You can help! How are the flutes machined into the cylinders? That aesthetic has always been part of the fascination I’ve had with revolvers. Also, what was the original purpose of having the flute? Purely aesthetic or saving the metal for re-smelting or? Thanks
@@richardsmithmusic As someone who do not work for S&W or the manufacturing of firearms revolver, but as a skill worker in the CNC machining. I can only think of 3 ways of how they do the flutes on a revolver. 1st way would be machining it on cnc verticle mill, with the cylinder mounted on a notary indexer and a ball endmill cutting the flutes at multiple depths and doing the chamber on another machine They can do 1 to 4 cylinder depending on the setup. 2nd way is the same as the first but using a indexable round radius cutter with multiple cutting teeth , cutting it at the sides vs from top on the 1st way. 3rd way would be machining the cylinder on a Mill-Turn, from a round bar stock to a complete finish cylinder in one operation, probably using a bar feeder too. The few machines you see on 5:40 , are walter cnc tool grinder. It can be use to grind special shape cutter like a round radius cutter or grind anything that required a tight tolerance dimension with a require surface finish.
The one singular thing that S&W could do to drastically increase sales in their revolver division is to ditch the unnecessary and potentially problematic safety. A standard cable lock or trigger lock accomplishes the same end goal without all the pitfalls of the internal lock. They won't do it but they should.
My own thought as well, a padded padlock hasp or cable is a better alternative, mechanically and economically. If the internal lock is such a useful system, why are so many loyal and devoted S&W clientele repulsed by it ? Why is it not featured on other firearm platforms ? Why have not competitors mimicked their own ? If I were an omnipotent major shareholder/investor in S&W, I would direct that the lock be discontinued and any objecting associate be terminated. But allegedly a deal was made with the Clinton Administration.
@@richardkluesek4301 Yep, that's why many call it "The Hillary Hole". Love my old Smiths (A model 15-1 that left the vault in 1959, and a model 19-2 that I haven't gotten lettered, but probably shipped in 1961 or 1962, and wouldn't sell 'em for anything less than a ludicrous amount. I wouldn't buy one of the new ones with the Hillary Hole at ANY price.
@@felsinferguson1125 I have old gold 'Smiths with forged parts and hammer nose "firing pins" in addition to new MIM with and without the hillaryhole. There are gunsmiths who sell plugs to fill the hole after discarding the lock, which I have installed on those with that defacement. Videos on youtube also depict the process. The newer guns are still S&Ws and merit our patronage of ownership.
Nostalgic. I worked there from 1961 to 1967. First on the floor doing various machine tasks. There were no CNC machines back then. I moved up to the drafting room later on and worked on new designs.
@@paulpiquette4300 I did, 8 hours standing. Wood floor was a lot better than concrete although slippery if oily. Did a lot of work on a broach for magazine wells on SA pistols and it used an oil lube which would cause a rash on my legs after standing in front of it all day and oil would soak through my apron & jeans. Funny how I remember that.
@@mabloodhound I worked for International Harvester for years in their Melrose Park engine plant and they used wooden block floors that were tarred over. Much better than concrete.
@@mabloodhound I worked in shipping when it was in the basement of the front office, its where the vault was as well. I worked in pistol, piece work on slides and frames. Worked on pistol small parts in the Stevens street annex of Page Blvd, Then went to stocking and did checkering, then became an apprentice in the engraving department.
My dad worked at S&W through the 70's and 80's in the small parts polishing department until he had a stroke and was not able to do the job anymore. He loved working there, it was hard work (all piecework, you got paid for how many pieces you finished) but he made a good living and supported his family (6 kids). I remember going to the open house/picnic as a kid that they had for the employees and families. They ran the forges and stamping machines during the tours and we got to see my dad's workstation. The test range on the lower level was something to see as well.
Excellent video. I loved seeing the factory tour of one of America's great companies. Such a shame they had to move all but revolver production out of state but good for those people in Tennessee. S&W makes fantastic firearms and their revolvers are second to none in my opinion. Thanks for sharing. 👍
well it's not technically all but revolver production, they still produce 90% of the parts up in mass, the parts they had to move were any operation that turned the parts into a serialized firearm, all the other components can be made up here and shipped down there for finishing and assembly
If S&W would ditch the internal lock that besmirches the sideplate of most of their new production revolvers, I'd buy a handful in a heartbeat. Thanks for the video.
I took a survey on line from Smith a few months ago and the primary questions were thoughts on the key lock. I believe they may actually be ready to make the lock an option on a wider array of their revolvers. I hope so. There's plenty of average people like myself that wouldn't mind partaking of their new revolver offerings but not at near a thousand dollars with that ridiculous, atrocious eye sore and certainly not guns over a grand with that aesthetic slaying fool lock.
As a machinist it was really cool seeing the old pics showing machines and tools I recognize today. Even the burr knife a fellow was holding. Just recently purchased a new S&W 610-3 and had it reamed to fit the 10mm. Magnum round. It being the N-Frame I have no worries about it holding up to the higher pressures. Very cool video!
I own 27 guns and it’s a tragedy that I don’t own a smithee. I have always wanted one and instead I buy the inexpensive guns. I am blown away. It’s time I step up and buy a piece of history that I can hand down to my kids for generations. Amazing video gentleman 🤟🏼❤️
I have several Smith and Wesson firearms including some older revolvers. They are a joy to shoot at the range, I will never sell any of my Smith's. Great factory tour, I enjoyed it.
The video tour was excellent, I really enjoyed watching it, I’ve already shared it with 3 friends! When I started in Law enforcement back in the 60s I was issued a S&W mod 10 with a 4” barrel. I immediately went and bought my own off duty mod. 60 and a 6” K38 that I used to practice and compete with! I carried the mod 10 for 17 years until we switched to S&W 5906s, I was actually part of the group that tested them against other 9mm and chose the 5906. I presently own 12 S&W revolvers, semi autos and rifles and shoot them all frequently, I have never had a problem or malfunction from any of their products, they have protected me for over 54 years! I’m actually in the process of ordering a new S&W M&P 15T as I write this! Keep up the good work S&W!
I love your tour. I've been a smith fan for a long time. I own so many. And hate to part with one. I let a 39 go to a friend and still regret it . Thanks for the tour!
