Thanks again for your replies!!!
Jim- the yoke has been damaged on the sleeve that the cylinder turns on. It looks as if the sleeve is welded to the yoke assembly. It doesn't appear that it would be difficult to make a new sleeve and weld it back in place. I guess if it got destroyed trying to take it apart, it wouldn't matter since I would probably have to replace the whole yoke anyway. I may be able to dress it. I will attempt that first
Any suggestions on sourcing the yoke?
I never source new serial numbered parts unless absolutely needed. I see no problem fixing the dent in the sleeve. It's not a high stress part and won't show when assembled. All you need to do is get it concentric both inside and out. Usually easier than trying to fit and finish replacement major parts, like a yoke.
My suggestions below will exemplify the need for acquiring a tool inventory, or at least enough to be able to make basic tools. You don't need to buy every tool available, especially those you won't need often. A small lathe is one of the first you'll need.
First I'd turn a brass mandrel to fit the ID of the sleeve. Polish it, lubrigate it, and tap in to remove as much of the dent as possible. Then do a "clean up with the proper size finishing reamer. The inside of the sleeve is not a critical bearing surface but the extractor spring must move up and down w/o binding.
Lastly dress down and polish the outside of the sleeve round and concentric. This is a critical surface but it can be slightly undersize for the short length of the dent. And hold lubrication.
You're knowledge of parts interchangeability amongst different models will be invaluable. Don't rely on the accuracy of parts websites; they're often wrong and confusing. It helps to have a small S&W gun collection of basic models for reference.
Also the 'Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson' new 4th edition is helpful for the evolution and parts changes of different models. Also serial # lists to help date S&W model vintage.
Joining other gun brand forums like Ruger, Colt, etc., will help as well.
Parts sources:
Ebay and Gunbroker are the best. Search for "smith parts kits". You can get many parts in one auction for the price of one new part and start building a parts and screws inventory for future projects.
Post an adv on this forum under the classified section.
Brownells: Gunsmithing supplies, equipment, gun parts, technical advice.
Mail Address: 200 South Front Street, Montezuma, IA 50171
Phone: 800-741-0015
Fax: 641-623-3896
Web Site:
World's Largest Supplier of Firearm Accessories, Gun Parts and Gunsmithing Tools - BROWNELLS
George Dye (at David Carroll's) for old Smith parts, sight blades, etc.
GUN GARAGE on Ebay (for screws)
http://stores.ebay.com/Gun-Garage
"elysianfield!" on Ebay, lanyard swivel $20 shipped and nicely blued. Specify for S&W
"Aonepawninc"
http://stores.ebay.com/aonepawninc
has a bunch of S&W parts for sale. I just ordered a complete hammer for my pre model 30 from them. They are very customer oriented and have very reasonable prices. 1/10/16
Dave Bennett: Parts and guns from 1900 up to 1970's.
e-Mail:
[email protected]
Web Site:
www.22ammobox.com
David Clements - Clements Custom Guns
PH: 276-238-8761
2766 Mt. Zion Rd.
Woodlawn, VA 24381
[email protected]
Clements Custom Guns
Jack First: Large selection of Pre- and Post-WWII parts. Sells working
parts to FFL dealers only.
Phone: 605-343-9544
Gun Parts Corp: Successor to Numrich Arms; many guns parts.
226 Williams Lane, West Hurley, NY 12491
Phone: 845-679-2417
e-Mail:
[email protected]
Web Site:
www.gunpartscorp.com
Jim Horvath: Many parts for all S&W's (large and small) from 1860 up;
can reproduce parts.
e-Mail:
[email protected]
Jeff Lee: Lee's Gun Parts (an extensive supply of gun parts, including S&W)Mike who works for Lee has 45 M25 barrels.
(Open to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays).
3401 W. Pioneer, Suite 2, Irving, TX 75061
Phone: 972-790-0773
www.leesgunparts.com/
Jan Matlega: Parts for Pre-WWII S&W hand-ejectors.
Mail Address: 528 Eddy Glover
New Britain, CT 06053
Phone: 860-229-6872
Poppert's Gun Parts:
http://www.poppertsgunparts.com/
P.O. Box 413
Glenside, PA 19038
Tel: 215-887-2391 Fax: 215-887-5816
Email:
[email protected]
Charlie Pate: Provides screws (original & reproduction) for S&W Tip-ups and Top-breaks; author of books and articles on S&W guns.
Phone: 703-533-8057
e-Mail:
[email protected]
Phil Saccacio: Phone: 540-456-6405
e-Mail:
[email protected]
Dave Szilagy: Manufactures parts for older S&W's.
Mail Address: 3107 Electric, Lincoln Park, MI 48146
e-Mail:
[email protected]
Mike Veilleux: Guns and Gun Parts
All Parts inc. for Pre- and Post-WWII S&W's.
Phone: 413-732-9938
e-Mail:
[email protected]
Web Site:
www.gunsnparts.com
Liberty Tree Collectors Phone:207-285-3111
139 Main Street, Corinth, ME 04427
Email:
[email protected]
Liberty tree collectors has original, CCH lanyard rings (but without the retaining pin) for $25.
S&W Parts; antique and new
[email protected]
Ph: 352 394-7412
