evildoc

Anybody know of a gunsmith who works on Colt DS in the Seattle area? I have a 1975 model, I've had problems with the hand before. The cylinder opens but the action is locked up

evildoc

I'll answer my own question.........A&J Gunsmithing / 714 SW 158th St Burien WA 98166 / 206 244 0669

JohnnyT

I'd still check his credentials. There have been many who claim to have skills with the old Colt lockwork...and often created more problems than they solved. There are a good many revolver smiths who won't even attempt a Colt.

OD#3

Listen to JohnnyT. The nature of that old Colt lockwork is such that when you change the relationship of parts in one area, it usually affects other relationships on down the line. And some of the contact surfaces--particularly between the tail of the bolt and the wedge on the rebound lever--are both critical and very tiny. Parts scarcity is another big obstacle. The hand usually wears first and was designed to be changed with some regularity, but they're pretty hard to find these days.

It has been a few years since I knew for sure, but Colt was still servicing Detective specials the last time I looked. If they still are, it would be worth it to just send it to them for now. About 6 or 7 years ago, my buddy sent them an Official Police that was in terrible shape cosmetically and mechanically. It came back looking almost brand new and functioning flawlessly.

I've had to stretch a few hands and do some minor tweaking with my New Services, but I'd have never attempted the work if Colt still worked on them (they don't and haven't for quite some time). Good luck!