I was fortunate to tour the S&W factory in the early ‘70s, after carrying a S&W revolver for several years. In retirement my EDC is the no lock 340PD and I still have one of the first Model 60 revolvers I got for off duty carry.
I visited that plant in 1979. Hasn't changed much. I particularly enjoyed the rotunda area up front, and getting to visit Roy Jink's office upstairs where most of the records were kept at that time. There's a lot of that plant to see, in particular that area of Mass. The Springfield National Armory, and 25 miles away Colt's old Hartford Plant.
What an awesome tour. I love American manufacturing, and I love my S&W Model 27. I am a mechanical engineer and I tour a lot of factories. It always makes me feel good to see American manufacturing. Too bad Massachusetts is not 2A friendly, but I'm sure that Tennessee will be welcoming S&W with open arms.
Massachussets has absolutely disgraced themselves with their attacks on the paramount human right: the right to self-defense. I would never consider locating a business there, and I'm not even in the fiirearms industry.
That is much easier said than done and let's remember that Smith and Wesson has been located in Massachusetts for I think almost 100 years? To move all that massive machinery and all those jobs would require tens if not hundreds of millions of dollars. I agree about Massachusetts I am from the People's Republic of connecticut, but Smith & Wesson was in Massachusetts before Massachusetts got woke and that's not their fault. I still gladly buy their guns made there.
The move has nothing to do with politics and everything to do with bottom the bottom line. It cost more to do business in Mass than it does to move someplace else. You’ll notice that the production that moved was the one most reliant on sub contractors. The things that are actually made, not just assembled, remain at the Mass location. The cost to move that forging operation would be astronomical. It will be in Mass for a long time. The political aspect gets spun in the shooting community but it’s really just about doing business.
"Over here is our lock machine that adds the key locks. We're extremely proud of this device and we know it's exactly what the market wants and what customers love about our revolvers!"
@ Kato Custom Shop Said nobody, anywhere, ever... :) Now clean up that sarcasm you splattered all over the floor before somebody slips in it and hurts themself!
@@stendak That's too bad, I do think that you're missing out on some great new revolvers, but I also completely understand your reasoning. It's a shame this is the way things are.
There are so many manufacturing steps, so much expensive machinery, so many skilled craftsmen and so much factory space needed to make a fine revolver. Revolvers are certainly expensive compared to plastic fantastic pistols. But I'm honestly surprised revolvers are not even more expensive than what they are. They're fine pieces of craftsmanship. That's why I love them. Thanks for the great video.
@@GUNS-GDC CCW's of any sort (little j frame revolvers included) are just not my thing. Those sorts of firearms are, by definition, designed to be hidden away. Shooting performance is fundamentally compromised on the alters of compactness, lightness and concealability. Sights, grips and recoil are inferior. Light SA triggers are often non existent. They're made using light alloys with dull or painted finishes. Grips are usually cheap rubber. What I love are the big, heavy, shiny, austentatious revolvers, designed not to be hidden away but to attract attention, built to be fine shooters with highly tuned SA triggers, adjustable sights and long barrels. Revolvers firing big, powerful magnum bullets. Revolvers with perfect fit, a high polish finish and beautiful, ergonomic, after market grips. That's what revolvers are to me. And I'm certainly prepared to pay what it takes to make such finely crafted pieces of precision machinery.
When I turned 21 in 1971 I bought my first S&W .357 magnum revolver being a 6 inch Highway Patrolman. I still have this great revolver and it still shoots. Naturally this led to the purchase of other S&W revolvers along the way.
When I was on the job in NYC in the '70's and '80's our duty gun was the S&W Model 10, .38 cal., 4 inch heavy barrel revolver. I have a S&W model 65, .357 magnum, 4 inch barrel revolver. My semi-auto is a Glock.
Dave Ducharme is a good guy. He certified me as an armorer about 20 years when he first came over to S&W. But the video did not show the Quality Assurance operations: apparently because there are none. Sadly, the last two Classic series I purchased - 2022 and 2023 - did not show any of the "love and labor" of "skilled craftsman" proclaimed in this video. The first one - a Model 10-14 - had to be completely replaced. Right out of the box new, the DA and SA were rough and the strain screw was buggered up. Took 3 months at S&W. The last one purchased a couple weeks ago - a Model 36-10 - was defective right out of the box. The barrel looked like it was fitted to the cylinder with a worn out hacksaw, and damaged the cylinder as well. What love went into that assembly? The gun is there now, maybe I will get it back before Christmas. I called and S&W Revolver Repair has an 8 WEEK BACKLOG. I've owned dozens of S&W revolvers for over 40 years. Despite all the advances in production capability and precision, I still see some guy at a bench with an aggressive Barrett file trying to fit a sideplate and a grip frame. My replacement Model 10-14 has been perfect. But the consumer takes a chance buying a S&W revolver sight unseen. The buyer is now the sole quality inspector. That's sad.
I own a lot of Smith & Wessons that span the company's 167 year history. And I've walked the very same factory floor that is featured in this video, where I can assure you that quality assurance is alive and well. Mistakes happen and it's really unfortunate that you had two in a row, but I can tell you that the company is very concerned about producing a quality product and, in my experience, goes out of its way to makes sure that the customer is treated well.
A great video, thanks for bringing it to us. I have owned more than a few S&W revolvers and other firearms over the years. I still own several S&W revolvers as they are my favorite. I plan on adding at least one more perhaps two in the future to my collection. Like the commenter below, I am not a fan of the internal lock or 'lawyer locks' on the new guns. I agree with all the previous comments. Keep up the good work.
Great video! Nice job as usual, Chris, Ben and crew! What an amazing factory...hard to believe they've stayed in Massachusetts as long as they have; I'm sure the move to TN will be great for them. Hard to stick around an area where they hate what you do.
The Wesson family did a lot for Springfield. Build a hospital and donated to many various charities. They helped put Springfield, Massachusetts on the map and employed many. I can't figure why they would treat such an Icon in the industry they way they do. Tennessee will love them!
Wow, brings back memories. I worked for S&W for almost 10 years as a gun fitter in Canada. We would receive the revolver as part kits (frame, barrel, cylinder and trigger / hammer components). My quota was 10 x model 10 or model 15 per day. Also did some J frame revolvers which I was not too fond of working with. Always looked forward to testing them on the range (except J frames, painful to the wrist). I spent a lot of time in Springfield and visited the armory. The flintlock section was awesome. Glad I came across this video. Thank's
i grow up in Tajikistan( Republic in Central Asia, 1951) , and we was tree frandes. we call each others Smith And Wesson, even Alexandr was "And", we was boys and don't now wot mine " and". but "Smith and Wesson" wos magic for as! Legend!
