Smith & Wesson Factory Tour: Birth of an American Wheel Gun

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  • Опубликовано: 4 янв 2023
  • In this Episode of Select Fire we tour one of the most iconic factories in North America to see how a revolver is born. The history runs deep at Smith & Wesson and it shows not only in the end product but in the dedication of the employees on the floor. Check out one of the greatest places in America to see how a S&W revolver gets made.
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Комментарии • 507

  • @JohnReall
    @JohnReall Год назад +37

    I spent 47 years at S&W . Retired a couple of years ago. I had a great job. I do miss the the place.

    • @richardsmithmusic
      @richardsmithmusic 6 месяцев назад

      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
      @richardsmithmusic 6 месяцев назад

      I just googled the reason for fluting. I get it now. I’m still interested in how that would be machined.
      Thanks

  • @mabloodhound
    @mabloodhound Год назад +34

    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
      @paulpiquette4300 Год назад +1

      You work in the factory on those wooden block floors?

    • @mabloodhound
      @mabloodhound Год назад +2

      @@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.

    • @samwalker7821
      @samwalker7821 Год назад

      @@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.

    • @paulpiquette4300
      @paulpiquette4300 Год назад +2

      @@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.

  • @brandiwynter
    @brandiwynter Год назад +88

    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.

    • @richardkluesek4301
      @richardkluesek4301 Год назад +4

      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.

    • @Stew-rl9qk
      @Stew-rl9qk Год назад +3

      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.

    • @RiverRat1953
      @RiverRat1953 Год назад +5

      I own several S&W revolvers which I cherish dearly! But I refuse to buy one with that safety lock.

    • @felsinferguson1125
      @felsinferguson1125 Год назад +2

      ​@@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.

    • @richardkluesek4301
      @richardkluesek4301 Год назад +2

      @@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.

  • @FCV0511
    @FCV0511 Год назад +17

    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.

    • @Gunscom
      @Gunscom  Год назад +1

      Glad you liked it FCV0511. Thanks for the comment.

    • @14goldmedals
      @14goldmedals Год назад +3

      I'm not a fan of the "Hilliary Hole" on any guns.

    • @ullrichgebhardt2737
      @ullrichgebhardt2737 Год назад

      How many lives it may safe?

    • @elblancobasura
      @elblancobasura Год назад +4

      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.

    • @ullrichgebhardt2737
      @ullrichgebhardt2737 Год назад

      @@elblancobasura maybe they should place it more like Taurus

  • @TrulyUnfortunate
    @TrulyUnfortunate Год назад +25

    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!

  • @Merica1776
    @Merica1776 Год назад +3

    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 🤟🏼❤️

  • @user-fo8ty2cc1o
    @user-fo8ty2cc1o Год назад +5

    Great to see the factory I've had to send every purchase from back to multiple times. Thanks for a great video.

  • @richb.4374
    @richb.4374 Год назад +5

    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.

  • @colt45peacemaker
    @colt45peacemaker Год назад +4

    The last three new S&W pistols I bought had to be sent back for major issues.
    Canted barrels, and fitting.

  • @JB-mo8rs
    @JB-mo8rs Год назад +7

    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

  • @cliff8680
    @cliff8680 Год назад +9

    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!

  • @Padre_Kalibre
    @Padre_Kalibre Год назад +2

    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.

  • @markcmann
    @markcmann Год назад +44

    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. 👍

    • @Gunscom
      @Gunscom  Год назад +4

      Great comment. Thanks for sharing. Glad you enjoyed the video Mark.

    • @spannaspinna
      @spannaspinna Год назад

      I’d like to see a Remington arms or browning factory tour

    • @cameronking3551
      @cameronking3551 Год назад +1

      It's to bad they still put those stupid keylocks on almost all there revolvers still.

    • @Tex81024
      @Tex81024 Год назад

      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

  • @Jaggedmoon64
    @Jaggedmoon64 7 месяцев назад +1

    I live about 4 miles from smith and wessons new location, in Maryville, TN. Blount County is a constitutional sanctuary, glad to have them.

  • @kencorsell8087
    @kencorsell8087 Год назад +5

    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!

    • @Gunscom
      @Gunscom  Год назад

      Great comment. Thanks Ken. Glad you enjoyed the tour.

