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S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 3-Screw PINNED Barrel SWING-OUT Cylinder Hand Ejectors WITH Model Numbers


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Old 06-18-2022, 10:23 AM
Inland7-45 Inland7-45 is offline
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Default Factory repair for revolvers 1961 - 1980

I have several J Frame and K Frame S&Ws that are in need of mechanical work. The oldest is a model 36 made in 1968 and the newest is a model 64 HB made in 1980. The blued guns have most of their original finish with some honest wear, so I do not want to refinish them.

The common issue with all of them is internal wear and looseness.

Has anyone had recent experience with repair of revolvers made in the 1960 - 1980 range?

Will the factory still perform general repairs on revolvers of this era?

I would expect to have to replace some lock work parts such as a bolt or hand. Are the parts from this era still available? What about forged hammers and triggers?

I have had really good luck with factory repair work including refinishing. However the last time that I had anything done was nearly 15 years ago.

The last time I contacted their customer service desk I was told that certain parts were no longer available . They would not be specific but I would assume that the supply of old model barrels and frames was used up a long time ago.

I was also told the lead time would be about 6 months.
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Old 06-18-2022, 09:36 PM
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I know the factory does not work on “older” models but I am unsure of what they consider older. (Perhaps revolvers made prior to these owners acquiring the company?)

Parts are available for most of the models from various suppliers and proper gunsmiths can make repairs better and faster than the factory. I recommend Andy Horvath but there are other gunsmiths who do good work.

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Old 06-23-2022, 07:05 PM
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Call and find out. A few years back I had a pre model 27 repaired?
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Old 06-24-2022, 07:45 AM
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Call. My experence 4 years ago. Endurance Package Installed on 29-2 "UPDATE"
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Old 06-24-2022, 08:03 AM
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The factory will usually refuse work on a non-model stamped gun (pre-1958) and may not work on later guns depending on parts availability.

If what you are seeing on your revolvers is generic work (non-fitted parts, no highly specialized skills/tools needed, etc.) it may be worth finding a good gunsmith local to you, at least for an examination and estimate.
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Old 06-25-2022, 08:21 AM
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Parts are still available - if not in gun or online stores or parts sellers, a gun show will usually have a few vendors selling new and or used parts for vintage models. They are a welcome sight for those for us heavy into vintage Smith's & Colts's. I made sure (about 20 - 25 years ago) to have enough of the common wear parts on hand to not worry for the rest of my life.

If you are not wanting or willing to learn how to repair them yourself, I suggest asking around (extensively) to find a very competent Gunsmith. Don't just hand them over to the first one you meet - make sure by multiple recommendations of people you trust that the GS you use knows what he's doing! I have seen way too many "butcher jobs" by so called GS's! I am sorry to say, there are more "butchers" than skilled craftsmen who take pride in what they do. A good GS is quite a find these days!
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