Hello,

I own a 1920 era hand ejector, a 442, a Pro Series 640, and an M&P 9 compact. I want to learn as much as possible about S&W revolvers in general and mine in particular. I thought I'd purchase something like "The S&W Revolver: A Shop Manual" by Jerry Kuhnhausen. I know it gets rave reviews, but a few reviewers make it sound as if it is a large collection of spec diagrams and shop manual pages. Maybe it is more than that. That's what I wish to find out.

I really want to understand the revolver's components, and how they work. As an end result, I would like to be comfortable doing a detailed cleaning sometime if I wished to. I am wondering if Kuhnhausen's text would supply that sort of warmup, or does it assume the reader is more accomplished than I am.

For example, as part of cleaning the hand ejector today, I removed the grips as I assumed my granddad would never have done that. Well, I removed the strain screw before I knew what it was and the mainspring disengaged. To remedy this, I removed the side plate and of course the gun needs a good, piece-by-piece cleaning. I cleaned carefully a bit without removing any parts, oiled, and returned the side plate (and cylinder, etc.) and all went well. I really would like to be able to pull all the pieces out, know their names (beyond hammer, trigger, etc.), understand the function of each piece, clean them, oil, and put them all back. I want to know enough so I won't do real damage in the effort to take really good care of the revolvers. As an example, I want to understand the timing of the cylinder, not to do anything with it, but to be sure I can't mess it up by accident. Is Kuhnhausen's book what I should buy?

Also, I understand I will need a couple specialized tools and probably a few smithing screwdrivers. But I am only interested in disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly. How much will I have to spend on these few tools?

thanks

If you got your gun apart and back together and had no problems, I'd say you've got enough mechanical aptitude to understand the Kuhnhausen just fine. As far as tools, I've been pretty pleased with the 89-Piece Professional-Plus Gunsmithing Screwdriver Set, which includes a rebound spring tool. It may seem like more than you need, but having the exact right size screwdriver you need is worth it, and you'll find that screw head slots and sizes do vary across the model and year range of S&W.

Might as well get the book there too:
The S&W Revolver: A Shop Manual Book by Jerry Kuhnhausen

Oh, and Welcome to the Forum!

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ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

Kuhnhausen will give you what you are looking for. Photos, diagrams and good narrative; I recommend it.

As for specialized tools, at the least get a rebound spring installation tool to go along with a basic gunsmithing screwdriver set. I have an ejector rod tool that is more convenient than the often-recommended padding & vise routine, but you can go your own way on that job IF you are careful.

For polishing the internals and optimizing performance, I also recommend Jerry Miculek's DVD. He differs from Kuhnhausen on a few little things, but shows very clearly what and how much to polish and, more importantly, what to leave alone.

The book you are referring to is an excellent way to learn more about S&W Revolvers, but it is NOT going in instantly turn you into a Gun Smith. You will first need the mechanical skills, proper tools, mechanical mind, and the desire and willingness to learn as you work on your own guns. You will also need to accept the fact that you will make mistakes along the way, and hopefully learn from those mistakes. We all make mistakes, but smart people learn from them. Go slowly, and a bit farther each time until you get to the point of being able to do just about anything. Know your limitations as well. Do not attempt a job that is beyond your skills, tools or practical ability and you should be fine.

As far as the cost of tools go, I can not answer that. It's like asking "how much does a car cost"? It depends on how far you want to go, what brand and quality of tools you buy. In general, they are not something that a gun owner or collector could not afford if so desired.

Chief38

Thanks guys very much for your timely responses and the "welcome" to the forum.

After studying your advice, I ordered Kuhnhausen's text along with Miculek's DVD. I also ordered a rebound tool. I already have a good selection of screwdriver heads - phillips, flat, torx, etc. - so I didn't buy any more of these. If I am correct, after a more careful look, there is nothing special about a smith's driver really. Apparently the key is to have and use the perfectly chosen screw head type/size. Please correct me on this if I am wrong.

Thanks again for taking the time to help.

You are correct, it's simply choosing the correct size screwdriver head, one that fills up the slot without sticking out the sides, which can mar up your sideplate.

Good choice on the Miculek DVD. I would have mentioned it earlier but you specified "reading material" so I thought you may not have had a DVD player.

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Ogy