I've spent almost 10 years between Iraq & Afghanistan and I never took my Smith&Wesson M2.0 full 9mm off , it was always on me at all times. I bought it with my own money , it was 100 times more reliable than the Beretta M9 or the SIG17 they issued to me.
Lina Perez at the end of this video looks very much like Sonia Braga. I'm half expecting Clint Eastwood to come sauntering out behind her at some point in the production.- I can speak to Smith's warranty service as I've actually used it once. I had bought a Smith 686 made in 1984 about 12 years ago at a pawn shop. As it turned out, it required the firing pin bushing upgrade. I called them at Smith and was surprised that they sent me a shipping label prepaid and said they'd do all the parts and labor free of charge which they did, also paying for shipping back to me. That's pretty impressive, at least to me. This gun is in good overall shape but really God only knows how many people owned it before I came into it. They didn't attempt to pull the original owner card and I appreciate that. If they had, I frankly wouldn't have been surprised seeing the gun was as old as it was and that the upgrade had been called for as long as it had. Now when you nice people at Smith and Wesson finally get to the business of making the key lock an option or eliminate it entirely, then people like me and soooooooo many others of the same mind on that particular matter can finally get onto buying new production Smith revolvers and catch up with what we've apparently been missing all this time. Thank you for the video and fine tour.
Great video. As the owner of a half dozen S&W revolvers it was really interesting to see some of the manufacture steps. Most impressive to me was the forging operation. Those hammers are brutal. Thanks!
I love S&W revolvers, but the ones before the hillary hole. I am one of those that have ones made before 1990 (M66 no dash in SS and model 28 in blue) and used them for duty and off duty. Never once needed some kind of idiot safety on a revolver.
I know there have been some QC issues with some modern S&W revolvers but I still appreciate S&W. I have several S&W firearms but my S&W .38 Centennial is my favorite. I carried that as a plainclothes LEO and I still carry it often, 30 years later. The man doing the engraving by hand is amazing.
4 of the 7 revolvers I bought from them over the past year had off center barrel that I ended up selling for half the price I paid for. 2 weeks ago I bought a brand new 5 inch 460V that I ended up sending back to Smith and Wesson due to the barrel not lining up with the frame. A week later, went back to the same gun store and bought the 7.5 inch 460 Performance Center. I did my checks at the FFL and everything seemed good but I missed one and didn't realize it until I got home. Under the top of the from right where the forcing cone is there is a deep marring. Ended up sending it back too the next day without even getting the chance to fire it. $3900 of disappointment within a week. I'm not even sure they're going to be able to fix it judging from what I've been seeing on forums.
Nice video of how things are these days, forge is always a highlight and how blanks are forged, machined, polished and fitted into what I believe is functional art. I worked there from 1973 to 1999 as their Master Engraver, however before that I worked in shipping, pistol slide and frame and stocking departments. In this video it shows engraving and Dave whom I believe is now retired but I trained him, he was my apprentice. We worked at the Academy then, which is no longer there, sad that engraving is located where it is now.
Hello and thanks for sharing. While exploring all of the different manufacturing firearms locations, which one of these companies would you choose? Thank you!
Did you tell them how crappy their quality control is? I just bought two identical 4” 686+ revolvers. BOTH pistols had a poor finish and one of them had a noticeably canted barrel. Compared with my 2.5” 686-4 from 1991, it’s night and day difference in quality. I called S&W and customer service wasn’t surprised. It’s frustrating
S&Ws custom shop is awesome! One of the best kept affordable services. Im pretty sure I went to Lena to have my model 640 customized. It was a really good deal the work was impeccable and the turn around time was fast! S&W and Charter Arms are the best two customer services in the whole firearms business.
I love S&W revolvers. I inherited a 686 manufactured in the 80’s. Since then I bought a 642 for concealed carry. A 625 and 69 for fun at the range. I want a 610 next to shoot 10mm.
Great video! I love to see the older manufacturing processes there still using, I have a feeling there new plant will be 3D printing many more of the components used in there guns.
3d printing is great for one off parts and for R&D but it is too slow for mass production. Forging and casting is a lot faster and makes a better product.
Great video thank you for going there to show the world how important is to keep and support our gun industry. We do appreciate the hard work this great people do at the smith and wesson factory, im glad they're relocating to a friendly welcoming second amendment state. Our Gun industry must prevail and so is our second ammendment.
I used to love Smith & Wesson revolvers back in the 90's and I bought some. I bought my last S&W revolver in 2000 because after that S&W put a stupid internal lock in all their revolvers with a keyhole (AKA Hillary hole) in the side of their revolver frames. I will never buy another S&W revolver till that dumb Hillary hole goes away. I also had a few Smith & Wesson automatic pistols back in the 90's. I even had a S&W Sigma but when the M&P line of pistols came out and replaced the older aluminum and metal frame pistols I quit buying S&W pistols. I love polymer frame pistols made by Glock but I never liked the M&P line of pistols. Come to think of it now all guns made by S&W other than their revolvers have the M&P designation. That makes no sense for several reasons.
Model 60 is the stainless steel version of the blued 5 shot J-Frame chambered in .38SPL Model 36, previously known as "The Chief's Special". I have a 1962 no dash 36, bobbed hammer beauty with a Pachmayr grip in a holster in my right front pocket. It's my house and yard piece. I carry my 627PC 2-5/8" with a Colt King Cobra 3" for my "NY Reload" when out and about.
I recently acquired a 1957 vintage Chiefs Special (it's not marked Mod. 36 at all) in mint condition. Wish they'd go back to the old hammers and triggers instead of the MIM, but I understand why. MIM makes manufacture faster and cheaper.
Great video! Thanks! This Mr. Smith and of course the entire staff must have heard the best gun stories ever told! This guy should make a YT channel to tell us some of them. Hang on, what am I saying, there is probably such a thing already…. I’ll go and search for it..!
In 1991 I was issued a Smith model 10 with a five inch tapered barrel by the RCMP. In 1995 I was issued a stainless 5946 by the RCMP. Both guns were reliable and accurate but, my love of S&W revolvers was born and after I retired as Sheriff, all my Smiths are wheel guns.
