S&W Double Action timing.

[mag318]

I just bought a Model 66-2 from a friend and while the revolver is in truly excellent condition I'm not happy with the double action timing. Being a S&W user for the past 60 years I know the timing all depends on the gunsmith who originally put the revolver together. Typically the cylinder will index well before the hammer falls which to me is perfect S&W timing as I like to stage my double action shots. Sometimes however the gunsmith will time the revolver so the cylinder indexes just a millisecond before the hammer falls which is fine and safe but just not my preference.
I called S&W and they said they would be happy to re time my revolver but it would be 6 months before I would get it back. So any suggestions about a competent gunsmith who could do it in say 3 months or less. When I talked to the factory they said they would probably have to fit a new hand which is fine with me.
I currently own around 30 S&W revolvers and they are all timed the way I like them. Any gunsmith suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[bobsguns]

Here's a good place to start, IMO.

Just a moment...

 

[66L72]

Mag 318, I go to Northern Virginia Gun Works. Gunsmith is Sandy Garret. Not much for empty chit chat however, he is OUTSTANDING with Smith and Wesson revolvers. I take all my Smith revolvers to him and have NEVER had to take them back after he performs his work on them. He has done many trigger action jobs for me. For me, no one else works on my revolvers other than Mr. Garret. He has been a Gunsmith for over 50 Years.

Their address is 7518 Fullerton Road, letter K
Springfield, VA 22153

Phone number is (703) 644-6504

Take Care

Pat
66L72

 

[mag318]

Pat, Thanks for there suggestion.

 

[StrawHat]

Might be easier, and faster, to find another Model 66 that is timed the way you prefer.

Kevin

 

[H Richard]

Frank Glenn in the Phoenix area. Cylinder and Slide, Clark's in Louisiana.

 

[Nightowl]

I am like you in that I like my cylinder to carry up well before hammer fall and slide smoothly along until it fires. Almost all new guns will not do that!
DO NOT BOTHER TO SEND THE GUN BACK TO THE FACTORY FOR A NEW HAND! They do not know how to do it!! I have on several occasions sent guns back for that exact same thing and they do not return fixed. The hands bind instead of slide by, greatly increasing the double action pull right at the end, and then abruptly drop! Not made for double action accuracy!!

Sometimes, installing a replacement hand about .001 or .002 can be installed that will work like you want it too. Sometimes the new hand will have a bind at the end of the stroke, instead of slide by. If that happens you will need to find a good Smith smith that knows how to file the ratchets for the action you want. Good luck.

 

[s&wchad]

Just an FYI...

Put some fired cases in the cylinder when you check timing. This eliminates any play between the extractor and cylinder and gives you a better idea of what's really happening.

 

[mag318]

Might be easier, and faster, to find another Model 66 that is timed the way you prefer.

Kevin

Kevin, Not quite that easy as this one has a somewhat scarce 3" barrel. So to me its worth getting it timed to my liking.

 

[mag318]

I am like you in that I like my cylinder to carry up well before hammer fall and slide smoothly along until it fires. Almost all new guns will not do that!
DO NOT BOTHER TO SEND THE GUN BACK TO THE FACTORY FOR A NEW HAND! They do not know how to do it!! I have on several occasions sent guns back for that exact same thing and they do not return fixed. The hands bind instead of slide by, greatly increasing the double action pull right at the end, and then abruptly drop! Not made for double action accuracy!!

Sometimes, installing a replacement hand about .001 or .002 can be installed that will work like you want it too. Sometimes the new hand will have a bind at the end of the stroke, instead of slide by. If that happens you will need to find a good Smith smith that knows how to file the ratchets for the action you want. Good luck.

Richard I have contacted a couple of gunsmiths who will install a new hand post haste, so my problem will be resolve shortly.

 

[StrawHat]

Kevin, Not quite that easy as this one has a somewhat scarce 3" barrel. So to me its worth getting it timed to my liking.

Missed that in the description. Andy Horvath does excellent work but has a backlog.

Kevin