ASM Schofields

[Texas John Critter]

I know that these have a reputation for being junk.  I know that going into this.  I have opportunity to purchase one very very cheap.  Gun work doesn't frighten me at all, I have been working at it since I was 17.  My question is, can they be made to function well?  I want to try a S&W and I'm not going to find one cheaper than this to try out.
Thanks pards,
Critter

[Fox Creek Kid]

You're not going to like this. All had latch spring trouble which can be fixed. The two I owned had cylinders that were misaligned, i.e., drilled off center, and "spit" lead so bad you had to wear a welder's mask to shoot 'em. This cannot be corrected unless a COMPETENT gunsmith welds up the bolt notches & recuts them, and this is only IF the holes are off center proprtionately. EXPENSIVE. As a final note, because of their crappy reputation few if any gunsmiths will touch one. To quote the Reverend in "Blazing Saddles"...."you're on your own!" 

[Texas John Critter]

On my own is the way I prefer it quite frankly.   This gun has been shot by the owner and has the dreaded latch problem.  I can fix that.  I will take my .45 range rod with me to check chamber alignment.  Thanks for the heads up Kid.

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[Flint]

David Chicoine's book on "Sixguns of the Old West Smith & Wesson" gives a good illustrated account of the modifications you have to make to keep the ASM latch closed. The latch mods are on page 304.  A Troubleshooting chart is on page 344.  He also has charts on interchangability between S&W and Clone parts.

David discusses basically all the S&W topbreaks and clones, with dimensions for many parts if you need to make some.  The book is invaluable.  Not cheap, ($75) but a must if you are going to dig into something like an ASM.

He has several other very good books on the Guns of the Old West and Guns of the New West, but the above book is what you want for details.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_b/002-8346374-3000011?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=David+Chicoine&Go.x=9&Go.y=9

[Will Ketchum]

I agree with Flint.  The Chicoine book is a must own for anyone wishing to work on Smiths.

Will Ketchum

[Texas John Critter]

After much study and consideration I have decided to skip the headache and just buy a Uberti.  I have however ordered David Chicoine's book so as to be prepared.  Now I have to save a few more pennies and locate the one I want.  Thank you all for the advise.

[Max Doolin]

Just got here an seen this post.....I've got a pair and they needed some work but they are workig pretty good so far gonna give em a go theis weekend
I load 777 and they run ok with that so I can smoke it up. So ah how cheap is cheap ?

[Deadeye Don]

After much study and consideration I have decided to skip the headache and just buy a Uberti.  I have however ordered David Chicoine's book so as to be prepared.  Now I have to save a few more pennies and locate the one I want.  Thank you all for the advise.

You wont be dissapointed with the Uberti.  I just got 2 Schofields and they are beautiful.  I will shoot them at the next local NCOWS match.

Safe shooting.  Deadeye.