When you take a revolver into a gun shop to have it tuned what exactly are they doing to your handgun?

2020-10-01T13:35:50-04:00

I have six single action Colts and two Remington Single action revolvers that get stiff after shooting them over an after noon. The timing on the cylinder is one concern of mine but also the crispness of the trigger drop. Does anyone have a suggestion or a gunsmith they feel can help me with these revolvers?

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Oct 1 at 2020 1:42 PM

2020-10-01T13:42:14-04:00

That is a tough one, you may have to call around or call Colt for a recommendation. I know S&W and Rugar do a lot of their own stuff.

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Oct 1 at 2020 1:53 PM

2020-10-01T13:53:39-04:00

Depends on model and age of the pistols. If you have no one local Google " colt single action gunsmith" or something similar then research ones that seem legit. Or check so of the gunsmith ads in gun magazines.

Response by CPL Douglas Chrysler made Oct 1 at 2020 2:06 PM

2020-10-01T14:06:58-04:00

My gunsmith retired and they leveled the building.

Response by SSG Paul Headlee made Oct 1 at 2020 2:15 PM

2020-10-01T14:15:22-04:00

The tolerance (flash gap) between the cylinder face and breech end of the barrel could be the culprit. As you fire the revolver it heats up. This obviously causes dimensional changes (warpage). Revolver manufacturers typically allow in the neighborhood of 3 to 6 thousandths of an inch here. It also accommodates some fouling buildup to allow free rotation. If for some reason your cylinder binds I'd first look at the level of fouling present; then check to see if there is not sufficient gap. If the gap lessens due to retained heat you could very lightly (and carefully) stone the breech end of the barrel using a small honing stone with a piece of tape on one edge so you don't mar the top strap. If you wind up with .001" clearance when everything is hot, that's all it should take and I'd stop there. Obviously before you break out the stone you should use feeler gauges when the gun is cold and again as soon as it starts to bind in order to attempt to isolate the problem. You certainly don't want too much flash gap (over say, .006" inch when cold). Also pull your cylinder pin and check it for straightness. It wouldn't take much bend, combined with heat to tie things up. One other low tech check would be to look at your ammunition to see whether the last cartridge(s) to be fired have had their bullets jump their crimp. If the bullet nose ever protrudes past the cylinder face it will usually tie up the gun. Sorry if this answer is too elementary but I don't know how much you know.

Response by SGT Steve McFarland made Oct 1 at 2020 2:17 PM

2020-10-01T14:17:37-04:00

I would start by cleaning them thoroughly, and use a good synthetic gun lubricant to relubricate them. You can also polish all the moving parts. Don't reshape them, just polish them. I'm not a fan of replacing the main-spring with a lighter one, but that is another option. I've polished the action on my Colt Trooper, and it made a big difference in the smoothness of the action.

Response by TSgt David L. made Oct 1 at 2020 2:25 PM

2020-10-01T14:25:48-04:00

The timing you can check yourself. Cock it and try to twist the cylinder. It should be locked. If it is your timing should be good.
No idea why they would be stiff after shooting them. As long as the extraction rod is tight the cylinders shouldn't be tight. Have a local gunsmith check them out.

Response by SrA Alvin Cook made Oct 1 at 2020 2:33 PM

2020-10-01T14:33:11-04:00

Have you tried removing the cylinders and giving them a good cleaning/lubrication after use? Sounds like carbon buildup could be a possible cause

Response by 1LT Voyle Smith made Oct 1 at 2020 4:11 PM

2020-10-01T16:11:40-04:00

A good gunsmith is just up the road from me at Apache Rifle Works: [login to see] . You might give them a call and ask. They're in Comfort Texas and I'm in Boerne, probably less than ten miles away.
(That's like next door for us.)

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Oct 29 at 2021 1:20 AM

2021-10-29T01:20:58-04:00

Thank you my friend SFC Jim Ruether for posting 'When you take a revolver into a gun shop to have it tuned what exactly are they doing to your handgun?
FYI SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL Lt Col Charlie Brown SGT Private RallyPoint Member SGT James Murphy SGT Steve McFarland SFC William Farrell CSM Charles Hayden