Anybody Repair Frames?

[Bob Smalser]

Received a mint 1953-56 vintage 32 HE 2" Pre Model 30 the other day damaged in the mail. Loosely packed in foam peanuts, the revolver migrated to the bottom where the hammer must have taken a serious blow.

Any recommendations on who can repair this? Or if it can be repaired at all. It'll be an insurance claim.

Thanks.

 

[haggis]

Bob,

It's hard to assess damage from just a photo, but if the only damage is the sheared hammer pin and damaged hammer hole, and there is no distortion to the frame or side plate, any good revolver gunsmith should be able to press out the remnants of the stud and press fit a new stud and install a replacement hammer.

If you don't have anyone locally that can do this, consider sending the gun to Cylinder and Slide. But it won't be cheap or fast. It will be right.


Buck

 

[Jerry in SC]

oldwestgunsmith.com

David Chicoine can probably handle the repair. His work is superb.

 

[BruceM]

The factory should be able to handle this repair. Why does this question appear in multiple Forums?

B.

 

[Bob Smalser]

Thanks, gentlemen.


I'll call the factory again on Monday to press them a bit and also Cylinder and Slide.

If the revolver was a beater, I'd part it out. But it's nearly unfired. It is also insured for $400 and I'm prepared to fight the USPS over it. I've had a lot of damage from both them and UPS in the past 6 months.

 

[BruceM]

Smith & Wesson will probably repair the gun IF they have the parts. I assume that all that needs to be done is having the old stud removed and a new one pressed in. Explain exactly what the problem is on the phone. While they generally quote a cut-off date, many times they will tell you to send the gun in and they will repair what can be fixed.

Bruce

 

[borderpatrol]

Thanks, gentlemen.


I'll call the factory again on Monday to press them a bit and also Cylinder and Slide.

If the revolver was a beater, I'd part it out. But it's nearly unfired. It is also insured for $400 and I'm prepared to fight the USPS over it. I've had a lot of damage from both them and UPS in the past 6 months.

I thought handguns were banned from shipment through the USPS. Only long guns for repairs.

 

[Bob Smalser]

I thought handguns were banned from shipment through the USPS. Only long guns for repairs.

Dealers can legally mail handguns to other dealers according to USPS regulations. In practice you'll find collectors with Curio and Relics 03FFL's using the post office for CCR handguns sent to other FFL's. The handgun is declared at the counter and a simple form is filled out.

http://gunbroker.com/Support/SupportFAQView.asp?FAQID=1118&NoCount=1

US Mail: Licensed manufacturers, dealers, or importers may ship a rifle, shotguns, or handguns by US Mail. In fact, we suggest that you use the USPS as it is now the most cost-effective way to ship a handgun. To ship a rifle or shotgun, you need only inform the Post Office that the package contains a firearm. A licensed manufacturer, dealer, or importer can ship a handgun</> via the US Post Office if the licensed dealer fills out a US Post Office Form PS 1508 and files it with the local Post Office branch where the handgun is to be shipped. You can search the US Post Offer Postal Explorer site for specific USPS regulations regarding firearms and ammunition.

Also thought I'd pass the information I found for other's benefit.

The S&W factory repairs broken frame studs using two methods:

1) Pressing and exterior crowning of new studs for $65.

2) What they call the "standard stud repair" which involves pressing in a new stud and dressing both sides for a neater, factory appearance followed by a refinish job. This runs $215.

The down side is that they need both the parts and the jig to do the work. J-frames are no problem but neither jigs nor parts are available for older I-frames like the pre-Model 30.

Cylinder and Slide in Nebraska does the "standard" Smith repair on any model frame for $150. The waiting list howver, is 10 months. You put down a small deposit and keep the revolver until they call for it.

There are a other high-end restoration specialists who can do the work, but their waiting lists are similar or longer and their prices higher.

Thanks all.

 

[billdeserthills]

Handguns are only banned from shipment by an unlicensed person. If you have a Federal Firearms License you will be ok & save a buncha money too!