Smith Custom Shop Action Job

[lgm270]

The S&W website says Smith does action jobs on revolvers for about $125.00.  Has anyone had any experiences with the Smith Custom shop.

I'm particularly interested in an action job on a "J" frame.

Thanks for any comments.

[Bad Flynch]

Some years ago, I bought a ,32Mag with an 8&3/8" barrel. It was the tightest, nicest Smith I ever had. It was so good that I packed it up and sent it back for some sort of laser treatment and action tuning.

It came back a little teeny bit looser and a whole lot smoother, with laser lettering on the sides.

The laster lettering was a wash, the action job was at least as good as I could have done, maybe better. It shoots great and I like it.

[papajohn428]

I think $125.00 is way high unless money doesn't matter to you.  I've done a couple dozen action jobs, mostly for myself and friends, and the most I've ever charged was $20.00.  I replace the springs if asked to, polish the innards, and test for reliability.  Generally, the DA pulls drops from around 12-13 pounds to 9-10, single action isn't affected much, but the DA stroke is MUCH smoother.  I learned it by getting a few books, and watching a guy tear his S&W M-19 down once.  It's not complicated, takes very few tools, and can make a world of difference.  Give it a try!  

PJ the Tinkerer

[R J Talley]

I have a model 19 at the shop presently. I bought this 4" model back in 1976. Since that time I've run more than 10,000 rounds through it; a great deal of which were 12.5 grains of 2400 and a 150 keith-type lead slug.  I had done an action job back in 1979. I replaced the springs, stoned the trigger return spring housing and deburred the studs and stud bearing surfaces. After all of this time, I wanted the gun checked and reconditioned. Here's what they found: First, I had stretch the cylinder charge holes in all six cylinders. Nothing dangerous and nothing that effected ejection of empties or shortened case life but it was there none-the-less. They offered me a new cylinder for $125 installed but I declined after speaking with them. I'm retiring the gun to 38sp only with 357 for defense. I most likely will never shoot a +P or mag load in it again. They certify it as safe so I'm leaving it.  they also found the barrel eroded at the forcing cone. Gee, 10K rounds does take it's toll. They're turning back the barrel and rechambering it for $50.00. I was cautioned that if the erosion continued it may crack the barrel. Since M19 barrels are no longer stocked, it could be an expensive issue to replace it. So, so I've got a 3.5" M19.  The are also installing a trigger stop, new springs, touching up some of my work (they are more aggressive than I was) and retiming it. The total bill with shipping is $155.  i see this as a great value.  I actually spoke at length with the gun who is doing the work and we exchanged ideas. He was open to my needs and suggested various options with me. I find this to be unusually good service. The springs, new pawl and the trigger stop are all part of the price. That's my experience and I as pleased as punch.