Recommend a revolver smith

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freyasman

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Specifically, one who is familiar with 1st Gen Colt SAA's. I have a .45 Colt that was made in 1901 (family heirloom), and I would like to get someone who is a "subject matter expert" in these to do a complete checkout on it. I know enough to ascertain that nothing is obviously wrong with it, and I fired 50 rounds of target loads through it last weekend, but I'd still like to have an expert give it a once-over. Timing, lock-up, barrel/cylinder gap are all good but the side plate screws are boogered, and that tells me that someone (who was clearly not a gunsmith) took this revolver apart at some point, and I'd like to know if they did anything stupid while they were in there.
Clark's Custom Guns are my go-to folks for modern revolver work, but who's the man (or woman) when it comes to antique single-actions? Help me out folks; give me your recommendations.
 
My first thought was Dave Chicoine of Old West Gunsmith, but the link I have doesn't seem to be active. Maybe he retired? If he did, that's too bad, as he literally wrote the book. Maybe your Google fu is better than mine and you can find his site. If not, I can PM you his email address and you can ask yourself if you like.
 
If the timing and lockwork are all good, I wouldn't worry about it. The addage, if it ain't broke, don't fix it applies here. All I would do is a clean and lube for future preservation.
 
If it is a SAA?
The 'sideplate screws' threw me because they don't have a sideplate.

Anyway, if it is a SAA, Eddie Janis at Piecemaker Specialists is as good as it gets.
He has the skill, and the original parts to make it as good as you want to pay for.

http://www.peacemakerspecialists.com

rc
 
Hint: If you are going to shoot this old timer, consider having a new cylinder fitted to it. It is easy to switch cylinders, and that will give you an extra margin of safety. The revolver itself is not altered in any way.
 
You are correct; I should have said the 3 screws on the LH side of the revolver, as well as the 2 at the rear above the grip, all show signs of abuse. Thank you for your recommendation, BTW.... I'll check him out.
 
Thank you for all of your recommendations. I appreciate ya'll taking the time to respond.
 
Mr. Borland, et al.
David Chicoine Sr was disabled by a stroke.
Chicoine Jr took over the shop and went broke. S&W collectors are having a devil of a time getting their guns back.
 
Whoa - Thanks for the heads-up, Jim. I was sorry to hear of Dave Sr. And of Jr, for that matter. And of those trying to get their guns back. What a mess.

I had them do some work for me not all that long ago, and their work was top-notch. It's a big loss for the vintage gun community. :(
 
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