Check the TIMING on Your Revolver (Every Gun Owner Needs To Do This!)

Avoid misfires by checking your timing, lock up and cycling. Learn how to work on your own guns & save money/time!
We're using a .357 Colt Python, but you can check any revolver using the same process.
Check out the entire process in detail for free here:
www.customshopinc.com/check-y...
🔴Subscribe:
/ @thegunfatherrestorations
Intro 0:00-0:43
Clear The Gun 0:44-1:16
Cycling 1:17-1:59
Single Action Timing 2:00-3:44
Double Action Timing 3:45-4:19
Checking Ratchet & Notches 4:20-5:28
Lock Up 5:29-6:39
What's Your Favorite? 6:40-7:04

[@user-hy7cg9jg5r]

Fun fact: you said "OK" 66 times during the course of this video. That's an average of one every 5.506 seconds.

[@072381Mack]

Ha! Someone else noticed that besides me, although I didn't count. I wondered if someone actually counted the number of "OKs"!

[@gregorysloat4258]

Thanks EVER so much for pointing that out. Now, I can’t concentrate on the video, because all I hear is him saying “OK,” over, and over, and over! OK? 🤣

[@petercraw8188]

OK it wasn’t OK just me OK OK OK OK. I had to OK bail OUT OK?

[@danielsirman8865]

i counted 69

[@user-hy7cg9jg5r]

@@gregorysloat4258 8)

[@brettnecessary2266]

My favorite revolver has to be my S&W model 60 .38special. It saved my life 8 years ago during a burglary at my house. If I didn't have it, I wouldn't be commenting on your video today !!

[@carlperry5932]

I have one ❤ Glad you are here

[@davedave9552]

I can confirm this, I was the burglar that was shot.

[@brettnecessary2266]

@davedave9552 Nope, the burglar did not get shot. He only had a knife to go at me with. He didn't even try as I had my point of aim straight at his nose at about 3 yards distance. He immediately surrendered. The worst part was waiting about 45 minutes for the police to show up and arrest him. I never want to have to draw on anyone again. It was extremely traumatizing to me. I have nightmares about it frequently to this day.

[@jcm4590]

I had to stop watching after the 50th "Okay".

[@jodopeg]

Everyone has a preference based on perceived functionality. Mine is Ruger Revolvers, Ruger builds their Revolvers like a tool not a Swiss Clock, so, yeah, the Ruger action isn't going to be as complex and delicately fine as a S&W, but that old Ruger Revolver won't fail you.

[@awakenotwoke4830]

I've had two fail me. Both .44 mag. One was a cooked forcing cone, and timing. The other is timing . They fixed the first one for free. I haven't sent the other back yet. They don't last long with hot .44 mag.

[@franmusolino2660]

S&Wesson 686 4”

[@mikeys7536]

I’m pretty happy with Ruger’s custom service. I bought a SP101. The timing was screwed up right out of the box. Sent it back, they replaced all of the internal parts and sent it back no questions asked. It’s run perfectly ever since.

[@jodopeg]

@@mikeys7536 I have an old New Model BlackHawk and a Security Six, from the 1980's. Paid just $200 for the SS and $150 for the BH. at my local pawn & Gun. in 1986/87 I really like the new RedHawk, 8-shot in 357, BUT WOW, it is expensive. I'm glad I got my guns when quality was still affordable....🤠

[@jodopeg]

@@franmusolino2660 I had o a S&W 686, back in the 80's, Hated it, super Heavy, Clumsy, only good for the range. Traded it for a Super BlackHawk

[@jarhead3038]

As a retired gunsmith theres more to this then meets the eye.

[@hardball107]

My favorite revolver is the Ruger GP100. I have a 3", 7 shot 357 and another 5 shot in 44 Special, an old Speed 6 got me hooked on them. I have Smiths and had two 6" Pythons, IMHO to many problems in both examples. Forcing cone and timing issues, dragging and just not up to high round counts. I also have a 4" Trooper Mklll that I believe is twice the gun.

[@ANTI-LGBTQG]

Their classic is the best to be honest

[@ANTI-LGBTQG]

The classic GP100 in the blue

[@mattbenefield1336]

Also have a Mark iii 👍🏻

[@joewoodchuck3824]

I never should have sold my Trooper. Incredibly accurate.

