s&w 38

It can be but it might need to go back to the factory to be tightened up by them.

I suppose that you are referring to a Smith and Wesson .38 special and most likely a "K" frame. I had an old (made in 1939) .38/44 that was out if time and I just traded it off rather than send it in.

Might give S&W a call and see what they tell you. If it is worth shooting then it is probably worth fixing.
 
That was pretty interesting. That's not something that I would try myself but now I can better understand how they tighten them up.
 
Originally Posted By: lockrotorThere is a pistol for sale and they say that the timing is off. Is this something hard to have fixed?

Not difficult for a competent smith. I've had a couple done years ago. The S&W's don't need it often. Cost shouldn't be overly high.

All my revolvers have been worked over so the last thing I'd do is return it to the factory. For a pure stock used gun I might consider it.

Greg
 
Correcting timing is not usually a DIY thing. I'd question why they're selling it without sending it back to have it fixed themselves. I'd be prone to assume that S&W refused them, or only offered a discounted replacement revolver, otherwise, I can't see why they wouldn't send it back themselves.

You didn't mention the model that you're looking at, but I did a Taurus "re-time" project last year (very similar action to the S&W small frames) - I had to hand fab my own pawl, and replace the cylinder with a take-off part to correct the timing.

Re-Timing Taurus Revolver Thread at HNI

If it were a REALLY good deal, and if I was able to handle it and assess what might be wrong, then I MIGHT tackle it. But I'd fully recognize that I could be throwing money into a fire.
 
It will depend on the model and caliber, as to a price to pay (figure the cost of a smith to work on it)..Re timing a S&W revolver is not a big job for a competent gun smith, but not something the normal owner would want to attempt...While you might get it done a little less expensive by sending it to the factory (if they will take it), a local smith will be much more convenient...
 
S&W won't work on any of their guns that are very old - they specify on their website. If this gun is an older specimen, I'd find a reputable gunsmith and have him look at it.
 
Make sure exactly what caliber you looking at. There's a old cartridge called 38 S&W. Most were chambered in top break S&W and WW2 era webley revolvers. Dimensions on this round is similar to the .38 super and dies for one will work with the other.

Like stated above S&W won't work on these old guns. Parts are nonexistent! Your looking at a safe queen unless your a very skilled smith.

Retiming newer revolvers isn't bad, but you really need to shoot a lot to justify tackling it. My best advice is hold out for a newer gun. Dan Wesson has a new .357 that's coming out soon. From my own past experience that brand is hard to beat. Better accuracy and durability then S&W or ruger.
 
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