Is it risky to tinker with revolvers?

[Mystery_Milk]

I've been wanting to "get more into" revolvers recently, cause the reason I became interested in guns in the first place is for outdoor use, and revolvers are a lot more flexible when it comes to outdoor loads (a 12-oz J-Frame can fire full-powered 357 mags!), and have a wider range of power.

I also like working on guns. Customizing, polishing trigger parts, replacing springs, that sort of thing.

Is it safe to do that kind of thing with revolvers? I've read a lot about how far a good polishing job goes in improving trigger pull, and how much better triggers feel with shims installed. But on the other hand I read that it usually voids the warranty, even if a problem arises that wasn't related to the modifications, and that any aftermarket or replacement parts are hard to find (pretty much comes down to what Numrich has in stock), so I'm nervous about performing any modifications.

On the other hand, guns like Glocks have a lot of parts available and a good aftermarket. I've been thinking about getting a Glock 20 or 21 with a 45 Super barrel/spring as my next gun for outdoor use, then exclusively buying worn used revolvers to work on since those don't have their warranty anyway.

[MyOdessa]

If you know what you are doing and have proper tools, nothing wrong with working on your own revolvers. There are parts available on Brownels and Midway. GunBroker and eBay have them too. There are plenty of information on working on S&W and Ruger revolvers on forums, youtube and books.
Your warranty should not be voided if problem is unrelated to the mod part, no different then any other product.

[hermosabeach]

What warranty are you voiding?

If a cylinder blows up due to the revolver being out of timing....

or If the gun KB's because you used bullseye powder with a recipe for 2400?

Did you cause the warranty claim?

If someone gets shot, was it due to a sear that released due to incorrect angles while people were violating 2 of the 4 safety rules?

[hermosabeach]

Many Smiths have started as tinkerers.... my suggestion - do it....

We need more people who know how guns work and can improve them

[jdg30]

I've been wanting to "get more into" revolvers recently, cause the reason I became interested in guns in the first place is for outdoor use, and revolvers are a lot more flexible when it comes to outdoor loads (a 12-oz J-Frame can fire full-powered 357 mags!), and have a wider range of power.

I also like working on guns. Customizing, polishing trigger parts, replacing springs, that sort of thing.

Is it safe to do that kind of thing with revolvers? I've read a lot about how far a good polishing job goes in improving trigger pull, and how much better triggers feel with shims installed. But on the other hand I read that it usually voids the warranty, even if a problem arises that wasn't related to the modifications, and that any aftermarket or replacement parts are hard to find (pretty much comes down to what Numrich has in stock), so I'm nervous about performing any modifications.

On the other hand, guns like Glocks have a lot of parts available and a good aftermarket. I've been thinking about getting a Glock 20 or 21 with a 45 Super barrel/spring as my next gun for outdoor use, then exclusively buying worn used revolvers to work on since those don't have their warranty anyway.

Do it. I have polished parts, replaced springs, removed burrs, and installed shims on several revolvers and it made them significantly smoother and nicer. It also teaches you how the revolvers function. I read books and articles about it to learn what I need to do. YouTube videos are also a great help. So far I have smoothed up and lightened the actions on my Ruger Sp101 and Gp 100 which made the biggest difference compared to their stock form. I have also done stuff to a few S&w J-frames and my 686+. They are all way better than before but I made sure to do things right so as not to mess up the revolvers.

[Mayor McRifle]

Get this DVD and just follow along: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/10...y-miculek-dvd#

[dfletcher]

I've been wanting to "get more into" revolvers recently, cause the reason I became interested in guns in the first place is for outdoor use, and revolvers are a lot more flexible when it comes to outdoor loads (a 12-oz J-Frame can fire full-powered 357 mags!), and have a wider range of power.

I also like working on guns. Customizing, polishing trigger parts, replacing springs, that sort of thing.

Is it safe to do that kind of thing with revolvers? I've read a lot about how far a good polishing job goes in improving trigger pull, and how much better triggers feel with shims installed. But on the other hand I read that it usually voids the warranty, even if a problem arises that wasn't related to the modifications, and that any aftermarket or replacement parts are hard to find (pretty much comes down to what Numrich has in stock), so I'm nervous about performing any modifications.

