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Posted: 7/26/2004 9:59:05 PM EDT
| How hard could it be?I was looking thru SGN and ran across a add for S&W Model 10S that are just a barrel and frame.Ive built some ARs,AKs and a few 1911s but have never tinkered with a revolver.I know I wouldnt save any money building one(model 10s are about 125.00 around here) but Id like to give it a shot just to say Id done it.To me the only thing Id be worried about is getting it in time but I cant see that being a real big issue.So has anyone built one from scratch and how bad was it???? |
| Man I should have figured the “you’ll shoot your eye out” guys would chime in. I’m not looking for a fixer upper I’m looking to gain some knowledge and a project that’s just a little different from the norm. I have been a mechanic for almost 20 years now so I think I can handle this project but I thought Id see if anyone had any pointers. Thanks for your help and vote of confidence though. |
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Revolvers differ from autos, in that revolvers require some VERY expensive tooling to assemble them properly. Unlike autos, parts DON'T just "drop in", each and every one must be fitted. Unlike autos, revolver parts are tougher to come by, more expensive and unless brand new and unfitted, they MAY not be usable AT ALL. Barrels require a barrel vise and an action wrench. (The old gag of using a hammer handle is a sure bet to spring or crack the frame). The barrel must be turned on a lathe to adjust the barrel so the front sight lines up properly. Also needed is a special cutting tool to set barrel cylinder gap, and a cutter to re-cut the forcing cone. You don't even want to talk about fitting a cylinder. Bottom line: Expensive tooling, and a job for a true well-trained pistolsmith. For details on HOW to fit up a revolver, buy a copy of Jerry Kuhnhausen's book "The S&W Double Action Revolvers: A Shop Manual". If it looks within your skills, you can afford the tooling, and you can find usable parts.....go for it. |
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I assume you’re looking to “simply” assemble the parts, not actually manufacture them. I went through S&W’s armorer’s school many years ago, which at the time entailed actually assembling three Model 65 revolvers. In this instance, my recollection is that the sideplate and yoke were already installed on the frame, since they’re all polished together and this had already been done. Also, the barrel was already fitted (though fitting a barrel is fairly easy, just don’t crack the frame!). We fitted all the other parts and timed the thing. It took all sorts of filing and pounding with a babbit bar, but it really wasn’t that difficult. (Admittedly, we ruined a goodly number of parts – esp. cylinder stops – in the process!!) We simply filed the rear of the barrel to adjust the barrel/cylinder gap. Just a thought (since I’ve been thinking about it myself), e-bay as of late has a lot of stripped handgun parts for sale. These are all (or most of) the parts from a specific handgun - other than the frame - sold as a lot. Getting a frame and trying to put these parts on it would be interesting. However, some of these parts have no doubt already been filed on and might not work on a different frame. I certainly wouldn’t expect everything to simply drop in. FWIW |
Nope youll definately shoot your eye out , better have your brother in law shoot it first...., or your wife the frame you be speaking of has the bbl on it already, so your not going to be fitting the bbl. thus no frame cracking. I have a modle 10 cylender let me know what youll give for it... besides you forgot to mention your really converting it to an airsoft victory modle . prodjects prodjects, where is my brass hammer??? are we going to be building those gunsmith special high powers next??? hunter P.S. We went to the river and missed you, truck and trailer , no boat. |
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