I recently acquired a LNIB Model 36, 1 7/8 " pinned barrel revolver, S/N AEU13XX. I want to have the action tuned by a reputable gunsmith; hammer spring replaced with a lightweight spring; and hammer "bobbed" for double action only use. My goal is to build a pocket carry gun as a daily carry weapon. Does anyone know of or recommend a particular gunsmith(s)? Thanks in advance for any help.
Gunsmith Recommendations
- Thread starter s&wfan200
- Start date
hotrod150
Member
FWIW I would leave the stock main (hammer) spring in it, and replace only the rebound (trigger return) spring with a lighter one. Otherwise, you're on the right track-- a bobbed & tuned-up Chief makes a great carry gun. I have four! Mine are all DIY jobs.
I had more than one gun cobbled up back in the day by so-called gunsmiths, so my advice is to research gunsmith candidates carefully before dropping off the gun. I don't know of any around here that I would trust. If you are handy with tools, I'm not sure you need a gunsmith anyway. IMHO you don't need or want a match grade trigger/action job on a social gun-- a light "duty tune" should suffice and you can do that yourself. All you need is a couple screwdrivers, an arkansas stone (or ultra fine sandpaper), and a 13# or so rebound spring.
I had more than one gun cobbled up back in the day by so-called gunsmiths, so my advice is to research gunsmith candidates carefully before dropping off the gun. I don't know of any around here that I would trust. If you are handy with tools, I'm not sure you need a gunsmith anyway. IMHO you don't need or want a match grade trigger/action job on a social gun-- a light "duty tune" should suffice and you can do that yourself. All you need is a couple screwdrivers, an arkansas stone (or ultra fine sandpaper), and a 13# or so rebound spring.
Welcome to the forum, s&wfan200. 
This question gets asked a lot; run a search for much valuable reading.
Here's a recent thread on the subject to get you started: http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/341627-wtk-gunsmith-s-w-model-66-a.html
Beware going light on the hammer spring; you risk light strikes and will need to be selective of your carry ammo and run reliability tests...
This question gets asked a lot; run a search for much valuable reading.
Here's a recent thread on the subject to get you started: http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/341627-wtk-gunsmith-s-w-model-66-a.html
Beware going light on the hammer spring; you risk light strikes and will need to be selective of your carry ammo and run reliability tests...
I'm not very good at DIY projects. I understand about using shade tree gunsmiths. We've all had our bad experiences with them. I realize that the work I'm wanting is really not all that difficult, if you have the tools and skill to know how to use them. I currently have another Model 36 that I had similar work done by Bob McGrew of Colorado Springs many years ago. I have a CT laser sight installed on it and in IMHO opinion it is the perfect carry gun. It is incredibly fast and accurate at 5-7 yards. I have other carry guns, but seldom take the time to put the holster and magazine carriers on. I just slip the little Model 36 in my pocket and go. As of right now I'm considering Ted Jacobson of Sugarland, TX to do the work. Thank you for the advice regarding the hammer spring.
If you want to stay (relatively) in your area, I'd research and seriously consider this shop: LSG, Mfg|Gun Parts|Warranty|Gunsmithing
He's on the short list of shops S&W uses for warranty repair -- for decades -- and is also a full gunsmith outfit.
I prefer not to ship my guns when I can avoid it, and many a time have made pleasant day trips out of visiting a respected gunsmith if they were a halfway reasonable drive from me.
Alternately, and at least staying in the state, Teddy Jacobson over in Sugar Land is legendary for the quality of his work (and difficult personality, if true): Actions By T - Teddy Jacobson Pistolsmith
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