[@gayle2848]

The problem with the GP100 is after firing 50+ rounds and any high round counts at the range, the cylinder/frame milling tolerances are milled sooo tight, that the gunpowder residue can (and will) cause the cylinder to sort grind, or even jam so that the cylinder won't turn. The NH State Police had these for a very short time and experienced that problem dozens of times. That was in the 1980's.

[@ElvisOnAShark]

Drinking game. Take a sip every time he says OK

[@garysmith3913]

OK!

[@jaredw289]

Ok😂😂

[@bowieupland6112]

Ok.

[@littledrummerjay]

I got so hammered after the first 10 seconds of OKs I have no clue what the video was actually about. Like wtf dude lol

[@thomasholohan4090]

Yes, technically fine video, but the incessant "OK's" were maddingly distracting.

[@markchodroff250]

I have two S&W revolvers, 686+ 4” and a 60 -3”” both in SS , my third gun is a Springfield Armory SS ,1911 loaded, being a mechanic for 50+ years I had these guns apart down to the last spring , and polished then on a wheel , Reassemble them and fired them at the range. They looks great and I like them all !

[@justinlower8344]

I would have to give credit to Ruger redhawk. It goes back many years to my first purchase of a revolver, the Ruger Redhawk At the time of purchase I picked up two boxes of 44 magnum ammo and proceeded home. A few days later I got to shoot it.wow! This ammo packs a punch.( I never shot a 44 mag before, so I didn't know what to expect) After shooting 6 rounds, there was a lot of black on the stainless revolver. Long story short, after talking to the gun shop owner and him looking at the revolver ,the boxes of ammo were a recall, and loaded extremely hot . I believe if it would not have been for the Brute strength of the Ruger redhawk it may have been a different story! So my credit goes to the ruger Redhawk.

[@jimmyruger7529]

yep , it could have handled cases of that hot stuff

[@Dan-hs6rt]

I can relate...

[@stevenlefebvre2991]

I agree Ruger Redhawk is a fantastic revolver I have many thousands of rounds through mine. And the gun is still like brand new. The beauty of a stainless steel revolver is with a little scotch Brite you can make it look brand new again.

[@angelone8564]

I have one of the first super Redhawks in 454 casull and I like to load 250gr silver bullet loads at close to 1800 fps. It has handled them very well as long as I clean the lead out. It's been an impressive pistol with a few large predators meeting there demise with those loads

[@1stockdale159]

@@angelone8564🎯💯

[@CannaMike420]

okay!

[@frankbrowning328]

Pre lock S&W N Frames are my favorite

[@prescotian1500]

I will always be a fan of the 686.

[@notsosilentmajority1]

686+ 👍

[@miked-up]

Love ‘em own a couple

[@Dan-hs6rt]

Yep, but i hav a coupl Rugers myself. Seen 3 different .44 Smiths with their top straps blown completely off, and the top 3 charge holes on each one blown out, due to overloaded handloads. A friend fired the same loads in his Redhawk, i was standing behind him. I figured he mite make a purty good sandbag. Revolver survived without damage, but both our individual britches needed to be burned...i now understand the warnings in the reloading manuals he later showed me....and why its not too intelligent to ignore them.

[@prescotian1500]

@Dan-hs6rt Everything has a breaking point. Knowingly pushing those limitations just to destroy does not prove any superiority.

[@gewglesux]

loved mine sold it and now i regret it

[@Windsmith444]

My favorite revolver is a Dan Wesson .357mag Model 15VH pistol-pack with all the different size barrels and grips.

[@billj1836]

Bought this kit brand new in the mid 70's. It was sold and marketed as THE DAN WESSON KILLER KIT. You won't see that happening anymore.

[@empoweryou1]

I don't have the kit but I do have a model 15 (vented heavy) with an 8" barrel. Wonderful revolver.

[@billj1836]

I wasn't sure of the number you listed. I don't remember mine. It came in one box which when opened had the gun with I believed the 8 in. barrel attached and the other barrels down to 2 in all in order underneath kinda of a display box. I never changed the barrel. I foolishly sold it although at the time it didn't seem so. Bought it at Sportmart. There gone now I guess. was the chrome one. Also bought S&W 29 & 27. That was the 44mag. and 357mag. They were also 8 in and both chrome. Sold them too. Bought all 3 same time, no questions just 3 day wait. Those days are long gone. Don't remember the price but I believe it was 7 - 8 hundred for all 3.

[@RemiShur-ut4kp]

Too bad CZ-USA dropped the production of this fine revolver

[@LAT-qk3vj]

😆Nope those marketing days are gone, sadly.@@billj1836

[@Digital_Photog1995]

Purchased the Ruger GP100 Match Champion so far so good over the last 6 years. No issues!

