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chris3755
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Seems to be going pretty well so far. Since this is the sixguns section I'll try my post here. Had my Colt NF 45 out last few days trying handloads to sight in so they matched my standard factory load. I use Magtech 250 grain loads as a factory reference and loaded various loads until I got one to shoot to the same point as the factory sample. Finally got it done and am happy with that. Hate cleaning though. It's like eating a fine meal and then having to do the dishes afterwards! Just kidding, at this stage in my life any gun work is fun, period. Chris

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gunsmith
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quality of Smith and Wesson revolvers

I have noticed that Smith and Wesson revolvers have really gone down hill recently. The headspace is way off, the cylinders have endshake after only a box of ammo through them, the trigger pulls are lousy, the front locking pin is now missing, and the throats have been squeezed down to undersized, because they don't pin the barrels anymore.
What we need is a good old fashioned revolver, quality first, at a resonable price, like the old days. Not a months pay for a peice of what Elmer would call junk.
I am a pistol smith, and my 44 629 Classic needed tons of work, until it became a real Smith. Now after setting back the cylinder, releiving the frame, setting back the barrel for a 2 thou gap, tuning the action, Using a die on the barrel, and tap on the frame, and pinning the barrel proper, I have what I call a 44 Magnum Classic. 2 inch group at 100 yards all day long, as long as I do my part.
Just a reflection, and question.

Good Guns, Good Friends, and Good Whiskey. I beleive Skeeter was on to something.

chris3755
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S & W quality

Gunsmith, I know many people will think me silly, or even a poor unfortunate, but I have never owned a Smith, except for the old single action 32 that my great grandfather owned. I posted a pic of it somewhere on here, maybe under open topic or rants, therefore I cannot comment on the lack of quality on the newer ones but I can offer an opinion, they almost went bust, a conglomerate bought them and then the former employees or someone, bought what was in shambles and they probably have had to make a lot of cost cutting measures. Just another story of how once great American companies have been ravaged by the throw away economy and the desire to have everything on a global economic scale. I am not qualified to offer an opinion on the future. Chris

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gunsmith
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What a shame. To be down to

What a shame. To be down to only 1 Smith. At least it is an old one. Only fire it with black powder loads. That means only reload for it. When you are done shooting, put the brass in vinegar, to neutralize the black powder salts. Works like a charm.
Then rinse in hot water, and let dry. Then reload. The brass will last a long time that way.
I hope that people will begin to demand quality from Gun Companies, not the cheap fodder we are being handed.
Not to leave Colt out. Colt has totally abandoned the public, going the corporate route, by eliminating the revolvers from their line of products. I know they still offer SAA's, but these are made in Italy, fitted, and stamped in the U.S.A.and sent out to an unsuspecting public. They are as much a real Colt, as an Uberti. The frames are investment cast, the parts are MIM, and the case hardening, while good looking, is not durable, and may be a chemical application.
Taurus is total CRAP. Try to get your gun serviced. They will tell you that the gun is no longer made, and give you a gun that is not what you bought, or has other issues. They started out as a hammer forging company. Smith and Wesson, in the Bangor,Punta days, had them forge the frames and parts for them on the cheap. Then Smith reorganized, were bought by another company, and left Brazil. All the forging masters were in Brazil, so Taurus started making Smiths, and calling them Taurus. My sister has one of the first 357s they made. Exactly like a model 19. Down to the rebounding hammer block, ect. Then Smith threatened to sue them, so they cheapened the gun, eliminated the rebounding hammer block safety, installed a Ruger style safety, and went on from there. Cheaply made.
I call them obama guns (i never capitalize his name). All hype and change. No substance or quality, or experience. Just flash and Media hype. Can't compare with the real thing.
Back to Smith. The president of Smith told me that the guns are accurate enough for the average person, who only shoots a box of shells in a life time and a 3 inch group at 25 yards is acceptable quality. If you want better, get one from the Custom Shop.
The Custom Shop makes tight guns, but they wear out fast from the battering they get from the excess headspacing they have. Soon they will get endshake, and be JUNK. Save your money and buy an old Smith, made in the 50's or early 60's. Earlier is even better. Then you will have a real Smith, Colt or whatever.
Just a follow up rant. Sorry I got carried away.

Good Guns, Good Friends, and Good Whiskey. I beleive Skeeter was on to something.

chris3755
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Updated post

Gunsmith, I found the pic and edited it in my last post. I don't shoot it anyway, it's more of an heirloom from my ancestor and I have enough other guns to shoot. Thanks, Chris

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EMK1161
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Joined: 06/16/2010
Question for Gunsmith(or anyone else)

How are the Uberti's I like the looks of some of the revolvers but I know nothing of quality, accuracy etc..I have always been a Ruger fan and never had a problem with them. I can't afford an old Colt but want another single action and like the traditional look. Thanks

chris3755
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Ruger Forum

You should check the rugerforum.com and see what those guys have been doing with the single actions. I would really love to shorten the barrel on my SBH but don't want to hassle with re-doing my Weigand front sight base all over again, I had so much trouble the first time. There is a lot of switching grip frames and hammers to make some pretty neat looking single actions. I also like the Blackhawk limited edition of the flatop 44. I don't know about Uberti but the SASS people use Ruger Vaqueros and some USAF ?? SAA clones and Cimmarron is popular too. I'm sure there are a few more that are good. Chris

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gunsmith
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Rugers and Ubertis are made

Rugers and Ubertis are made by investment casting. Works well until something lets go. I have an American Arms single action army in 44 special. Shot Elmers 44 special load in my Smith, a lot. Put one in the American Arms. The cylinder came apart, the topstrap was never found, and I was standing there in disbeleif at what happened. Put the same load back in the Smith, and nothing spectacular happened. Load, 250 grain Keith bullet, 17 grains 2400, Rem primer. Nothing fancy. But ruined the cheap gun.
Rugers are made larger, with heavier frames to make up for the flaws in the investment casting process. Uberti does not care. They call it in the business, Turn and Burn.
I would never fire a Uberti with a load more powerful than a black powder load. With 2 fg powder. That way you will not get into problems.
The Ruger is fine with mild factory loads, but not the 45 LC loaded to its potential.
An old Colt 45 LC when everything is proper, will handle up to 40 grains of 4 fg, or a 250 grain bullet at 1000 fps. That is because the cylinder and the frame are Forged, and Machined, not Cast.
Fire what you want, but I think too much of my head to put a possible hand gernade in front of it, and pull the pin. Others may wish the gods to protect them. Not I.

Good Guns, Good Friends, and Good Whiskey. I beleive Skeeter was on to something.

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EMK1161
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Kinda what I heard as well

Kinda what I heard as well just didn't trust the goofball that was flapping his gums.Probably stick to ruger. Thanks

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gunsmith
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I hope my 2 cents worth helps

I hope my 2 cents worth helps someone.

Good Guns, Good Friends, and Good Whiskey. I beleive Skeeter was on to something.

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gunsmith
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By the way that is a

By the way that is a beautiful old Smith. I would fire it with black loads, and see what it would do. You will not hurt it, as long as you clean it and oil it after. I am VERY jealous.

Good Guns, Good Friends, and Good Whiskey. I beleive Skeeter was on to something.