Nice video.. I am a S&W revolvers fan... The best revolvers of the world.. I love my 686, scuare but old model. I suscribe. Greetings from Buenos Aires, Argentina
I am in the market for a 4” or 5” S&W 629. I’ve looked at both at my local gun shop. The most recent was Monday, I looked at a 4” 629. They had it for a pretty decent price. Couldn’t bring myself to buy it due to all the quality control issues with it. The first problem was the barrel was slightly canted. Not much but enough to see. There was a gouge on the lower right side of the frame, inside of the cylinder opening that was sharp enough to cut a finger on. The crane was nice and tight at the bottom where it slides into the frame but there was a noticeable gap at the top. I left it at the dealer. They had a 5” a few weeks back and that one had a lot of cylinder movement on 5 of the cylinders, only 1 locked up tight. It also exhibited more end shake than normal. This is not reasonable for a revolver priced over $1,000. If I’m paying that I might as well look at a Colt Anaconda and not have to worry about the QC issues. Come on Smith, you can do better. I love my Smiths, but my last 686 requires the rear sight to be cranked all the way to the right to be on target. And it was sandbagged when sighting in.
My Dad bought a new performance center 629 3"... barrel canted, barrel gap between frame. The last three new pistols I bought in a year had to be sent back.
What about the springs, hammer, triggers, bolts, and pins? Sites, handles ect ect There is a lot we didn't get to see.. The storing system on the numbers, on the guns and things. I WOULD LOVE TO SEE IT ALL
I have been using S&W revolvers for Movie use since 1990; model range from M1917, to Modern Stainless models. Most numerous are J frame M36, courtesy of our LE when they transitioned first to Ruger Revolvers, the to Glocks. The S&Ws are robust, easy to maintain, and the J frames ideal for females to handle with confidence. DocAV AVBFILMGUNS Brisbane Australia
I had heard that the S&W frames were forged whereas the Ruger frames, though no side plate, were cast. I’d be interested in durability/ lifespan comparisons. I have always been a Ruger fan, but I recently came into possession of a series three 686, I gotta say the S&W is pretty damn impressive.
How on earth do you get the timing right between barrel and frame on an industrial scale? On a two piece barrel no problem, but on a one piece barrel? Blows my mind.
My favorite is my Model 41 (made in Maine though not Mass). Followed closely by the 617 and an old Model 19. Hopefully the new factory has added QC checks for the timing of the traditional one piece barrels as I have seen some bad ones. Yep, drop the key lock and they could probably double sales. Nice video.
Uhh , this better be good Smith has suckin in the QC department as of late. Unless it’s a performance ctr be sure to check your revolver over and test fire it. There QC has taken a back seat imo lately.
Great episode. Would love to see these keep going. How about Ruger, CZ-USA, Beretta USA, Dan Wesson, Wilson Combat, NightHawk, Sig.... Very happy to see S&W standing up to the anti-2A group think and taking action. I hope they are serious about that and continue to take action.
I spent 47 years at S&W . Retired a couple of years ago. I had a great job. I do miss the the place.
You can help!
How are the flutes machined into the cylinders?
That aesthetic has always been part of the fascination I’ve had with revolvers.
Also, what was the original purpose of having the flute? Purely aesthetic or saving the metal for re-smelting or?
Thanks
I just googled the reason for fluting. I get it now. I’m still interested in how that would be machined.
Thanks
Sounds like a dream job. Hope they looked after you and you are enjoying retirement.
Spent 5 years in revolver frame I left regret it now
@@richardsmithmusic
As someone who do not work for S&W or the manufacturing of firearms revolver, but as a skill worker in the CNC machining.
I can only think of 3 ways of how they do the flutes on a revolver.
1st way would be machining it on cnc verticle mill, with the cylinder mounted on a notary indexer and a ball endmill cutting the flutes at multiple depths and doing the chamber on another machine
They can do 1 to 4 cylinder depending on the setup.
2nd way is the same as the first but using a indexable round radius cutter with multiple cutting teeth , cutting it at the sides vs from top on the 1st way.
3rd way would be machining the cylinder on a Mill-Turn, from a round bar stock to a complete finish cylinder in one operation, probably using a bar feeder too.
The few machines you see on 5:40 , are walter cnc tool grinder.
It can be use to grind special shape cutter like a round radius cutter or grind anything that required a tight tolerance dimension with a require surface finish.
Great to see the factory I've had to send every purchase from back to multiple times. Thanks for a great video.
The one singular thing that S&W could do to drastically increase sales in their revolver division is to ditch the unnecessary and potentially problematic safety. A standard cable lock or trigger lock accomplishes the same end goal without all the pitfalls of the internal lock. They won't do it but they should.
My own thought as well, a padded padlock hasp or cable is a better alternative, mechanically and economically. If the internal lock is such a useful system, why are so many loyal and devoted S&W clientele repulsed by it ? Why is it not featured on other firearm platforms ? Why have not competitors mimicked their own ? If I were an omnipotent major shareholder/investor in S&W, I would direct that the lock be discontinued and any objecting associate be terminated. But allegedly a deal was made with the Clinton Administration.
Didn’t Taurus do revolver locks inside the hammer for a bit? That’s a much better location because the hammer can be replaced unlike the frame.
I own several S&W revolvers which I cherish dearly! But I refuse to buy one with that safety lock.
@@richardkluesek4301 Yep, that's why many call it "The Hillary Hole". Love my old Smiths (A model 15-1 that left the vault in 1959, and a model 19-2 that I haven't gotten lettered, but probably shipped in 1961 or 1962, and wouldn't sell 'em for anything less than a ludicrous amount. I wouldn't buy one of the new ones with the Hillary Hole at ANY price.
@@felsinferguson1125 I have old gold 'Smiths with forged parts and hammer nose "firing pins" in addition to new MIM with and without the hillaryhole. There are gunsmiths who sell plugs to fill the hole after discarding the lock, which I have installed on those with that defacement. Videos on youtube also depict the process. The newer guns are still S&Ws and merit our patronage of ownership.
Nostalgic. I worked there from 1961 to 1967. First on the floor doing various machine tasks. There were no CNC machines back then. I moved up to the drafting room later on and worked on new designs.
You work in the factory on those wooden block floors?
