Just curious if any of you send your S&Ws into Murray Charlton for servicing either after a certain amount of usage or e.g. you bought a used gun and just want it fully checked out even if there are no obvious issues. Every once in awhile I'll notice an ad on EE saying the revolver just got back from servicing at Murray's. Makes me wonder if either there had been a problem with the revolver or if I should be sending mine in on occasion. Thanks
Maintenance on a S&W revolver
- Thread starter gdawg
- Start date
I haven't sent him one yet (though I do have one that I fully intend to get to him, needs some work). I do however have 3 guns that I have bought, all from the same seller and friend, that have had the trigger 'tuned' by Murray, and I can say that they are very fine indeed. One is a Model 66-3, a 27-2 with 5" barrel, and a 14-3 (K38). They all are capable of much better than I can shoot with my eyesight. If they are any example (and they are) I would say, if you feel the need to have them tuned up and serviced, you won't go wrong. Or looked at another way, if you have a favorite S&W revolver, that you want to see taken to a finer level....this is the way to go.
Sakoman .308
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Nova Scotia
I have had a few Smith & Wesson Revolvers, but I've never really thought of it before.
I think it all depends on how mechanically inclined you are and how willing you are to learn the basics. Youtube and forums go a long way but in the end, when you add up the cost of special tools, buying extra parts and the frustration I think getting a Pro to do some of the difficult stuff is worth it. I personally get a lot of satisfaction out of learning and tinkering. I also hate how long it can take for some gunsmiths to get work done. I have heard that Murray is quite good and one day when I mess up one of my Smiths beyond my abilities, i will send it in.
Thanks for the input, gents. I wish I had the courage to try to be more mechanically inclined but with my luck I'd break something. I have 70-80s vintage 29 that had been bubba'ed when I bought it used - or at least taken apart and put back together incorrectly. My local smith fixed it up but I am wondering if an overhaul by Murray might be worth it to tighten everything up (maybe MC knows of a few specific consideration that a local generalist might not). Not particularly valuable or unique but it has become one of my range favourites. Maybe I should see what it costs first.
That was my case with the 27-2 it would bind every so often hhe said some one was "in their" he re-assembled lubed and sealed it and told me never to take the side plate off again . He also calls you before and after the work to ask any questions which I thought was good . I think I paid under a 100 for the trigger work and now the pistol is unbelievable!!
I would not describe it as 'loose' (pretty much the same as all the others of that vintage that I have handled). It is just not as tight as a couple BNIB models I've had. I've heard that a proper servicing can tighten things up - to what degree I don't know and realize it depends on the starting point. Given mine is a pre-endurance package model and given the starting point, wondering if it might benefit from the attention.
Northern Amateur
CGN frequent flyer
Not familiar with 27-2's. Perhaps they're more complicated than the 686's. I know I wouldn't go tearing apart a Browning BLR however no issues in doing so on an Auto 5 or BAR. To have a qualified smith do that kind of work resulting in you being that happy for less than a $100 is a bargain.
cheers,
Northern Amateur
CGN frequent flyer
Makes sense. They do wear out eventually! If the price to inspect and possibly correct some of the looseness is in the $100 range, go for it. Sounds like you would probably enjoy it more making the small investment well worth it.
cheers,
I have had Murray do a bunch of work for me, all good! I do admire the enthusiasm of gunnies that like to "improve" their revolvers, but I also suggest that watching a few youtube videos and reading a gunsmith book does not make you qualified as a gunsmith. Leave that to the pros. Far too many perfectly good guns have been damaged by well intentioned amateurs.
While it is possible of course to learn how to do most gunsmithing tasks without schooling, the probability of ruining a few guns first is practically guaranteed.
While it is possible of course to learn how to do most gunsmithing tasks without schooling, the probability of ruining a few guns first is practically guaranteed.
Northern Amateur
CGN frequent flyer
Agreed for critical stuff. The added problem in Canada is there are no regulated qualifications to become a gunsmith other than registering and paying a fee. As much as your statement makes sense, I have seen many a firearm ruined by gunsmiths too.
That being said I would not recommend anyone taking on a firearm project that is beyond their capability.
Cheers
Yes I think I'm going to give MC a shot. Don't necessarily need the trigger job but would appreciate the peace of mind knowing it had been checked and serviced, particularly as this is one i want to keep long term. thanks again
I think that's the right call gdawg, it will give you peace of mind, and I'm pretty sure it is going to come back better than it left. Just having the added mental confidence that your gun has been looked at, serviced, maybe tuned if you want some trigger work done, by a really qualified gent like Murray...you'll probably be amazed at how much better you shoot. Just like my truck runs better after I wash it!
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Graham, to answer your question. A few years ago I bought a second hand Smith .22lr. Though the revolver seemed all right, I sent it to Murray for a full check up and re-adjusting. If memory serves, price and delay were quite reasonable and I was very satisfied. Now I have since sold the revolver and the guy who bought it made a good deal...
My only current revolver is a Smith 586 that I bought new. I shoot about half and half .38spl and .357 mag (factory ). Round count is a bit more than 1K.
When it reaches 4 or 5 K, I will send it to Murray for check up.
Gilbert
My only current revolver is a Smith 586 that I bought new. I shoot about half and half .38spl and .357 mag (factory ). Round count is a bit more than 1K.
When it reaches 4 or 5 K, I will send it to Murray for check up.
Gilbert
For sure, TC. I'll probably just send it in and tell him to do whatever he thinks needs to be done. Far be it from me to direct a craftsman
Thanks Gilbert - sounds like I cannot go wrong.
