Best S&W Gunsmith for timing?

[Tallboy]

I have bought a number of S&W revolvers after getting into them recently (had interest in lever guns for years, this is the natural progression... RIP wallet)

The dates range from 1950, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s

Models range from 19, 24, 27, 29, 36, 686

When I bought them, I made sure to ask about timing and lockup, every person said something to the extent that its dead on, excellent, etc

Well after watching a video about it, I checked myself and I can see:

• 27-2 is badly out of time
• 36 Chief's special seems like 1 chamber is
• 19-2 one or two chambers out of time

I know the vast range of skill when it comes to this, and I certainly do not want to go to a local gunsmith.

I want someone who is very very good, and has done this like 1000 times, particularly for S&W revolvers.

The odds of them being competent where I live are exceptionally low.

Are S&W gunsmiths very good? I could see that going both ways.

I also see people keep mentioning this guy named Glenn who's website doesn't work in 2025.

Who is very very reputable around here? I'd also like to get the rest of the gun checked out as well to make sure its safe (forcing cone stuff, any other safety stuff, headspacing, etc)

Thanks!

 

[Tallboy]

Funny thing... I bought one gun on accident. It is a Pre-model 27, exceptionally worn.

I placed a 20% serious bid, more of as a reminder than anything, because I thought it would go for much higher, and it never went higher than my bid... and I won by $3

Out of all my guns, it is BY FAR the most worn used and abused, and the timing seems perfect.

 

[Valmet]

Even though his website isn’t working- you may want to try a call to Frank Glenn…

 

[gwpercle]

In the past Clark Custom Guns did top notch work ...
I read a post ( for whatever that's worth) that they are going out of business but their website is still up and running . Call them and see if they can help you , contact info is on website
www.clarkcustomguns.com
I hope they are still going strong , they were my favorite place to have work done .
Good Luck ,
Gary

 

[Truckman]

In the past Clark Custom Guns did top notch work ...
I read a post ( for whatever that's worth) that they are going out of business...

I had not heard that...I used to talk to both Jim Clark Sr. and Jim Jr. at the SHOT Shows...Two of the friendliest and very knowledgeable people on the planet concerning all things gun related...Both are long gone now, but maybe the business is still accepting work......Ben

 

[BillBond]

The Gunsmith, Inc.

firearms, firearm, guns, gun, revolver, rifle, pistol, automatic, semi-automatic, fully-automatic, gunsmithing, combat, 45, smith, smith & wesson, colt, ruger, beretta, sig, sig sauer, springfield armory, modifications, race gun, racegun, compensated

www.thegunsmith.com

Nelson Ford

 

[Tallboy]

Ive read that a few times. He's my current one at the top of my list

 

[PauldL]

The Gunsmith, Inc.

firearms, firearm, guns, gun, revolver, rifle, pistol, automatic, semi-automatic, fully-automatic, gunsmithing, combat, 45, smith, smith & wesson, colt, ruger, beretta, sig, sig sauer, springfield armory, modifications, race gun, racegun, compensated

www.thegunsmith.com

Nelson Ford

+1

 

[Lt.Donn]

I have bought a number of S&W revolvers after getting into them recently (had interest in lever guns for years, this is the natural progression... RIP wallet)

The dates range from 1950, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s

Models range from 19, 24, 27, 29, 36, 686

When I bought them, I made sure to ask about timing and lockup, every person said something to the extent that its dead on, excellent, etc

Well after watching a video about it, I checked myself and I can see:

• 27-2 is badly out of time
• 36 Chief's special seems like 1 chamber is
• 19-2 one or two chambers out of time

I know the vast range of skill when it comes to this, and I certainly do not want to go to a local gunsmith.

I want someone who is very very good, and has done this like 1000 times, particularly for S&W revolvers.

The odds of them being competent where I live are exceptionally low.

Are S&W gunsmiths very good? I could see that going both ways.

I also see people keep mentioning this guy named Glenn who's website doesn't work in 2025.

Who is very very reputable around here? I'd also like to get the rest of the gun checked out as well to make sure its safe (forcing cone stuff, any other safety stuff, headspacing, etc)

Thanks!