[@HansZarkovPhD]

Me too! Got it off of gun broker.

[@tufelhunden5795]

Love mine as well. But like a tank without issues.

[@angelone8564]

It will last a lifetime...

[@wellshutchins6885]

My first handgun was a new 6" Python purchased in '75 from the San Francisco Gun Exchange. Yes, they actually had gun stores in SF back then. I took it to the range on Bay Farm Island. Every once in a while when shooting double action the hammer would drop and the trigger would jerk forward forward. I took it back on Tuesday, and they said it would be ready in a couple of weeks. I said "I paid $399.00 bucks for what I thought was supposedly fine gun and I need it for a trip this weekend." It was ready on Friday. - BTW, I sold it about two years later to a bank guard friend for $300... makes me sick every time I think about it.

[@silenceismycanvas]

When checking timing either single or double, always let you off hand rub the cylinder to prevent inertia from helping the cylinder rotate. Creates a slight drag, so that one see's ONLY the mechanical operation between hand and extractor star and cylinder stop. No matter what manufacture of revolver. Ron Power (Power custom) taught me that in a class ages ago. Good video.

[@gunsquawk4443]

Wrong.

[@madamslv]

@@gunsquawk4443 I was taught the off hand drag method. You are simulating cartridge drag with your off hand. It's not a lot of pressure, just enough to keep the cylinder from rotating with inertia. Not sure why you consider that wrong.

[@djgriffin7393]

A very informative video. Quick FYI, your model utilizes a transfer bar and can be dry fired. People should be aware that the older models with the firing pin on the hammer should never be dry fired. Use snap caps if you're going to check the timing on an older revolver.

[@charlesflohr3772]

Okokokok drove me nuts

[@HELLCAT.28]

That's not ok 🤣

[@michaelbuckley3577]

He must have said it 50 times. I wanted to scream..

[@gregorybush3224]

😂😂😂

[@rojasray]

Okay.

[@stevewheeler6118]

Most people respond better to encouragement. There was a lot to like about this video. A trained gunsmith could charge for his expertise, instead he takes out of his valuable time to offer free instruction.

[@jimmyruger7529]

I am a revolver guy, and my Favorite has always been the Ruger Security-Six of 1970

[@noahdunaway]

I have Security Six made in 1976 and has engraved on it, “made in the 200th year of American liberty”.

[@bushcraft_in_the_north]

I have the same one, here in Norway. 6" barrel and blued. Fantastic revolver. So slim and strong , the precision is great too. Mine still looks like new.​@@noahdunaway

[@noahdunaway]

@@bushcraft_in_the_north mine has been stored since I bought it, I have fired it probably about 15 to 20 rounds. My son was born in 1976 so I will be giving it to him at some point in time.

[@bushcraft_in_the_north]

@@noahdunaway and I was born in 1976😄 that was fun.

[@spud-from-Nam]

I have one in stainless steel, and it's a sweetheart of a revolver.

[@oldcop18]

My favorite is a former service revolver, a S&W Model 10-7 snub. This is the only issued weapon I shot a perfect qual score with many years ago.

[@user-il3em5kc9l]

The first revolver I owned was a Smith/ Wesson .44 M629 6.5 inch barrel pistol as I was crazy about the "Dirty Harry" movies. I also taught my Nephew to shoot with the same gun. I love the S/W brand and swear by it!!

[@lightningdriver81]

Me, too - the older ones, anyway.

[@user-bj2sn2ff5i]

Excellent presentation! Very matter of fact, informative and no annoying music soundtrack. Thank you!

[@Paladin1873]

When checking timing I place a finger against the cylinder to induce a little drag. If the timing is good, the cylinder stop should still engage the cylinder notch.

[@TheRingleader-jp3hq]

Okay

[@1971irvin]

Okay okay okay okay okay 😂😅

[@snakejim]

Thanks for the information. It was very helpful!

[@miltonbarnes4049]

Excellent video, sir. Thank you for posting this, got a lot from it.

[@LiefRutz]

When I started ICORE my friend used S&W so I went with that. I have never regretted it. So I have 617 for fun, 686 for comp., 625 for comp and 629 for those boomer days. I love the wheel guns. I do have a Ruger for .45 colt and it is a heavy Redhawk. Very well made and fun to shoot.

[@InsightThoughtSystems]

Well done video. Thank you for sharing.