@@paulpiquette4300 I did, 8 hours standing. Wood floor was a lot better than concrete although slippery if oily. Did a lot of work on a broach for magazine wells on SA pistols and it used an oil lube which would cause a rash on my legs after standing in front of it all day and oil would soak through my apron & jeans. Funny how I remember that.
@@mabloodhound I worked for International Harvester for years in their Melrose Park engine plant and they used wooden block floors that were tarred over. Much better than concrete.
@@mabloodhound I worked in shipping when it was in the basement of the front office, its where the vault was as well. I worked in pistol, piece work on slides and frames. Worked on pistol small parts in the Stevens street annex of Page Blvd, Then went to stocking and did checkering, then became an apprentice in the engraving department.
My dad worked at S&W through the 70's and 80's in the small parts polishing department until he had a stroke and was not able to do the job anymore. He loved working there, it was hard work (all piecework, you got paid for how many pieces you finished) but he made a good living and supported his family (6 kids). I remember going to the open house/picnic as a kid that they had for the employees and families. They ran the forges and stamping machines during the tours and we got to see my dad's workstation. The test range on the lower level was something to see as well.
Excellent video. I loved seeing the factory tour of one of America's great companies. Such a shame they had to move all but revolver production out of state but good for those people in Tennessee. S&W makes fantastic firearms and their revolvers are second to none in my opinion. Thanks for sharing. 👍
Great comment. Thanks for sharing. Glad you enjoyed the video Mark.
I’d like to see a Remington arms or browning factory tour
It's to bad they still put those stupid keylocks on almost all there revolvers still.
well it's not technically all but revolver production, they still produce 90% of the parts up in mass, the parts they had to move were any operation that turned the parts into a serialized firearm, all the other components can be made up here and shipped down there for finishing and assembly
If S&W would ditch the internal lock that besmirches the sideplate of most of their new production revolvers, I'd buy a handful in a heartbeat. Thanks for the video.
Glad you liked it FCV0511. Thanks for the comment.
I'm not a fan of the "Hilliary Hole" on any guns.
How many lives it may safe?
I took a survey on line from Smith a few months ago and the primary questions were thoughts on the key lock. I believe they may actually be ready to make the lock an option on a wider array of their revolvers. I hope so. There's plenty of average people like myself that wouldn't mind partaking of their new revolver offerings but not at near a thousand dollars with that ridiculous, atrocious eye sore and certainly not guns over a grand with that aesthetic slaying fool lock.
@@elblancobasura maybe they should place it more like Taurus
The last three new S&W pistols I bought had to be sent back for major issues.
Canted barrels, and fitting.
As a machinist it was really cool seeing the old pics showing machines and tools I recognize today.
Even the burr knife a fellow was holding.
Just recently purchased a new S&W 610-3 and had it reamed to fit the 10mm. Magnum round. It being the N-Frame I have no worries about it holding up to the higher pressures.
Very cool video!
I own 27 guns and it’s a tragedy that I don’t own a smithee. I have always wanted one and instead I buy the inexpensive guns. I am blown away. It’s time I step up and buy a piece of history that I can hand down to my kids for generations. Amazing video gentleman 🤟🏼❤️
Yeah, you can do it!
I have several Smith and Wesson firearms including some older revolvers. They are a joy to shoot at the range, I will never sell any of my Smith's. Great factory tour, I enjoyed it.
The video tour was excellent, I really enjoyed watching it, I’ve already shared it with 3 friends! When I started in Law enforcement back in the 60s I was issued a S&W mod 10 with a 4” barrel. I immediately went and bought my own off duty mod. 60 and a 6” K38 that I used to practice and compete with! I carried the mod 10 for 17 years until we switched to S&W 5906s, I was actually part of the group that tested them against other 9mm and chose the 5906. I presently own 12 S&W revolvers, semi autos and rifles and shoot them all frequently, I have never had a problem or malfunction from any of their products, they have protected me for over 54 years! I’m actually in the process of ordering a new S&W M&P 15T as I write this! Keep up the good work S&W!
Great comment. Thanks Ken. Glad you enjoyed the tour.
I love your tour. I've been a smith fan for a long time. I own so many. And hate to part with one. I let a 39 go to a friend and still regret it . Thanks for the tour!
A fascinating video regarding an icon of American manufacturing. My dad had a S&W 38 Special Detective 2” barrel and he cherished it. ❤
Awesome. Thanks for sharing. Glad you enjoyed the video Rich. We had a lot of fun making it.
Colt and Wesson. Nifty. Hold on to that one!
I was fortunate to tour the S&W factory in the early ‘70s, after carrying a S&W revolver for several years. In retirement my EDC is the no lock 340PD and I still have one of the first Model 60 revolvers I got for off duty carry.
I Love Smith & Wesson and am collecting their revolvers
Amazing to see them doing everything including the forging. That is really special to see still happening in the USA.
Pretty amazing!
I visited that plant in 1979. Hasn't changed much. I particularly enjoyed the rotunda area up front, and getting to visit Roy Jink's office upstairs where most of the records were kept at that time. There's a lot of that plant to see, in particular that area of Mass. The Springfield National Armory, and 25 miles away Colt's old Hartford Plant.
What an awesome tour. I love American manufacturing, and I love my S&W Model 27. I am a mechanical engineer and I tour a lot of factories. It always makes me feel good to see American manufacturing. Too bad Massachusetts is not 2A friendly, but I'm sure that Tennessee will be welcoming S&W with open arms.
You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it Rick.
After watching this video my new dream job is to test fire guns for S&W. Thanks for posting this video.
They may be hiring!
If these revolvers are assembled by hand then none should ever leave the factory with canted barrels
Yes.
@@generallobster why I buy only used pre lock pistols. Last three new pistols I bought within a year had to be returned.
Massachussets has absolutely disgraced themselves with their attacks on the paramount human right: the right to self-defense. I would never consider locating a business there, and I'm not even in the fiirearms industry.
S&W is moving some operations to Tennessee. We will visit that factory soon. Thanks for the comment NSR.
That is much easier said than done and let's remember that Smith and Wesson has been located in Massachusetts for I think almost 100 years? To move all that massive machinery and all those jobs would require tens if not hundreds of millions of dollars. I agree about Massachusetts I am from the People's Republic of connecticut, but Smith & Wesson was in Massachusetts before Massachusetts got woke and that's not their fault. I still gladly buy their guns made there.
