S&W Gunsmithing Book??

[sourdough44]

O.K., I know I'm not a gunsmith but thought about getting a detailed book on S&W handguns. I see the one by Jerry K. I have mostly more modern guns though 1990 & newer. This came up because of an issue I had when removing the 'IL' from my 340PD & the 'hand' got out of position. I deferred to the local Smith but thought I would be O.K. if I had better detailed instructions.

I don't plan on rooting around in there but have several & wanted to do 2 more lock removals. Even with newer guns is his book the one to get?, others? His book gets good reviews on Midway. I didn't think the 'Standard Catalog of S&W' has as much detailed repair info & diagrams, I may be wrong. I don't plan on much more than these locks, maybe a spring change.

 

[HAM]

sourdough44, I have seen posts on various gun forums explaining how to remove the internal locks and replacing them with plugs.

The Standard Catalog you mentioned will not be much help is so far as gunsmithing is concerned. The Jerry Kuhnhausen book is excellent but a brief look into my copy did not reveal anything on lock removal.

HAM

 

[sourdough44]

Thanks for the tip. I watched the very good video link in the thread about removing the lock. That part is all fine. My concern is dealing with other internals that may come out of position, like my 'hand' part. I realize his book(Jerry K) was before the 'lock' was devised.

 

[Black_Sheep]

Although it doesn't cover the pesky IL the Jerry K book is still a good source of info for S&W revolvers. The internal components haven't changed much over the years.

 

[Big Cholla]

Jerry's book doesn't get into the newer model Smiths with MIM parts and the "floating" hand. There is a design change in the hand, trigger and how the hand spring fits. The first I encountered baffled me. I had never attended a S&W Armorer's Course where the floating hand was even mentioned. Consultation with a fellow pistolsmith who had been instructed on the floating hand set me straight. When you eliminate the dreaded internal lock it is usual to remove all the inner parts. Take pictures, take notes and carefully remove one part at a time. If your eyesight is not exceptional get a headset magnifier. It will really help. ............. Big Cholla

 

[sourdough44]

I've been seeing some good info on the 'stickies' here & some of the 'u-tube' videos. I think my next project will be a few Ruger 10/22 triggers. I may just try it myself with the factory trigger parts. If I have a problem I can always buy replacement parts. I don't care for the stock trigger & see a lot of info on the 10/22. Most of my S&W handguns are on the newer side.