Guys, I may have a line on a pre 27. I wonder if anybody here knows of a really good gunsmith up around Alexandria, Virginia. Fairfax county in Northern Virginia. If I buy it, I want it checked out by someone who really knows these guns.
Thanks for any help.

In that neck of the woods, Sandy Garrett at Northern Virginia Gun Works is your best (and these days maybe only) bet.

American Pistolsmith Guild "Pistolsmith of the Year" recipient. Old school, really knows his stuff, works on everything, can design, fabricate, build, etc. -- actual gunsmith. Can seem a bit gruff and keeps the BS chit-chat to a minimum, but don't be off-put, he's good folk.

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Pickpocket

Yeah, I’ve heard of him before. Has a great reputation. Except that I brought him an Officer’s ACP a few years ago for some improvements and tuning. I was warned not to pester him so I didn’t. 3 moths later, I hadn’t heard anything, so I went down there. He hadn’t looked at it, hadn’t touched it, hadn’t done anything. Totally forgot about it. I asked him if he would get to it, he said he couldn’t promise anything. So, I took it home, untouched. I may bring the Smith to him for a look see, but I’m not leaving it.

Maybe a local LEO that has been to the revolver factory armorers school will pop in here and offer to give it a look. I surely would but I’m in SW VA.

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S&W factory revolver armorer

Very sorry to hear. Wouldn't blame you not going back; I also doubt the kind of inspection you want will be done while you wait.

If you're willing to travel a little, Dave Sams in the center part of the state has an excellent reputation.

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Pickpocket

I’ve dealt w/Mr. Garret too and had a similar experience. His work is first rate but not worth putting up w/the wait or his gruffness, & his son is just like him. You may try Clark Brothers in Warrenton, VA. They’ve done right by me but the turn around is slow, like most in this business.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

Just curious, is there a problem with the Pre-27 or do you suspect a problem? Regardless, I will just mention my last experience with Sandy Garrett. A couple of years ago when I lucked into a .357 Magnum Transitional made in 1948, I discovered after receiving it that there was a problem with single action - the hammer would hit or re-engage the trigger when it started to fall. I took it to Mr. Garrett and left it with him. I received a call the next day that the gun was completed and ready for pick up! As I recall the charge was about $140 for some small parts and the labor. I was thrilled - especially when he said “they don’t make them like that anymore”. My guess is he likes to work on old well made revolvers, and I would say your Pre-27 definitely meets that criteria. Good luck with whatever you decide.

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Terry Lester

He (Sandy) built my 44 Mag 27-5 and his turnaround was pretty quick considering the amount of work he put into it. He also removed a couple seized screws from a rifle for me in fairly quick order. I went in knowing he’s not much one for small talk so I didn’t press but we actually chatted it up a few times about old revolvers and he showed me a sick python he built for ppc years ago. Best DA I’ve ever felt. I’ve even thought of sending other projects to him even though I’ve moved.

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SWCA: 3154
SWHF: 552

"...he showed me a sick python..."

How do you take the temperature of a python to determine if it is sick?

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

I told him I needed to take it home to make it well.

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SWCA: 3154
SWHF: 552

+1 for Sandy Garrett. He worked on a few vintage Smith revolvers for me over the past 25 years including a couple of Pre-29's and just a few months ago a 25-2. He performed an action job that is absolutely stunning. He knows Smiths, period. Don't expect a lot of warm and fuzzy, Sandy is all business. If you are in a hurry you may be disappointed, he stays busy but worth the wait, at least for me.

The 50 West Arsenal in Chantilly has done good work for me.



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You might go to the Nation's Gunshow at Dulles Center and ask around. The are having one this coming weekend (Fri, Sat, Sun.) Lots of gun people in one place!

Froggie

I would offer one more bit of advice. Learn for yourself how to properly check for proper function it is far better to know BEFORE you decide to buy than after it's really not that hard to do it isn't rocket science.

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Randy

Sandy Garrett did a fantastic job re-bluing an Anschuetz .22 rifle for me, including draw-filing out rust on the barrel without losing any of the roll-markings. The price was reasonable.

I’ve engaged him to change sights on several pistols in the past year and his turn-around time was about a week. Cost reasonable, work done right.

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S&W Rover

I get that he’s a great gunsmith. And I will give him a chance to look over the pre 27. But, I will be seriously pissed if he pulls the same **** he did with my Officers ACP. I have a 3 day inspection window, and he needs to beat that.

Honestly, just don't; with an attitude like that no one's going to walk away happy.

There are plenty of great online tutorials for how to properly inspect a revolver, many posted here. Under these circumstances, running a search, learning, and inspecting yourself is going to be your best bet.

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Pickpocket

I agree with the recommendation to read up a little and inspect the revolver yourself; however, I have used Hatfield’s in Manassas and was satisfied. I brought them a 60-year-old over/under shotgun that was light striking and the lockwork was out of my league to tinker with myself. They gave it back good as new and turned it for me in time for opening day of squirrel season (they had it for about two weeks).

First. I was not copping an attitude. I am merely stating the facts of how I was treated. I believe that I have every right to my opinion of how I was treated. Who among you would find their pistol had been sitting there for 3 months untouched, and not feel ignored and treated poorly? I am no gunsmith, I do not pretend to be able to properly and expertly assess a revolver’s condition after a quick course of self study online. Maybe some here would. I will follow my original plan, and see if I can get it done by a real expert.

I forgot about Hatfield’s......they corrected an action problem on a Colt DS for me; I feel they did a fine job at a reasonable price and in a reasonable delivery time.

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Terry Lester

Anyone ever use Ned Purcell, Purcell Gunsmith out of orange?
I had him do a bit of work which I was happy with.

I just got back from Sandy. He was as nice as could be. He looked it over right then. Told me it had been in a holster a bit, but NEVER FIRED! He said it was perfect. No charge. Glad I took the chance and went.

I drop in from occasionally to see what he has for sale, never had him do any work for me.


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Dave

Hatfield’s appears to be out of business. Hope I’m wrong. Did they or do they do any in-house blueing?

Sam closed up shop due to health issues. He did a lot of great work for me; sad to see him go...

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We few... We happy few...