On the other hand, guns like Glocks have a lot of parts available and a good aftermarket. I've been thinking about getting a Glock 20 or 21 with a 45 Super barrel/spring as my next gun for outdoor use, then exclusively buying worn used revolvers to work on since those don't have their warranty anyway.

Read alot, tinker a little. Like walking in the dark without stubbing your toe.

If you think you have a great idea chances are there is an unintended consequence to doing so.

Revolvers are like old cars. Repairing and fine tuning small parts is common. New semi-pistols are like new cars - replace parts as a drop in unit. Quite a difference.

It took me only about 45 years to figure out the above. But in my defense, I didn't have YouTube. Which reminds me ...

Don't believe eveything you see on YouTube.

Seriously, it's not brain surgery and so long as you take it slow it can be learned. It's great fun and rewarding. If you like older revolvers it seems to me a requirement to be able to disassemble and reassemble, clean and in some cases replace parts.

[broadside]

I did my GP100 trigger. Wolff Springs "shooters pak" and then polished the trigger assembly. Smooth as glass, clean crisp break, lightened DA and SA.

Just work smart. Very little at a time, test fit, work some more, test again.

[Barbarosa]

Polishing internal parts and spring changes are relatively easy. Leave the files, stones and Dremel alone until you figure out what you are doing. Invest in a good screwdriver set.

[Mystery_Milk]

The voiding warranty thing was just something I saw come up a few times on the S&W forums. Strangely I haven't seen it on the Ruger forums, even though Ruger doesn't have a published warranty.

I've already studied a lot about how all the guns I currently own function. And luckily it seems like most revolvers function more or less the same. So hopefully I won't be totally lost if I open up a S&W revolver.

It sounds like it's worthwhile. I'll see what I can pick up soon, I'm excited to try.

[W.R.Buchanan]

There are YOUTUBE VIDEOS covering just about every gun related modification known to man.

As long as you understand what they are telling you and you act in a cautious manner you should be fine.

Also don't hesitate to buy a nice set of Brownell's Screwdrivers as the main negative thing that happens when working on guns is gooning the screws while using cheap screwdrivers that don't fit the slots.

I just finished up a Stevens 311 shotgun last night that a friend had given me to fix. I had to recut the sears on the Hammers as they were worn completely off, and I also had to recut the sears on the trigger bars as they were not remotely strait or the same length.

I had done one of these guns before and sold it to the same guy so he figured that I knew what I was doing.

I fought getting the hammers back in the receiver for two nights before going back to the video on youtube to see how to do it. It took me 10 minutes to put it back together after I watched the video. DUH!

I am a Machinist /Toolmaker by trade and have an extensive background in all things mechanical and have 50+ years working on mechanical stuff.

However I figured out a long time ago that I don't know everything.

If you can swallow this fact and become willing to look for help when you need it,,, you'll do fine.

Randy

[Matt P]

Having worked in that trade myself professionally I can tell you older revolvers had more hand fitting. So buying parts say from Gun E Parts will not necessarily mean drop in. Be weary of buying old revolvers without researching availability of parts. I have found this to be very common. I have returned more older revolvers to clients not repaired due to this issue over any other firearm style.
Newer revolvers are much more easier to work on.
Fortunately there are not that many specialty tools needed for revolvers vs others. I echo the importance of having a precision screwdriver set when working on revolvers. Super easy to mar screw heads.

I have a 2nd gen Glock 21 that is a joy to shoot. Surprisingly little recoil for such a light pistol. Amazingly accurate compared to the lighter calibers I have in this firearm manufacture. Tons of stuff you can do with them and quite inexpensive to do so.

[shafferds]

Take your time, take pictures and notes. Note which way parts come out and interact. Read books and lots of info. Get a good gunsmith screwdriver set, variety of hammer, soft hammers, punches, blocks, a good padded vise. Use a magnification visor and have good lighting. Take your time and if your frustrated walk away and come back later.

[eternoplacer]

Aside from not messing with single action sear-hammer contact and keeping a strong enough mainspring to ignite your primers, revolvers are fun to work with.
Polishing does wonders for smooth trigger pulls that feel like silk.
Have fun!

[Griffdog]

If you like working on guns then go for it. I modify nearly everything I get to make it my own. I just changed out triggers in a couple of 1911s recently and it took some time working slowly to fit the new triggers to the frames but they came out great. Very rewarding taking them down to naked frames and getting them all back together.....correctly!!