  • @oldcop18
    @oldcop18 Год назад +3

    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.

  • @KatoCoyoteCombatWorkshop
    @KatoCoyoteCombatWorkshop Год назад +18

    "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!"

    • @stendak
      @stendak Год назад +7

      I will never buy a Smith and Wesson with a lock hole.

    • @felsinferguson1125
      @felsinferguson1125 Год назад +1

      @ 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!

    • @KatoCoyoteCombatWorkshop
      @KatoCoyoteCombatWorkshop Год назад +4

      @@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.

    • @servicetrucker5564
      @servicetrucker5564 Год назад

      @@stendak You know you can delete that thing

    • @stendak
      @stendak Год назад

      @@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.

  • @Nick-nm8om
    @Nick-nm8om Год назад +6

    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.

    • @Gunscom
      @Gunscom  Год назад

      Great comment. Thanks for sharing and thanks for your service Nick.

  • @kevcom82
    @kevcom82 Год назад +3

    After watching this video my new dream job is to test fire guns for S&W. Thanks for posting this video.

    • @Gunscom
      @Gunscom  Год назад

      They may be hiring!

  • @keithwilliams2766
    @keithwilliams2766 Год назад +1

    As a huge fan and collector of Smith & Wesson revolvers of the pinned and recessed era, and a resident of Knox County, Tennessee, let me say welcome S&W to Blount County, Tennessee!

  • @Slotcarking
    @Slotcarking Год назад +7

    A fascinating video regarding an icon of American manufacturing. My dad had a S&W 38 Special Detective 2” barrel and he cherished it. ❤

    • @Gunscom
      @Gunscom  Год назад

      Awesome. Thanks for sharing. Glad you enjoyed the video Rich. We had a lot of fun making it.

    • @elblancobasura
      @elblancobasura Год назад

      Colt and Wesson. Nifty. Hold on to that one!

  • @rustamgani8914
    @rustamgani8914 Год назад +1

    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!

  • @Batko10
    @Batko10 Год назад +1

    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.

  • @ksw3155
    @ksw3155 Год назад +15

    If these revolvers are assembled by hand then none should ever leave the factory with canted barrels

    • @elblancobasura
      @elblancobasura Год назад +1

      Yes.

    • @colt45peacemaker
      @colt45peacemaker Год назад +2

      @@generallobster why I buy only used pre lock pistols. Last three new pistols I bought within a year had to be returned.

  • @krumple8560
    @krumple8560 Год назад

    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!

  • @oldtanker4860
    @oldtanker4860 Год назад +4

    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.

  • @markserbu
    @markserbu Год назад +10

    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.

    • @samwalker7821
      @samwalker7821 Год назад +3

      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!

    • @Gunscom
      @Gunscom  2 месяца назад

      Thanks Mark!

  • @e.z.hernandez6378
    @e.z.hernandez6378 Год назад +1

    Love my early 70’s model 60. One of my favorites. Can’t beat stainless.

  • @rickintexas1584
    @rickintexas1584 Год назад +5

    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.

    • @Gunscom
      @Gunscom  Год назад

      You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it Rick.

  • @samwalker7821
    @samwalker7821 Год назад +8

    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.

  • @Wobbegong_th
    @Wobbegong_th Год назад

    Thanks for the video. I have 2 S&W inherited from my dad. Still appreciated the workmanship on both.

  • @TheSkillkeeper
    @TheSkillkeeper Год назад

    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

  • @shannonpaplow7754
    @shannonpaplow7754 Год назад +1

    Thank you Smith and Wesson for getting out of Massachusetts. Enjoy Beautiful Tennessee and a New era

  • @elblancobasura
    @elblancobasura Год назад +2

    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.

  • @markbrinton6815
    @markbrinton6815 Год назад

    excellent tour! Thank you!

  • @paladinhill
    @paladinhill Год назад +3

    Fabulous video of a fabulous company. Many thanks! Looking forward to your video of the TN plant.

    • @Gunscom
      @Gunscom  Год назад +2

      Thank you for the nice comment Paladin Hill. Glad you enjoyed it. We'll tour the TN factory in 2023.

    • @Gunscom
      @Gunscom  Год назад +2

      Thanks! We look forward to bringing you the TN plant, hopefully this year!

