S&W revolver gunsmith

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  • python

    Active Member
    Apr 15, 2010
    600
    I'm looking for recommendations for a very experienced gunsmith who works on older S&W revolvers (guns well over 50 years old). Must be in the Baltimore metro area. Who are using these days?
     
    Last edited:

    GuitarmanNick

    Ultimate Member
    Jan 9, 2017
    2,221
    Laurel
    Based on past experience, S&W revolvers are fairly easy to work on. There are some good videos on YouTube to help if you decide to tackle it yourself. Exercise care when opening the frame. Do not pry on the cover. Use a plastic mallet and tap the frame until it pops loose. The most important thing is to make sure everything is clean and smooth any rough surfaces before reassembly.

    I have a Model10 that I serviced about a year ago for the first time. It is now my favorite handgun! Very smooth trigger makes it so nice my daughter loves shooting 125 gr. +P loads from it now.
     

    python

    Active Member
    Apr 15, 2010
    600
    Based on past experience, S&W revolvers are fairly easy to work on. There are some good videos on YouTube to help if you decide to tackle it yourself. Exercise care when opening the frame. Do not pry on the cover. Use a plastic mallet and tap the frame until it pops loose. The most important thing is to make sure everything is clean and smooth any rough surfaces before reassembly.

    I have a Model10 that I serviced about a year ago for the first time. It is now my favorite handgun! Very smooth trigger makes it so nice my daughter loves shooting 125 gr. +P loads from it now.[/QUOTE

    I do work on many of my guns for simple tasks, and have been collecting S&W revolvers for over 40 years, so I pretty much know them inside and out. I'd like to have a nickel for every sideplate I've removed. How bad can you get hurt making a mistake on a model 10? I'm looking for someone to do some delicate work on a gun that is worth considerably more. I could send the gun off, but I want to be present while it's being worked on. Thanks for your input.
     

    inkd

    Ultimate Member
    Aug 4, 2009
    7,512
    Ridge
    Based on past experience, S&W revolvers are fairly easy to work on. There are some good videos on YouTube to help if you decide to tackle it yourself. Exercise care when opening the frame. Do not pry on the cover. Use a plastic mallet and tap the frame until it pops loose. The most important thing is to make sure everything is clean and smooth any rough surfaces before reassembly.

    I have a Model10 that I serviced about a year ago for the first time. It is now my favorite handgun! Very smooth trigger makes it so nice my daughter loves shooting 125 gr. +P loads from it now.[/QUOTE

    I do work on many of my guns for simple tasks, and have been collecting S&W revolvers for over 40 years, so I pretty much know them inside and out. I'd like to have a nickel for every sideplate I've removed. How bad can you get hurt making a mistake on a model 10? I'm looking for someone to do some delicate work on a gun that is worth considerably more. I could send the gun off, but I want to be present while it's being worked on. Thanks for your input.

    I trust Scott at Scott's Gunsmithing for anything I can't handle myself. But, I doubt he is going to let you watch while he is working on it. I think you'd be hard pressed to find anyone willing to do that.
     

    Tracker

    Active Member
    Aug 21, 2011
    587
    Anne Arundel County
    I trust Scott at Scott's Gunsmithing for anything I can't handle myself. But, I doubt he is going to let you watch while he is working on it. I think you'd be hard pressed to find anyone willing to do that.

    I do a lot of my own work too but if I can't figure it out , I take it to Scott and let him deal with it.
    As for watching them work...not likely. If you were to get hurt in their workshop they would be liable.
     

    Biggfoot44

    Ultimate Member
    Aug 2, 2009
    32,881
    "Well over 50yo " is not useful . The relevant dividing line is Long Action vs Short Action . Short Action is essentially modern and current . Long Action parts not available from S&W , and secondary market is becoming spotty ( but they are excellent , very smooth revolvers.

    The transition occured during aprox 1954-57 era .

    Does you revolver have an actual Model Number stamped in the window of the frame ? If so almost certianly Short Action .

    No Model Number ? Some transitional models had Short before gaining Model number .

    What problem(s) are you having ?
     

    python

    Active Member
    Apr 15, 2010
    600
    "Well over 50yo " is not useful . The relevant dividing line is Long Action vs Short Action . Short Action is essentially modern and current . Long Action parts not available from S&W , and secondary market is becoming spotty ( but they are excellent , very smooth revolvers.

    The transition occured during aprox 1954-57 era .

    Does you revolver have an actual Model Number stamped in the window of the frame ? If so almost certianly Short Action .

    No Model Number ? Some transitional models had Short before gaining Model number .

    What problem(s) are you having ?

    Thanks for the input, but I'm not for help on how to repair a revolver, nor a primer on actions and model changes. I am a very advanced collector, and know more about these guns than 99% of the people on this forum. I have some specific work that I want done that requires a highly skilled and knowledgeable gunsmith. I have many contacts out of state through the SWHF and the SWCA, but was looking for someone I may not be aware of in the area. I know of several competent guys who can do repairs, but modifications are a whole different animal.
     

    Biggfoot44

    Ultimate Member
    Aug 2, 2009
    32,881
    Well in that case , no I'm not aware of a local specialist for customizing a vintage S&W. Only aware locally of generalist gunsmiths , or retired PD armorer from the revolver era .

    Would be nice to know of one if you find one .
     

    GuitarmanNick

    Ultimate Member
    Jan 9, 2017
    2,221
    Laurel
    Just tried to help, sir. I have no way of knowing anyone's experience or skill level. Don't need a lecture. Excuse me for trying. Hope you find what you are looking for.
     

    Boom Boom

    Hold my beer. Watch this.
    Jul 16, 2010
    16,834
    Carroll
    Blanket insults are not the best way to get recommendations. There are people here with world-class vintage/antique revolver collections.
     

    august1410

    Marcas Registradas
    Apr 10, 2009
    22,561
    New Bern, NC
    Just tried to help, sir. I have no way of knowing anyone's experience or skill level. Don't need a lecture. Excuse me for trying. Hope you find what you are looking for.

    Blanket insults are not the best way to get recommendations. There are people here with world-class vintage/antique revolver collections.

    I concur. Anyone needing elementary S&W questions can still contact me. I'd be glad to help.
     

    Matlack

    Scribe
    Dec 15, 2008
    8,555
    Just wait, next he'll say the gunsmith can't be a C&R holder for "liability issues".

    He might also require the gunsmith to have his HQL to take possession of the C&R firearm before he allows him the pleasure of completing the work.
     

    Magnumite

    Ultimate Member
    Dec 17, 2007
    6,564
    Harford County, Maryland
    MGW is the only outfit I can think of, though I believe they left Maryland. Just checked, they are now in Georgia. David Yale, of Schutzengun fame, if he is still around would be another. He used to do modifications on revolvers.

    What mods do you seek? My curiousity has been poked.
     

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