I have a S&W 44HD 2nd model with 5" barrel project gun that is badly out of time. One (of many issues) is that the teeth on the rachet look like crescet moons. This is an old jailers gun that shows daily 3 shift handovers. It looks old and is old but has character. I would like to bring it back to safe shootability and keep its colorful look in tact. What is the fix for preened ejector teeth? New ejector?
Preened Ejector Rachet Teeth Fix?
- Thread starter delta-419
- Start date
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Texas Roots
Member
Ok, I'll bite. You could find a 'smith that is handy with welding. A good one can weld up each "tooth" and then recut them to the proper angle for restored timing. There are several of them out there that can do this. I would talk to a few to make sure they can do this before sending them your gun.
Finding another extractor for a gun like that may be difficult, and then if you did, it would still need fitting to your gun.
Finding another extractor for a gun like that may be difficult, and then if you did, it would still need fitting to your gun.
HEADKNOCKER
Member
I'd call Smith & Wesson & see if they offer an oversized hand for this model..
delta-419,
May I suggest that you send your big frame Smith to Nelson Ford in Phoenix, AZ and about $150 and it will come back to you in fine shape mechanically. Nelson Ford's phone is 602-992-0050. He only has about 30 years wrenchin' on Smiths and was factory trained. Give him a call.
May I suggest that you send your big frame Smith to Nelson Ford in Phoenix, AZ and about $150 and it will come back to you in fine shape mechanically. Nelson Ford's phone is 602-992-0050. He only has about 30 years wrenchin' on Smiths and was factory trained. Give him a call.
OP
Here is a photo of my "graveyard project". It will not be refinished but will be a shooter if I can safely get her there.
Alk8944
US Veteran
Here is a photo of my "graveyard project". It will not be refinished but will be a shooter if I can safely get her there.
Try David Chicoine: oldwestgunsmith.com
Who told you that is a Heavy Duty? That is a Military & Police Model 1905 4th Change, no later than 1928 with that style extractor rod head. If the stocks are original to the gun it dates from about 1915 to 1922. The Heavy Duty production began in 1930, and had a shrouded extractor from the beginning.
Are the other photos this one is linked to yours too? Go to photos 5, 9, 10, 12, and maybe more. Those are Heavy-Dutys!
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OP
OOPS! I stand corrected, you are absolutely correct, it is a 44HE. One should not type and sip Southern Confort at the same time!
OP
I think my problem may be solved, a forum member has offered to sell me the ejector, rod, and center pin for the 44HE. This will be an ongoing project for awhile. I think an oversized cylinder stop will be in order and maybe a cylinder shim also. This gun is too much of a train wreck to send to a gunsmith. Its going to be a learning experience for me, also my neighbor who is a master Colt (1873) mechanic with a "hobby shop" to die for will tutor me. I spent 4 hours at his place yesterday with this gun and we went over the whole 9 yards. He wants to take the barrel off and build up the forcing cone, recut it, and bring it back to specs. He showed me several 1st generation Colts done that way. He also gave me some great tips on peening the cylinder notches and it has really improved the action. He is a retired metals specialist with DOD.