  • @whitespacemarines4308
    @whitespacemarines4308 Год назад +1

    This is beautiful! God Bless America!!

  • @bccarta
    @bccarta Год назад +3

    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.

    • @crissd8283
      @crissd8283 Год назад

      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.

  • @stephenmartin9393
    @stephenmartin9393 Год назад

    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.

  • @celestron4
    @celestron4 Год назад +2

    Loved this factory tour! Did not realize the level of skilled handwork still required to create a Smith & Wesson revolver.

    • @Gunscom
      @Gunscom  Год назад

      Glad you enjoyed it Celestron4.

  • @mikereese15
    @mikereese15 Год назад

    Very cool inside look at the factory.

  • @mr.noneyabidness
    @mr.noneyabidness Год назад +2

    Hey, hold on, let me unlock my gun. Dammit where is my key!

  • @chuckgrenci6404
    @chuckgrenci6404 Год назад +1

    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.

  • @brianmoore1164
    @brianmoore1164 Год назад +1

    She is a genius! The Model 41 is one of the all time great firearms. A classic that still performs at top level.

  • @lep38918
    @lep38918 Год назад +6

    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.

    • @Gunscom
      @Gunscom  Год назад +1

      Thank you TMG for your comment. We appreciate your thoughts.

  • @JacquesAlbrecht
    @JacquesAlbrecht Год назад +2

    Thank you for a very well produced video with quality / professional audio!

    • @Gunscom
      @Gunscom  Год назад

      Our pleasure. You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it Jacques.

  • @mantia39
    @mantia39 Год назад

    Thanks for a great video! S&W is a great firearm.

  • @thewildernesswoman1953
    @thewildernesswoman1953 Год назад

    Great video, as always!

  • @JFirn86Q
    @JFirn86Q Год назад +1

    Amazing to see them doing everything including the forging. That is really special to see still happening in the USA.

  • @crabblike
    @crabblike Год назад +1

    Thanks for taking us along.

    • @Gunscom
      @Gunscom  Год назад +1

      You bet. Thanks for joining us. Glad you enjoyed it Crabblike.

  • @bertblue9683
    @bertblue9683 Год назад

    Great video, thank you!

  • @paulpiquette4300
    @paulpiquette4300 Год назад

    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.

  • @JTEllis
    @JTEllis Год назад +3

    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.

  • @topg9555
    @topg9555 11 месяцев назад +4

    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.

    • @firearmshistorian
      @firearmshistorian 6 месяцев назад +1

      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.

  • @GeneralKato
    @GeneralKato Год назад +1

    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..!

  • @starhawke380
    @starhawke380 Год назад +1

    I saw the thumbnail and immediately thought, Cool, an 80% revolver! Gotta get one!

  • @Joeak74
    @Joeak74 Год назад +1

    First off... I LOVE Smith & Wesson!!! Second... Kick ass presentation!!!

    • @Gunscom
      @Gunscom  Год назад

      Glad you enjoyed it Joeak74.

  • @stansolo5862
    @stansolo5862 Год назад

    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.

  • @notsosilentmajority1
    @notsosilentmajority1 Год назад

    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.

  • @r.mercado9737
    @r.mercado9737 Год назад +1

    Outstanding! Semper Fi

  • @leonardjanda6181
    @leonardjanda6181 Год назад

    Excellent video, and thank you for letting us view, TRULY AMERICAN 🇺🇸 AMERICAN 🇺🇸

  • @SoCal_Living
    @SoCal_Living Год назад

    I have 12 of them and love each one!

  • @buncha5651
    @buncha5651 Год назад

    I have 4 S&W Revolvers KLandN frame great to see how they are made.

  • @anselmdanker9519
    @anselmdanker9519 Год назад

    Thank you, very impressive.

  • @randalljeffs7272
    @randalljeffs7272 Год назад +5

    Amazing. One of the best videos you’ve ever done.

    • @Gunscom
      @Gunscom  Год назад +1

      Wow, thanks! We appreciate the comment.

    • @Gunscom
      @Gunscom  Год назад +1

      Thanks, randall! Much appreciated!

  • @EndoftheBlock7224
    @EndoftheBlock7224 Год назад

    I Love Smith & Wesson and am collecting their revolvers

  • @mybuickskill6979
    @mybuickskill6979 Год назад +2

    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 .

