Best S&W Gunsmith for timing?

In regard to your question about S&W gunsmiths, I've only had one revolver noticeably out of time - it spit back at my face (I always wear shooting glasses). It's been back to S&W twice for that and accuracy issues and likely going a third time. It's a .22 J-frame. I know that there is crap .22 ammo, and I've shot a fair amount over the years, but it seems magnified in that particular revolver. So to answer your question about whether or not S&W gunsmiths can fix timing, consider all your options. I only deal with them because the gun is under warranty.

Don't necessarily give up on local smiths but at least talk to them or visit to see how experienced they are with wheel guns. If you don't feel comfortable, send them out to Hamilton Bowen, TJ Custom, or some of the revolver gurus others have suggested. The art of revolver smithing is a dying art, and it seems like S&W's designers are more focused on drop in parts replacement than had fitting. I talked to a student from a popular gunsmith school about revolvers and learned his interest was more to be able to assembly AR kits and builds than actual gunsmithing.
 
Clark Custom Guns is still in business. I live 15 miles from the shop and have done business with them for many years. Closed on Mondays. Tuesday-Friday 8:00 to 4:00. They don't answer the phone on Wed to allow the gunsmiths to work uninterrupted. Sat 8:00 to noon. Ask for Clay.
 
PauldL said:
This thread makes me wonder if Gunblue490 would take any work?
I reckon he might be as the young kids say, "The Final Boss" of S&W Gunsmiths
Click to expand...
Gunblue 490 is one of my very favorites to watch, a great old gentleman and revolver expert. I have watched in awe as he completely disassembled revolvers, explaining their inner workings in detail.
 
I believe you are correct in your diagnosis of the timing Issues, (called carry up) , as it is a common malady of S&W revolvers. Sometimes merely installing a slightly wider hand will correct the problem, sometimes it is real headache to get them all working properly. Cutting ratchets is not a job for the untrained, so you are wise to send them to one of the places listed. By the way, in my experience, the factory no longer does a good job of this!
 
gwpercle said:
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
Click to expand...
They sent my $500 deposit on a SSR back to me
 
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