I've been doing more and more amateur gunsmithing and I'm looking to purchase some specialty tools. Could have used a good set of screwdrivers yesterday evening while working on my uncles old Savage model 775a. Which set do y'all recommend for general work and for S&W handguns?

Brownell's sells a 5 tip specific set for S&W revolvers. Also I'd recommend the "Law Enforcement " magnetic handle. Of course you could also get the master set while you are at it!

If you intend on working on other guns too, I'd go with an expanded set. Brownells also has a Browning Shotgun specific thin blade set, but that's mostly for the OLD A-5's and Superposed if you have some.

Brownell's 44 bit Magna-Tip Professional set. You will eventually use all the bits and even add specialty bits as your collection grows.

Check out Chapman Manufacturing. Their bits fit practically all the screws on my guns and some of bits are made "softer" so as to not mar screw heads. Very high quality. Great customer service also.

The screw drivers I use most often on my revolvers are customized from the screw drivers in the Grace Set.
GRACE USA Original Gun Care Screwdriver Set > Woodworking | Grace USA

I also have a large set and specialty tools from Wheeler Engineering.

I use a Dremel Tool to do most of the customizing and then hand stone them to exact fit to the screw slot.

All screws are not made exactly the same from gun to gun so another driver or two needs to be created as a new addition arrives.

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NEVER GIVE UP YOUR GUN

I just purchased the Chapman 8900 screwdriver set. They got top
reviews when I checked online. It would be a nice entry level set that
offers great value.

You may want to check them out.

I have a Chapman set for my range bag, but at home, the Brownell set is used on everything.

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So many S&W's, so few funds!!

I have had a Brownells Super Set for at least 25-28 years. Never found a screw I couldn't remove from a gun with this set including My A-5. Wouldn't recommend any others as I haven't needed any others.

Thanks for the replies. I think I'm going with the 58 bit master set and the magnetic handle. They have 1 cent shipping right now.

ORDERED. I'm just like a kid waiting for Christmas.

You'll be happy.

Also, if you ever damage a bit, just email Brownell's with the bit number and they'll send you a new one FREE.

I'd also recommend buying a clip-tip law enforcement handle.
Sometimes you don't want a magnetic driver.

What he said! There are times when the clip tip is nice because it holds the bit very tight and as dfariswheel said, is non magnetic.

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So many S&W's, so few funds!!

I'll order me one after my hip pocket recovers from the screwdriver order.

If you own a 1911, you'll also want their tip for the grip bushings.

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So many S&W's, so few funds!!

I don't know how many here have the same experience about the Handles themselves. I own 5 or 6 Handles but use the Law Enforcement Magnetic Handle 98% of the time and the stubby one 2%. I NEVER use the longer ones for guns as they exert too much torque and are a bit cumbersome.

292,

Don't be afraid to custom grind a bit when need be. They are certainly cheap enough and much cheaper than the screws are to replace. You can always buy more bits but will cuss like a Sailor if a gun screw gets bunged up. Brownell's also sells a designated Stone for your Drill ( $6 - $7 bucks I believe) so you can custom grind bits into the correct shape. Can be done with a Bench Grinder as well if you have one. Just dip in water often as you do not want to ruin the bit's temper. No matter how large the Bit Set you purchase is, there is always one you will have to modify if you work on a large variety of guns.

I keep my Wheeler set at the gun bench



and have a three bit set from Brownells for the range bag.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065