  • @HALFBREEDMUGEN
    @HALFBREEDMUGEN Год назад

    Great video, I'm picking up my new 629 tomorrow.

  • @MAG-li5jo
    @MAG-li5jo Месяц назад

    I am a proud owner of some S&W revolvers. Love them.

  • @beautifulysungsingh1849
    @beautifulysungsingh1849 Год назад

    Incredible

  • @mrolsen6987
    @mrolsen6987 Год назад +1

    I love my 4" 586
    Cheers from Northern Sweden!

  • @se1663
    @se1663 Год назад

    Thank you

  • @binggo2787
    @binggo2787 Год назад

    LOVE YOUR GUNS!

  • @mmal7982
    @mmal7982 Год назад +1

    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.

  • @ohlordy2042
    @ohlordy2042 Год назад +1

    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.

    • @Gunscom
      @Gunscom  Год назад

      You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it Oh Lordy.

    • @ohlordy2042
      @ohlordy2042 Год назад

      @@Gunscom 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.

  • @nonyabiz9487
    @nonyabiz9487 Год назад

    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.

  • @kevcom82
    @kevcom82 Год назад +1

    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.

    • @Gunscom
      @Gunscom  Год назад

      Very nice. S&W make beautiful wheelguns. Glad you enjoyed the video Kevcom82.

  • @MillwalltheCat
    @MillwalltheCat Год назад

    Interesting.
    Didn't realise some components were forged before machining, thought they all were machined out.
    Great vid.

  • @ronaldmoravec2692
    @ronaldmoravec2692 Год назад +2

    All my guns are S&W. 686 6” is my favorite

  • @Tahara-Aichi
    @Tahara-Aichi Год назад

    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.

  • @briancullen5183
    @briancullen5183 Год назад

    Big fan of their product.

  • @SLmetalmania
    @SLmetalmania 9 месяцев назад

    I love this place forever ❤❤❤❤

  • @rogerpettersson3413
    @rogerpettersson3413 Год назад

    Great interesting 😀

  • @jameshartman814
    @jameshartman814 Год назад +4

    I love S&W revolvers but i would never buy a modern version solely because the ridiculous interlock.

  • @bassmangotdbluz
    @bassmangotdbluz 9 месяцев назад +1

    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.

  • @salequemohammad9056
    @salequemohammad9056 Год назад

    Thanks to show the world 🌎 best gun manufacturers plant.

  • @jaypino2642
    @jaypino2642 Год назад +1

    I have a S&W MOD 500 . Omg incredible

  • @patanvalle9379
    @patanvalle9379 Год назад

    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

    • @patanvalle9379
      @patanvalle9379 Год назад

      @gunscomofficial253 I found you, I send a mesage.. so long

  • @jameswolf195
    @jameswolf195 Год назад +1

    Wow! Great video. Now I understand why they cost soooo much. Lots of machining and polishing.

    • @Gunscom
      @Gunscom  Год назад

      You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it James.

  • @82lowe36id
    @82lowe36id Год назад

    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.

  • @ericmacdonald6790
    @ericmacdonald6790 Год назад

    this guy need more

  • @astridvallati4762
    @astridvallati4762 Год назад

    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

  • @smithwesson7765
    @smithwesson7765 Год назад

    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.

  • @kengray5793
    @kengray5793 Год назад +2

    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.

    • @colt45peacemaker
      @colt45peacemaker Год назад +2

      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.

  • @johnroper3077
    @johnroper3077 Год назад

    Excluding Massachussets, one of the best parts of this Smith & Wesson tour is seeing the "Made in America" signs. Semper Fi.

  • @markblundell9461
    @markblundell9461 Год назад

    As a machinist, I found this fascinating. I would never had thought the yoke was made from bar stock.

  • @stuartstuart866
    @stuartstuart866 Год назад +2

    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.

  • @patrickjohnnybobbin7323
    @patrickjohnnybobbin7323 Год назад

    Smith & wesson , feel the love

  • @Rustebadge
    @Rustebadge Год назад +1

    Yah for Smith and Wesson. Like an old friend.

  • @aKalishnacough
    @aKalishnacough Год назад

    13:37 through the next few minutes felt like a fantasticly bog standard customer service call.