Heritage Gun Books S&W Revolver Shop Manual-5Th Edition

The Heritage Gun Books S&W Revolver Shop Manual, 5th Edition, is the authoritative reference for anyone who owns, shoots, or works on Smith & Wesson revolvers. This expanded classic by Jerry Kuhnhausen covers the full spectrum of S&W revolver maintenance, repair, and customization—from pre-WWII vintage guns to current production models. Whether you're a hunter keeping your duty revolver in top shape, a competitive shooter diagnosing timing issues, or a gunsmith tackling a restoration, this 207-page manual is the resource gunsmiths and serious revolver enthusiasts have relied on for decades.

What makes this shop manual essential is its breadth across S&W's most popular frames. Because the lockwork is fundamentally consistent across J, K, L, and N frame revolvers, the guidance applies across the entire platform—meaning one manual covers the vintage K-frame in your safe, the K-38 your grandfather carried, and the modern L-frame service revolver at your side. The 5th Edition update includes coverage of post-1997 MIM (metal injection molded) parts, reflecting how modern S&W revolvers are manufactured and maintained differently from older all-steel designs.

Inside, you'll find step-by-step disassembly instructions with clear diagnostics for identifying wear and damage before it becomes a problem. The manual walks through solutions to common issues—cracked frames, poor timing, excess endshake—and explains how to perform detailed custom work, from installing crane locking balls to polishing and rebluing. This isn't abbreviated internet advice; it's real gunsmithing knowledge in print, organized so you can find answers quickly whether you're at the workbench or the range.

At 6 x 9 inches and softbound, the manual is sized for the workbench or tool bag. If you own S&W revolvers and want to understand how they work, diagnose problems yourself, and handle maintenance without guessing, this is the book that pays for itself the first time it saves you a gunsmith trip.

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Smith & Wesson revolvers does this manual cover?

The book applies to J, K, L, and N frame Smith & Wesson revolvers, including pre-WWII vintage models through current production guns. Because S&W's revolver lockwork is essentially the same across these frames, a single manual covers the entire range.

Does the 5th Edition include information about modern S&W revolvers?

Yes. The 5th Edition has been expanded to include coverage of post-1997 MIM (metal injection molded) parts, so it reflects how S&W manufactures revolvers today in addition to classic all-steel construction.

What kind of repair and customization work is covered?

The manual includes full disassembly instructions, diagnosis and repair of common problems like cracked frames, poor timing, and excess endshake, as well as custom gunsmithing work such as installing crane locking balls, polishing, and rebluing.

Is this book suitable for beginners or just gunsmiths?

The step-by-step disassembly and repair guidance is written to be understood by anyone willing to follow clear instructions; you don't need gunsmithing experience to maintain and diagnose your revolver. The book also includes "how-to-tell-what's-damaged" information to help you identify problems.