upstate NY gunsmith, S&W 66-1

[243_shooter]

Hi,

My buddy just picked up a used Smith and Wesson model 66-1. He got a decent deal on it, but it has some issues..

If the cylinder is in 2 of the 6 positions it opens very hard, you can see where the cylinder is dragging on the frame (something bent from slamming it closed?)..

I ran through the revovler checkout post, on one of the cylinders after you pull the hammer back and hold it if you rotate the cylinder you hear it click in (like it's not locked all the way in).. Timing issue?

I'm of the opinion that he shouldn't be shooting this thing.. The fact that it doesn't lock in on one chamber really bothers me..

It's is first handgun purchase, and he's kind of bummed about it. Does anyone know a good gunsmith in upstate NY that can at least check it out and maybe fix it, or should he just box it up and ship it back to S&W?

Leo

 

[Old Fuff]

If the cylinder is dragging on the frame that suggests that something is seriously out of line. I would return it to S&W because they have the necessary gages to check and see what is misaligned and why. While many pistolsmiths and armorers are qualified to works on these revolvers very few of them have a collection of inspection gages. Last but not least, S&W may decide that the problem is a warrantee issue and charge less or nothing for the repairs.

 

[243_shooter]

Thanks for the info Old Fluff..

I've pretty much got him convinced to box it up and send it to S&W.. He's pretty bummed out as it's his first handgun, and he'll probably have a lot more coin in it than it's worth by the time he's done..

Leo

 

[Old Fuff]

Go to the revolver section and you will find a "how to check out a revolver" list written by Jim March. Both you and your friend should get a copy. It will go a long way toward preventing this from happening again.

As for S&W. They will examine the gun and determine what's wrong. Then they'll send him a bid on what repairs will cost. He can then determine what he want's too do - have the work done or have the gun returned. If he contacts S&W's Customer Service Department they will probably give him a number that allows him to FED-EX the gun to the factory free of charge. He will likely have to pay the return shipping charges though.

On the positive side. The model 66-1 is a particularly popular gun, being one of the so-called "pinned & recessed" guns. He can expect it to increase in value. And (fingers crossed) maybe repairs won't be as bad as he expects. Possibly an adjustment in the right place will do it.

 

[C. H. Luke]

"Does anyone know a good gunsmith in upstate NY that can at least check it out and maybe fix it, or should he just box it up and ship it back to S&W?"

Upstate's a big place!

Joe Cominolli in Syracuse can prpbably go thru it for you otherwise call S&W a nd talk it over with them before sending it in.


http://www.cominolli.com/

 

[bountyhunter]

I'd send it to SW. BTW:

1) The failure of the cylinder to rotate all the way to the stop notch when you cock the hammer is called a "carry up problem". Include that in the note to SW and they will know exactly what you mean.

2) I'd wager there is something worn or broken on the star ratchets from what you say.

3) It does sound like you could have a bent crane.

You are correct that this gun is dangerous to shoot since one cylinder position could be ignited when it is not aligned with the barrel.