@@boediddly3675 Who said anything about blaming S&W?
@@boediddly3675 - it’s not that hard. Automotive does it quickly. Especially if you are planning to replace a bunch of old equipment anyway.
The move has nothing to do with politics and everything to do with bottom the bottom line. It cost more to do business in Mass than it does to move someplace else. You’ll notice that the production that moved was the one most reliant on sub contractors. The things that are actually made, not just assembled, remain at the Mass location. The cost to move that forging operation would be astronomical. It will be in Mass for a long time. The political aspect gets spun in the shooting community but it’s really just about doing business.
"Over here is our lock machine that adds the key locks. We're extremely proud of this device and we know it's exactly what the market wants and what customers love about our revolvers!"
I will never buy a Smith and Wesson with a lock hole.
@ Kato Custom Shop Said nobody, anywhere, ever... :) Now clean up that sarcasm you splattered all over the floor before somebody slips in it and hurts themself!
@@stendak That's too bad, I do think that you're missing out on some great new revolvers, but I also completely understand your reasoning. It's a shame this is the way things are.
@@stendak You know you can delete that thing
@@servicetrucker5564 On principle I won't buy one. I have a 640 pro & 442 pro that where made without locks in the era of locks.
Love my early 70’s model 60. One of my favorites. Can’t beat stainless.
Fabulous video of a fabulous company. Many thanks! Looking forward to your video of the TN plant.
Thank you for the nice comment Paladin Hill. Glad you enjoyed it. We'll tour the TN factory in 2023.
Thanks! We look forward to bringing you the TN plant, hopefully this year!
Amazing. One of the best videos you’ve ever done.
Wow, thanks! We appreciate the comment.
Thanks, randall! Much appreciated!
Loved this factory tour! Did not realize the level of skilled handwork still required to create a Smith & Wesson revolver.
Glad you enjoyed it Celestron4.
There are so many manufacturing steps, so much expensive machinery, so many skilled craftsmen and so much factory space needed to make a fine revolver.
Revolvers are certainly expensive compared to plastic fantastic pistols. But I'm honestly surprised revolvers are not even more expensive than what they are.
They're fine pieces of craftsmanship. That's why I love them. Thanks for the great video.
You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it Oh Lordy.
@@GUNS-GDC CCW's of any sort (little j frame revolvers included) are just not my thing. Those sorts of firearms are, by definition, designed to be hidden away. Shooting performance is fundamentally compromised on the alters of compactness, lightness and concealability. Sights, grips and recoil are inferior. Light SA triggers are often non existent. They're made using light alloys with dull or painted finishes. Grips are usually cheap rubber.
What I love are the big, heavy, shiny, austentatious revolvers, designed not to be hidden away but to attract attention, built to be fine shooters with highly tuned SA triggers, adjustable sights and long barrels. Revolvers firing big, powerful magnum bullets. Revolvers with perfect fit, a high polish finish and beautiful, ergonomic, after market grips.
That's what revolvers are to me. And I'm certainly prepared to pay what it takes to make such finely crafted pieces of precision machinery.
This is beautiful! God Bless America!!
Amen.
When I turned 21 in 1971 I bought my first S&W .357 magnum revolver being a 6 inch Highway Patrolman. I still have this great revolver and it still shoots. Naturally this led to the purchase of other S&W revolvers along the way.
First off... I LOVE Smith & Wesson!!! Second... Kick ass presentation!!!
Glad you enjoyed it Joeak74.
When I was on the job in NYC in the '70's and '80's our duty gun was the S&W Model 10, .38 cal., 4 inch heavy barrel revolver. I have a S&W model 65, .357 magnum, 4 inch barrel revolver. My semi-auto is a Glock.
Thank you for a very well produced video with quality / professional audio!
Our pleasure. You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it Jacques.
Dave Ducharme is a good guy. He certified me as an armorer about 20 years when he first came over to S&W.
But the video did not show the Quality Assurance operations: apparently because there are none. Sadly, the last two Classic series I purchased - 2022 and 2023 - did not show any of the "love and labor" of "skilled craftsman" proclaimed in this video. The first one - a Model 10-14 - had to be completely replaced. Right out of the box new, the DA and SA were rough and the strain screw was buggered up. Took 3 months at S&W. The last one purchased a couple weeks ago - a Model 36-10 - was defective right out of the box. The barrel looked like it was fitted to the cylinder with a worn out hacksaw, and damaged the cylinder as well. What love went into that assembly? The gun is there now, maybe I will get it back before Christmas. I called and S&W Revolver Repair has an 8 WEEK BACKLOG.
I've owned dozens of S&W revolvers for over 40 years. Despite all the advances in production capability and precision, I still see some guy at a bench with an aggressive Barrett file trying to fit a sideplate and a grip frame.
My replacement Model 10-14 has been perfect. But the consumer takes a chance buying a S&W revolver sight unseen. The buyer is now the sole quality inspector. That's sad.
I own a lot of Smith & Wessons that span the company's 167 year history. And I've walked the very same factory floor that is featured in this video, where I can assure you that quality assurance is alive and well. Mistakes happen and it's really unfortunate that you had two in a row, but I can tell you that the company is very concerned about producing a quality product and, in my experience, goes out of its way to makes sure that the customer is treated well.
I loved watching how my 500 magnum was born. Great tour
Glad you enjoyed it Captain!
Thanks Captain Morgan! We appreciate the view and comment!
A great video, thanks for bringing it to us. I have owned more than a few S&W revolvers and other firearms over the years. I still own several S&W revolvers as they are my favorite. I plan on adding at least one more perhaps two in the future to my collection. Like the commenter below, I am not a fan of the internal lock or 'lawyer locks' on the new guns. I agree with all the previous comments. Keep up the good work.
Great video! Nice job as usual, Chris, Ben and crew! What an amazing factory...hard to believe they've stayed in Massachusetts as long as they have; I'm sure the move to TN will be great for them. Hard to stick around an area where they hate what you do.
The Wesson family did a lot for Springfield. Build a hospital and donated to many various charities. They helped put Springfield, Massachusetts on the map and employed many. I can't figure why they would treat such an Icon in the industry they way they do. Tennessee will love them!
Thanks Mark!
What's my favorite S&W revolver; well, it's the model 66 (because that's the one I own). Great tour, and I could have watched more.
