The Lost Art of Revolver Production

[mikey357]

The tolerances needed for proper function of traditional revolvers are very tight. The same part number, one being 2 thousandths different from another, and one will work, but the other won't. But in the next frame down the line, what works may be reversed.

Take a K frame Smith that has carryup issues, 2 thousandths fatter hand may be all it needs.

One of the NEATEST things I have ever seen was watching a Master Revolver Fitter put together Model 640's during a Smith & Wesson Factory Tour back in the late'90's...They were one of very few Job Classifications in the Plant that were still being paid by piecework, if you can believe it...

They got the stripped Frame with the Barrel already installed, but no other Parts in it, and complete Cylinder Assemblies, but they hadda' put everything else together...And they were expected to assemble 24 Revolvers in an eight-hour day--!!!

Watching that guy fit parts with Stones, a big ol' Mill Bastard File and a Babbitt Bar--Not for the Faint of Heart, I'll tell ya'!!!