Best S&W Gunsmith for timing?

Tallboy

Tallboy

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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!
 
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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.

IMG_3722.jpeg

IMG_3723.jpeg
 
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
 
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...
Click to expand...
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
 
Tallboy said:
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!
Click to expand...
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
 
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.
 
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.
 
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)
 
-BTM- said:
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)
Click to expand...
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.
 
Tallboy said:
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,
Click to expand...
🤔 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 said:
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.
Click to expand...
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
 
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.
 
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!
 
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