Wow, brings back memories. I worked for S&W for almost 10 years as a gun fitter in Canada. We would receive the revolver as part kits (frame, barrel, cylinder and trigger / hammer components). My quota was 10 x model 10 or model 15 per day. Also did some J frame revolvers which I was not too fond of working with. Always looked forward to testing them on the range (except J frames, painful to the wrist). I spent a lot of time in Springfield and visited the armory. The flintlock section was awesome. Glad I came across this video. Thank's
i grow up in Tajikistan( Republic in Central Asia, 1951) , and we was tree frandes. we call each others Smith And Wesson, even Alexandr was "And", we was boys and don't now wot mine " and".
but "Smith and Wesson" wos magic for as! Legend!
I've spent almost 10 years between Iraq & Afghanistan and I never took my Smith&Wesson M2.0 full 9mm off , it was always on me at all times. I bought it with my own money , it was 100 times more reliable than the Beretta M9 or the SIG17 they issued to me.
Great comment. Thanks for sharing and thanks for your service Nick.
Thanks for the video. I have 2 S&W inherited from my dad. Still appreciated the workmanship on both.
She is a genius! The Model 41 is one of the all time great firearms. A classic that still performs at top level.
I live about 4 miles from smith and wessons new location, in Maryville, TN. Blount County is a constitutional sanctuary, glad to have them.
Lina Perez at the end of this video looks very much like Sonia Braga. I'm half expecting Clint Eastwood to come sauntering out behind her at some point in the production.- I can speak to Smith's warranty service as I've actually used it once. I had bought a Smith 686 made in 1984 about 12 years ago at a pawn shop. As it turned out, it required the firing pin bushing upgrade. I called them at Smith and was surprised that they sent me a shipping label prepaid and said they'd do all the parts and labor free of charge which they did, also paying for shipping back to me. That's pretty impressive, at least to me. This gun is in good overall shape but really God only knows how many people owned it before I came into it. They didn't attempt to pull the original owner card and I appreciate that. If they had, I frankly wouldn't have been surprised seeing the gun was as old as it was and that the upgrade had been called for as long as it had. Now when you nice people at Smith and Wesson finally get to the business of making the key lock an option or eliminate it entirely, then people like me and soooooooo many others of the same mind on that particular matter can finally get onto buying new production Smith revolvers and catch up with what we've apparently been missing all this time.
Thank you for the video and fine tour.
Thanks for taking us along.
You bet. Thanks for joining us. Glad you enjoyed it Crabblike.
As a guy who owns a ton of stock, I'm excited to see them get better and improve 🤗 for himself carries a S&W .
Great video. As the owner of a half dozen S&W revolvers it was really interesting to see some of the manufacture steps. Most impressive to me was the forging operation. Those hammers are brutal. Thanks!
I love S&W revolvers, but the ones before the hillary hole. I am one of those that have ones made before 1990 (M66 no dash in SS and model 28 in blue) and used them for duty and off duty. Never once needed some kind of idiot safety on a revolver.
I know there have been some QC issues with some modern S&W revolvers but I still appreciate S&W. I have several S&W firearms but my S&W .38 Centennial is my favorite. I carried that as a plainclothes LEO and I still carry it often, 30 years later. The man doing the engraving by hand is amazing.
4 of the 7 revolvers I bought from them over the past year had off center barrel that I ended up selling for half the price I paid for. 2 weeks ago I bought a brand new 5 inch 460V that I ended up sending back to Smith and Wesson due to the barrel not lining up with the frame. A week later, went back to the same gun store and bought the 7.5 inch 460 Performance Center. I did my checks at the FFL and everything seemed good but I missed one and didn't realize it until I got home. Under the top of the from right where the forcing cone is there is a deep marring. Ended up sending it back too the next day without even getting the chance to fire it. $3900 of disappointment within a week. I'm not even sure they're going to be able to fix it judging from what I've been seeing on forums.
I hope they resolved it or reimbursed you.
All my guns are S&W. 686 6” is my favorite
Nice video of how things are these days, forge is always a highlight and how blanks are forged, machined, polished and fitted into what I believe is functional art. I worked there from 1973 to 1999 as their Master Engraver, however before that I worked in shipping, pistol slide and frame and stocking departments. In this video it shows engraving and Dave whom I believe is now retired but I trained him, he was my apprentice. We worked at the Academy then, which is no longer there, sad that engraving is located where it is now.
Killer tour, thanks for sharing!
Hello and thanks for sharing. While exploring all of the different manufacturing firearms locations, which one of these companies would you choose? Thank you!
Thank you Smith and Wesson for getting out of Massachusetts. Enjoy Beautiful Tennessee and a New era
Did you tell them how crappy their quality control is? I just bought two identical 4” 686+ revolvers. BOTH pistols had a poor finish and one of them had a noticeably canted barrel. Compared with my 2.5” 686-4 from 1991, it’s night and day difference in quality. I called S&W and customer service wasn’t surprised. It’s frustrating
S&Ws custom shop is awesome! One of the best kept affordable services. Im pretty sure I went to Lena to have my model 640 customized. It was a really good deal the work was impeccable and the turn around time was fast! S&W and Charter Arms are the best two customer services in the whole firearms business.
I love S&W revolvers. I inherited a 686 manufactured in the 80’s. Since then I bought a 642 for concealed carry. A 625 and 69 for fun at the range. I want a 610 next to shoot 10mm.
Very nice. S&W make beautiful wheelguns. Glad you enjoyed the video Kevcom82.
how old is the report? Many frames are now cast and no longer forged
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Great video! I love to see the older manufacturing processes there still using, I have a feeling there new plant will be 3D printing many more of the components used in there guns.
3d printing is great for one off parts and for R&D but it is too slow for mass production. Forging and casting is a lot faster and makes a better product.
Great video thank you for going there to show the world how important is to keep and support our gun industry.
We do appreciate the hard work this great people do at the smith and wesson factory, im glad they're relocating to a friendly welcoming second amendment state. Our Gun industry must prevail and so is our second ammendment.
I saw the thumbnail and immediately thought, Cool, an 80% revolver! Gotta get one!
