Reverse engineering a revolver?

[Model29-26.5]

I guess the ultimate creative quest for me would be to re-create a model 29-2.
Now this is something I am certain will never happen, But since I enjoyed metal shop as a school kid, And now with a renewed, interested, interest in it, I wondered if any of the amateur smiths out there, Or any of you guys know anyone who has attempted to do something like this as crazy as it may seem?
I do fancy a crack at refinishing an old revolver, But as with all hobbies, the endeavors get deeper.
There must be machine shops out there with the forges, lathes, milling machines etc And with the skills to do this, Regardless of the time it would take.
It may sound like a silly question, But it would be a fun challenge, And something I would love to see someone try.

 

[robertrwalsh]

There are a fair number of very good gun smiths out there but very few actual GUN MAKERS. It takes a huge knowledge base, a lot of expensive machinery and a great deal of skill to make a gun out of a block of steel.

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

Are all the Khyber Pass/Chinese workshop copies of rifles and handguns examples of reverse engineering ? How many of them have access to precise measuring devices, etc. ?

 

[mchom]

There are a few highly skilled artisans that make miniature guns. It’s not a thing I am up on but evidently some of these are amazing recreations. And the prices can be eye watering.

 

[Bald1]

There are a fair number of very good gun smiths out there but very few actual GUN MAKERS. It takes a huge knowledge base, a lot of expensive machinery and a great deal of skill to make a gun out of a block of steel.

Or, just a 3D printer ?

 

[mikerjf]

I think it would be cool to make a K-frame Centennial.

 

[max503]

Or, just a 3D printer ?

The OP's notion is not as far fetched as it sounds. I just made this broadhead sharpening jig on 3-D.
I could see them coming up with the technology to optically scan a part then download that data into a CNC gizmo and produce metal parts.

But it would be astronomically cheaper to just go out and buy the most expensive gun you can find.

 

[Ameshawki]

What would be the point? The 29-2 isn't exactly rare, or even that special. If you want one, go buy one.

 

[Nomadmax]

I'd never shoot anything I made or designed.

 

[Model29-26.5]

What would be the point? The 29-2 isn't exactly rare, or even that special. If you want one, go buy one.

Of course, but the point is the learning, the skill and the hobby.
Plus learning to make replacement parts that are no longer being manufactured? Learning from scratch and customizing? It’s really about developing the skill set and being creative, or in this case, re-creative.
My father made copies of guitars that were no longer manufactured or available and enjoyed the process.
It’s not about having the gun, it’s about building it and gaining knowledge and skills pertaining to two things you might be passionate about.

I realize the amount of skill and knowledge that needs to be had, but it’s old school artisan stuff.

 

[max503]

Sounds like you would like building black powder guns.
Get a kit and give 'er hell.
Good place to start.

 

[max503]

Of course, but the point is the learning, the skill and the hobby.
Plus learning to make replacement parts that are no longer being manufactured? Learning from scratch and customizing? It’s really about developing the skill set and being creative, or in this case, re-creative.
My father made copies of guitars that were no longer manufactured or available and enjoyed the process.
It’s not about having the gun, it’s about building it and gaining knowledge and skills pertaining to two things you might be passionate about.

I realize the amount of skill and knowledge that needs to be had, but it’s old school artisan stuff.

I knew a guy who was a real good high school machine shop teacher. If a kid needed a bolt or screw he would have them make their own.

 

[Frailer]

I’ve considered making a single-shot rifle. I have plans, as well as ready access to all the machines and materials to do so. I *might* get around to it. Someday. Maybe.

But making a revolver is not going on my project list.

 

[dben002]

I thought S&W had been reverse engineering revolvers and still trying to get it right ever since Colt made the first one.............

 

[2152hq]

You can find hobby machinest / gun enthusiasts on differant forums showing their home built firearm copies of famous firearms.
Step by step process sometimes from the basement or garage workshop.
Some are more sophisticated as to their equipment of course using modern CAD and other computer driven / assisted sources.

Others old school with drawings on paper, crank op machines and plenty of knowledge.

There's a running thread on the American Single Shot Rifle Assn forum(ASSR)/Gunsmithing section now showing a gent making a Remington Hepburn 'Patent Model' single shot from scratch,,blocks of steel.
Not the standard production Hepburn, but one of the scarce pre production Hepburn pat models that never went to production.

You have to sign up to see the pics, but it's an interesting look at reverse engineering and plain paper specs/drawings taken from a rare rifle.
Then transfer that to blocks of steel, mill & cut them out on hand crank machines with no assistance from computer layout, 3D etc.

Though there are a few sources of rough castings for some classic rifle actions like the Ballard, Rolling Block(s), Sharps, and Brit actions that can challange most peoples abilitys, making the entire thing from absolute scratch is another level.

Sometimes those cast parts are more trouble than they are worth though, as their quality can vary widely!.

 

[Onomea]

There is a Mark Twain novel, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, wherein a 19th century firearms engineer is transported to the time of King Arthur. Among other technological exploits, which seem magical to the people of the time, he builds a revolver and uses it to save himself in a duel with a knight.

Quite an adventure!

I recall reading this edition when I was a kid:



(The revolver scene is about all I remember!)

 

[THE PILGRIM]

You can most likely buy one cheaper and easier than you can make one.
The Ruskies did Reverse Engineer the B-29.
They did have actual aircraft to examine.
That’s usually considered the ultimate Reversal.
Yes they also built the A Bomb. But they had the Plans!
And yes, Israel produced their unauthorized version of the French Mirage.
But they had an almost complete set of drawings.
Borrowed from a Plant in Switzerland.