Is the Jerry Kuhnhausen Revolver Shop Manual a good source?

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I'm planning on fixing some end-shake, and possibly lockup and timing, on an older K-frame, and am wondering if the book above is a good reference, or if there are others that are better. I've collected for over 30 years and I'm probably what one would consider a mid to advanced level tinkerer, who's also good with working on cars.

I know there's plenty of free info. on the net, including youtube videos, etc., but for me a good diagram and description is many times more helpful than a poor quality vid.

I also plan on eventually trying to improve the triggers on some other revolvers, to include J and L-frames, Ruger SP and GP, and maybe even trying to trouble-shoot some lead-spitting on an older Python.

If you have any first-hand feedback on reference books that'll help me perform the above, please let me know.

I'm also planning on starting another post asking for recommendations for decent, albeit not bank-breaking, specialized gunsmithing tools and supplies.

Thanks in advance, and a a great weekend to all!
 
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armorer951 said:
The Kuhnhausen manuals are the best at providing correct maintenance and repair information about the Smith and Wesson revolvers.
Lots of very good illustrations, schematics and tool info too. A very valuable resource for information not readily available anywhere else.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the quick reply! If there are different editions, is one better than the other? My main interest is in '80's-'90's revolvers, and for the time being, just .38s and .357s.

Hope you have a good weekend!
 
Latest one is the 5th Edition. I believe it's available at Amazon, and perhaps other stores online.

Depending on where you live, they may have it in your local library if you would like to check it out before purchase.
 

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This is a snapshot of just one page I opened at random, for an example of what the Kuhnhausen diagrams look like. The book is well worth the money! (MODS: if this violates some sort of copyright laws, please delete) :eek:
 

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Great idea about checking the library to see if they have a copy! The libraries around here are usually very well stocked! I'll have to see how they're granting access in the middle of this Chinese plague.

The diagram reminds me of the old Gun Parts Corporation catalogs!

I'll probably end up picking up a copy.

Anyone know if the Ruger and Colt versions are just as good?

Thank you all for the great feedback!
 
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Worst book ever!

My S&W manual has had offspring over the years on several other guns. The last one to pop into existence, was on the Colt Single Actions.
 
Search the internet for a PDF file. Several years ago I stumbled on Vol I and II 1911 Shop Manuals!

For desk reference I also have the paper copies of the 1911, S&W revolver, Colt revolver and Ruger revolvers

Smiles,
 
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From my point of view, Kuhnhausen manuals are the best. I have the 1911 volume I & II, The Colt Revolvers Manual Volume I and of course the S&W revolvers manual.
 
Agreed they are awesome. However, I find some of his later ones contain a bit more lawyer speak (DON'T DO THIS OR YOU'LL GET SUED) than the older ones. I don't know if this is true of the revised editions of the older manuals or not. Just an observation, not so much a complaint. I have the 1911, S&W, 1100/870, US M1 carbines, and now Colt vol 1 books, so yes I do like them!!
 
It's a good starting book but don't limit yourself. There are a lot of upgrades you can perform by experimenting with PCC shooter' and Bianchi shooters works.
 
Patrick L said:
Agreed they are awesome. However, I find some of his later ones contain a bit more lawyer speak (DON'T DO THIS OR YOU'LL GET SUED) than the older ones. I don't know if this is true of the revised editions of the older manuals or not. Just an observation, not so much a complaint. I have the 1911, S&W, 1100/870, US M1 carbines, and now Colt vol 1 books, so yes I do like them!!
Click to expand...

Unfortunately, when US judges award idiots millions for spilling hot coffee on their laps while using a drive-through, then businesses go overboard with covering their behinds, as if the writing is going to cure the lack of intelligence. I don't know anyone who'd buy hot coffee served cold. In reference to guns, despite liking Rugers, the stamped warnings on their gun parts are the absolutely worst, aesthetically, in the business!

Back to the shop manuals, do the newer versions/editions offer any additional, valuable, information for someone looking to improve a S&W 64-2 or -3 trigger?

Thanks again!
 
