

    Active Member
    Jan 10, 2013
    101
    Thanks for the suggestions. I'll follow them up.

    There was no charge for the non-repair, and I have no complaints about that gunsmith or the shop he works for.

    Some problems cannot be repaired by even the most skilled GunSmith, short of making or buying a replacement part. Which may not be practical or economical.

    Sounds like he did his honest best.
     

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