I used to love Smith & Wesson revolvers back in the 90's and I bought some. I bought my last S&W revolver in 2000 because after that S&W put a stupid internal lock in all their revolvers with a keyhole (AKA Hillary hole) in the side of their revolver frames. I will never buy another S&W revolver till that dumb Hillary hole goes away. I also had a few Smith & Wesson automatic pistols back in the 90's. I even had a S&W Sigma but when the M&P line of pistols came out and replaced the older aluminum and metal frame pistols I quit buying S&W pistols. I love polymer frame pistols made by Glock but I never liked the M&P line of pistols. Come to think of it now all guns made by S&W other than their revolvers have the M&P designation. That makes no sense for several reasons.
Thank you TMG for your comment. We appreciate your thoughts.
Model 60 is the stainless steel version of the blued 5 shot J-Frame chambered in .38SPL Model 36, previously known as "The Chief's Special". I have a 1962 no dash 36, bobbed hammer beauty with a Pachmayr grip in a holster in my right front pocket. It's my house and yard piece. I carry my 627PC 2-5/8" with a Colt King Cobra 3" for my "NY Reload" when out and about.
I recently acquired a 1957 vintage Chiefs Special (it's not marked Mod. 36 at all) in mint condition. Wish they'd go back to the old hammers and triggers instead of the MIM, but I understand why. MIM makes manufacture faster and cheaper.
Great video! Thanks! This Mr. Smith and of course the entire staff must have heard the best gun stories ever told! This guy should make a YT channel to tell us some of them.
Hang on, what am I saying, there is probably such a thing already…. I’ll go and search for it..!
Hey, hold on, let me unlock my gun. Dammit where is my key!
I'd like to see the QC on the throat diameters after the cylinders are completed.
Excellent video, and thank you for letting us view, TRULY AMERICAN 🇺🇸 AMERICAN 🇺🇸
In 1991 I was issued a Smith model 10 with a five inch tapered barrel by the RCMP.
In 1995 I was issued a stainless 5946 by the RCMP. Both guns were reliable and accurate but, my love of S&W revolvers was born and after I retired as Sheriff, all my Smiths are wheel guns.
I love my 4" 586
Cheers from Northern Sweden!
Thanks to show the world 🌎 best gun manufacturers plant.
I am a proud owner of some S&W revolvers. Love them.
I love S&W revolvers but i would never buy a modern version solely because the ridiculous interlock.
One of my favorite guns I dearly love my 357 Chief I love 357 so much> i wish they made carbines and rifles in the 357,,, What a sweet round
Smith & Wesson, same as Lamborghini, Rolls Royce, Patek Phillipe, etc. Top shelf.
Nice video.. I am a S&W revolvers fan... The best revolvers of the world.. I love my 686, scuare but old model. I suscribe. Greetings from Buenos Aires, Argentina
@gunscomofficial253 I found you, I send a mesage.. so long
I have a S&W MOD 500 . Omg incredible
Great video!!! Which other product might match with s&w revolvers in terms of reliability and longevity?
For revolvers, Taurus are mostly S&W clones. Low cost.
@@blackhawk7r221 same quality?
Thanks for a great video! S&W is a great firearm.
Very cool inside look at the factory.
Great video, I'm picking up my new 629 tomorrow.
Outstanding! Semper Fi
I have 12 of them and love each one!
I have 4 S&W Revolvers KLandN frame great to see how they are made.
Yah for Smith and Wesson. Like an old friend.
Yes Sir.
I am in the market for a 4” or 5” S&W 629. I’ve looked at both at my local gun shop. The most recent was Monday, I looked at a 4” 629. They had it for a pretty decent price. Couldn’t bring myself to buy it due to all the quality control issues with it. The first problem was the barrel was slightly canted. Not much but enough to see. There was a gouge on the lower right side of the frame, inside of the cylinder opening that was sharp enough to cut a finger on. The crane was nice and tight at the bottom where it slides into the frame but there was a noticeable gap at the top. I left it at the dealer. They had a 5” a few weeks back and that one had a lot of cylinder movement on 5 of the cylinders, only 1 locked up tight. It also exhibited more end shake than normal. This is not reasonable for a revolver priced over $1,000. If I’m paying that I might as well look at a Colt Anaconda and not have to worry about the QC issues. Come on Smith, you can do better. I love my Smiths, but my last 686 requires the rear sight to be cranked all the way to the right to be on target. And it was sandbagged when sighting in.
My Dad bought a new performance center 629 3"... barrel canted, barrel gap between frame. The last three new pistols I bought in a year had to be sent back.
What about the springs, hammer, triggers, bolts, and pins? Sites, handles ect ect There is a lot we didn't get to see.. The storing system on the numbers, on the guns and things. I WOULD LOVE TO SEE IT ALL
Wow! Great video. Now I understand why they cost soooo much. Lots of machining and polishing.
You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it James.
I have been using S&W revolvers for Movie use since 1990; model range from M1917, to Modern Stainless models.
Most numerous are J frame M36, courtesy of our LE when they transitioned first to Ruger Revolvers, the to Glocks.
The S&Ws are robust, easy to maintain, and the J frames ideal for females to handle with confidence.
DocAV
AVBFILMGUNS
Brisbane Australia
I had heard that the S&W frames were forged whereas the Ruger frames, though no side plate, were cast. I’d be interested in durability/ lifespan comparisons. I have always been a Ruger fan, but I recently came into possession of a series three 686, I gotta say the S&W is pretty damn impressive.
How on earth do you get the timing right between barrel and frame on an industrial scale?
On a two piece barrel no problem, but on a one piece barrel?
Blows my mind.
excellent tour! Thank you!
My favorite is my Model 41 (made in Maine though not Mass). Followed closely by the 617 and an old Model 19. Hopefully the new factory has added QC checks for the timing of the traditional one piece barrels as I have seen some bad ones. Yep, drop the key lock and they could probably double sales. Nice video.
I'm not from or even live in Tennessee but welcome to Tennessee
Uhh , this better be good Smith has suckin in the QC department as of late. Unless it’s a performance ctr be sure to check your revolver over and test fire it. There QC has taken a back seat imo lately.
Great episode. Would love to see these keep going. How about Ruger, CZ-USA, Beretta USA, Dan Wesson, Wilson Combat, NightHawk, Sig....
Very happy to see S&W standing up to the anti-2A group think and taking action. I hope they are serious about that and continue to take action.
My dad carried an SW Model 10 when he was a policeman, his backup gun was a Chief.
Very nice. Thanks for sharing J.
Hi. Great video, thank you. Is that a Lew Horton 629 at 0:45? I used to own one back when i could own pistols. I am UK.