[s&w 24]

S&W the senior has two revolvers that need some help. The first is a export S&W 1917 that won't shoot any load that we put thru it. We have tried 200 gr lead,230 ball, 200 jhp and none of them will group at all.

second is a 38/44 S&W with stretched bolt stops. He has thought of selling it but no one will give him a fair price. Spare parts are not available so I need a smith that can fix the parts that are there. Oddly enough with bad timing due to the worn bolt stops it still shoots well you just end up with laed plating on the cylinder face.

[P95Carry]

I have placed a copy of this in Gunsmithing Forum - in case it helps increase any response you might get.

[SigfanUSAF]

try David R. Chicoine @ www.oldwestgunsmith.com
S&W recommended.

[Jim K]

The obvious thought on the Model 1917 is that the barrel is shot out. Check the rifling and see what looks like. If it is gone, a new barrel is the only solution, though I don't know if any originals are available.

On the 38/44, do you mean the bolt slots in the cylinder are bulged or elongated? If so, it sounds like someone fired some very hot loads in it. The cylinder could be ruined and possibly the frame stretched. If the latter, there is no real solution except to buy a new gun. FWIW, those are not uncommon problems with 38/44 revolvers. They were (and are) tough guns but people went overboard, firing loads that would have been past safe in the .357 Magnum, even though the 38/44 did not have the improved steel and heat treatment that was used in the Magnum revolvers. A lot of budding Elmer Keiths tried to match or exceed his hot loads with the 38/44; most, fortunately, kept all their body parts.

Jim