The issues you described are not uncommon and are not that severe...I would classify them as common mechanical wear issues...my opinion counts for nothing, but if they were my revolvers, I would return them to Smith for repairs..but YMMV

 

[MyTurn]

Where do you live?

 

[MyTurn]

I can very highly recommend Dave at Defensive Creations in Alliance, Ohio. I also know of an expert in both Colt and Smith revolvers in Western Michigan.

 

[JHW47]

Frank Glenn is still working on revolvers. I had a model 65 at his shop last week.
You might have to call him and leave a message.

 

[-BTM-]

Since this is new to you, I have to ask - how are you evaluating timing? Is it really based on just one video?

How do they shoot? Shaving lead/copper? Any other signs?

Do you normally shoot double action or do you cock the trigger? (It matters)

 

[Tallboy]

Since this is new to you, I have to ask - how are you evaluating timing? Is it really based on just one video?

How do they shoot? Shaving lead/copper? Any other signs?

Do you normally shoot double action or do you cock the trigger? (It matters)

I mostly shoot single action

Good to question my evaluation of timing. I'm certainly no expert. Im basing it on 4 or 5 videos I've watched.

The cylinder basically does not lock into place before the hammer is cocked, in all 3 cases: 1) not touching cylinder, 2) lightly dragging cylinder with thumb, 3) pulling hammer back at a normal speed and then rotating the cylinder once its cocked to hear the 'click' which should occur before

Once I saw the above, I didnt shoot those as the recommended advice seemed to be not to shoot them. I could try though to see if there is leading, but TBH i have zero qualms about just paying someone to look them over anyway as I don't want some hidden crack somewhere that I didnt know to look for causing problems later etc. Safety is worth $ in my opinion, and it's also peace of mind that they're in great condition by having someone who knows what they're doing look them over.

 

[bigggbbruce]

The cylinder basically does not lock into place before the hammer is cocked, in all 3 cases: 1) not touching cylinder, 2) lightly dragging cylinder with thumb,

which is it , 1 or 2. Start over. Add spent rounds in the cylinder, that will take up extractor play. I pull the trigger DA don't touch the cylinder, evaluate timing.

 

[Tallboy]

I was saying its true in all 3 cases, as I heard 3 or more different methods so I just did them all

 

[-BTM-]

I mostly shoot single action

Good to question my evaluation of timing. I'm certainly no expert. Im basing it on 4 or 5 videos I've watched.

The cylinder basically does not lock into place before the hammer is cocked, in all 3 cases: 1) not touching cylinder, 2) lightly dragging cylinder with thumb, 3) pulling hammer back at a normal speed and then rotating the cylinder once its cocked to hear the 'click' which should occur before

Once I saw the above, I didnt shoot those as the recommended advice seemed to be not to shoot them. I could try though to see if there is leading, but TBH i have zero qualms about just paying someone to look them over anyway as I don't want some hidden crack somewhere that I didnt know to look for causing problems later etc. Safety is worth $ in my opinion, and it's also peace of mind that they're in great condition by having someone who knows what they're doing look them over.

Ok good info. You might be chasing your tail though. It’s pretty common to find this if you look for it.

Cock it firmly AKA fast so the mass of the cylinder helps it make the last little bit.

Check the cylinder stop- is it engaged but just not fully seated?

Get a range rod

I’m a shade tree howler monkey so my opinion is worth every penny so far. if your peace of mind calls for it send it to a gunsmith

 

[Tallboy]

Tree howler monkey

I value all insight, only a fool does not contemplate information from multiple vectors of thought.

 

[SASFixer]

I am not saying that the handguns are not worn but if it were me I would take a tooth brush to the ratchet star externally and also under the extractor to insure that the built up debris of years of use is not present. The same is true of the hand that advances the cylinder rotation. In my experience, these are three areas of neglectful cleaning and maintenance.

 

[arosner]

I have used Frank Glenn of Glenn Custom in Arizona for many projects. He is the best in the business. I highly recommend