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AzShooter said:
It's a good starting book but don't limit yourself. There are a lot of upgrades you can perform by experimenting with PCC shooter' and Bianchi shooters works.
Click to expand...

Are you suggesting I research how those shooters are modifying their guns, or are there publications describing what they do? I ran some quick searches and couldn't find any easily-found publication specifically geared towards PCC or Bianchi shooters.

Thanks in advance!
 
The big difference in the 5th Edition Kuhnhausen S&W revolver book is the quality if the illustrations, drawings and photographs. The book includes an expanded section on parts, more troubleshooting info, and a slew of better quality schematics. The rear of the book is dedicated to examination and repair of the MIM, two piece barrel, and frame mounted firing pin models. (models mostly coming after 1997)

The books is both a great learning and teaching tool.
 
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I have read both the 3rd and 5th thru completely a couple of times.
Gave me the confidence to pop the side for the first time.
The visual aids are really great to have in front of you on the bench while working on a gun.
The additional part added at the end of edition 5 is quite the rant on MIM.
I found it entertaining on it's own.
Well worth the price.
Necessary if you want to smith on a Smith.

Factory shop manuals are always nice to have for working on any technology but are not always available.
Kuhnhausen is pretty much IT for S&W revolvers.
 
armorer951 said:
The big difference in the 5th Edition Kuhnhausen S&W revolver book is the quality if the illustrations, drawings and photographs. ....

The books is both a great learning and teaching tool.
Click to expand...
Thanks for that info. The only complaint I had about my version was the poor quality pics and drawings. Some of them were almost down to newspaper pic quality. Otherwise, an excellent book.
There's no mention of an edition number in my copy, but the last copyright was 1990.
 
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I've had a couple of the Kuhnhausen books for years. I'm certainly not even close to being an amateur gunsmith or tinkerer. I'd never attempt gun work beyond routine cleaning, but I'm quite impressed with the Kuhnhausen books. Hard to imagine anything better.
 
armorer951 said:
The big difference in the 5th Edition Kuhnhausen S&W revolver book is the quality if the illustrations, drawings and photographs. The book includes an expanded section on parts, more troubleshooting info, and a slew of better quality schematics. The rear of the book is dedicated to examination and repair of the MIM, two piece barrel, and frame mounted firing pin models. (models mostly coming after 1997)

The books is both a great learning and teaching tool.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the added info. What you've described definitely makes a big difference in a shop manual!
 
TO drag up this old thread, I would like to add, I have several of his shop manuals in the paperback format. From many years ago. My problem with the paperback ones, is that they start falling apart after awhile. The binding glue or something? Pages falling out, etc. My 1911 manual fell to pieces and my Smith manual is getting frail. My carbine one is still pretty minty. And it costs alot to consider replacements.
 
kraynky said:
Dies ist ein Schnappschuss einer Seite, die ich zufällig geöffnet habe, um ein Beispiel für die Kuhnhausen-Diagramme zu sehen. Das Buch ist sein Geld absolut wert! (MODS: Falls dies gegen Urheberrechte verstößt, bitte löschen.) :eek:
Click to expand...
Guten Tag,
Eine Frage können Sie mir bitte die Seite fotografieren, wo Mann Schlagbolzen und die Hülsen ausbauen können.
Vielen Dank
 
tom2 said:
TO drag up this old thread, I would like to add, I have several of his shop manuals in the paperback format. From many years ago. My problem with the paperback ones, is that they start falling apart after awhile. The binding glue or something? Pages falling out, etc. My 1911 manual fell to pieces and my Smith manual is getting frail. My carbine one is still pretty minty. And it costs alot to consider replacements.
Click to expand...
Possibly a small 3 ring binder might be your answer, or a print shop/copy center may be able to spiral bind them for you. I'm not sure how much that would cost versus just buying a new one. The 3 ring binder option you could do DIY.
 
The binding did seem to be an issue with their earlier books.
My 1988 S&W Revolver Manual is mostly a loose leaf binder now.
Hadn't really noticed the poorer photo quality until just now comparing with later publications.
Their later M1(Garand)/M14, 98 Mauser, and 870/1100 Remington Shotguns books seem to be holding together better.
 
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