Lights, Camera, Action (Job)

by
posted on May 21, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
sinews.jpg (69)

While there's no substitution for qualified gunsmiths, for guys like me who plod through their daily routine while contemplating the next gun project, the folks at Apex Tactical Specialties have eliminated a lot of the hard work associated with working on Smith & Wesson J-Frame revolvers by offering its J-Frame Drop in Duty/Carry Kit, a four-piece drop in product designed to enhance your snubby's appeal with drop-in ease, no fitting or modification needed.

After watching the disassembly video on the Apex website—there's also one on assembly, too—I removed the sideplate and replaced the factory firing pin. firing-pin return spring, main spring and rebound slide spring with the replacement parts. (As a secondary ounce of prevention, I was also armed with  a copy of "The S&W Revolver: A Shop Manual" by Jerry Kuhnhausen, a must-have, in-depth resource that provides an in-depth examination of the lockwork of all Smith & Wesson J-, K-, L-, and N-frame revolvers, complete with detailed descriptions and illustrations of solutions to common problems, like repairing cracked frames to poor timing and removing excess enshake.)

Finally, I double-checked my work with a Brownells .38 Spl/.357  Mag. Range Rod Combo Kit, which provides instant verification of the revolvers timing by confirming the barrel and cylinders are in perfect alignment during  single- and double-action dry-fire to verify everything was installed properly

Latest

Cold Steel Frenzy II
Cold Steel Frenzy II

First Look: Cold Steel Frenzy II Knives

Three new blades designed for everyday carry.

Personal Defense In Rural America

The needs of a city dweller and the needs of a country person can be wildly different.

Rifles: The Long and Short of It

There are more than just legal differences in rifles with short barrels.

New Rimfire Suppressors for 2025

What's big in smaller suppressors for 2025.

First Look: Hawke Optics Endurance 30 Fiber Dot Riflescopes

Available in a wide range of focal lengths and reticles.

Tech Wisdom: The Physics of Recoil

Felt recoil is a product of multiple factors.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.