[@user-et6sz3il2n]

For 357, I love my Pythons, and 686 would be my second choice. For revolvers in general, love my 657's in 41 mag.

[@pistolgrip44mag]

Ruger Blackhawks, Super Blackhawks, S&W 629.

[@marcuscicero9587]

thanks for the vid. I learned something I was never aware of

[@clintdavidson6380]

Thanks for the good video. My favorite revolvers are my s+w m29 6inch 44mag ,new colt python 6inch barrel and Ruger gp100 in 357.

[@peterconserva5083]

VERY good video! Informative and useful.

[@rc51price]

OK!

[@jonmajarucon51]

Well, other than saying "ok" 66 times you have one of the most beautiful and well-organized gun rooms I have ever seen on You Tube. Usually the "good ol boys" have a chaotic stack of ammunition, parts and junk as their background. Great presentation and information. Thank you.

[@Anon53]

Very informative. Ty sir.

[@MCOult]

Good information -- thank you!

[@Mikex0123]

Useful and important information. Good video.

[@kimmorrison9169]

Nice maintenance tips! I passed this along to my buddy with a Colt wheel gun.

[@rainyday2315]

Great informational video. Thanks.

[@chuckappel]

The S&W Model 25-2 is my favorite revolver. I've had mine for about 50 years. I'm also partial to the new Ruger Blackhawk flat tops.

[@Manfred-cf9rn]

I Have one too..in 6".. It is a Bullseye's 🎯 "eraser"..😅👍👌 My 6" ca.1960 Python is the Vault Safe QUEEN 👑💖😊

[@d.lindsey5583]

Favorite is a S&W model 66 with 4 inch barrel in 357 magnum with combat master grips sold to the state of Oklahoma, probably for their highway patrol. Check cylinder lock up rotation And front to back. Check half cock notch reliability. Check single and double action trigger pull. Check ejector rod straightness. Check Crain wear.

[@coltguy32]

I'm an antique revolver guy....bought my modern S.A.A. from your shop in Hamilton MT !

[@greyscout01]

Thanks for the info. My carry guns are the Kimber K6 357, and the S&W Airweight 38. Both handle smooth and sweet. For whatever reason, I hit better with these than any size auto.

[@wmsloomis]

What kind of a complete restoration does a gun need that looks mint timings good other than a complete cleaning?

[@jimmyruger7529]

kinda , i had the same thought, one hour gentle n thorough cleaning

[@rchydrozz751]

Some folks will charge you $2000 for a complete '' restoration '' when all it needs is a good cleaning. Just beware.

[@theseoldguns8827]

Restoration? Really? Both seem pretty nice at first view.

[@fpt264]

Ok. 👍

[@leehranicka3689]

My favorite is a Ruger Vaquero .45 Colt in bright stainless that was customized; 4” barrel, trigger job, free-wheeling, rounded grip and Micarta (Dustin Linebaugh) stocks by John Linebaugh, Six Guns, WY. My equally favorite revolver is a Blue, Colt Agent, .38 Special, snub, hip grip stock beside a Colt mate (came with the hip grip side mate and original Colt grips as well) that was gifted me from a dear friend who’s father was a U.S. Marshall down Oklahoma way and this was his carry gun - serial number indicates 1974 manufacture.

[@botvenikmikail-qv6od]

Thanks...that's clear.❤

[@ronbivins1323]

My favorite is also a GP100 i have had for over 25 years in .357 mag i sent it to ruger when it got a little rough spot when cycling in double action and asked them to make the trigger pull a little lighter cause im getting old and now it is smooth as silk and way easy to pull in double action like a cap gun i used to only shoot single action now i shoot almost exclusively double action and Ruger did it all for free.

[@michaelfiaschetti2574]

Thank! Fast & accurate!

[@user-lg8db4vy7u]

I love my Taurus 357 mag never lets me down

[@ferna2294]

Beautiful gun and very useful info! Thank you!

[@kenmccarthy5025]

S&W 686+ 4 in, S&W 65 4 in and S&W 629 4 in were my three favorite revolvers.

[@spartanj2957]

After owning a 2 1/2 ,4 and 6 '' blued Pyrhon all new from 75 ,turns out i prefered the 4 ''. It also turns out years later after Getting a adg 4 " stainless GP100 ,and i glass bead blasted all visible ss at about 18 lbs with fairly used beads , polishing the action installing wolf springs through out i prefer the GP. i have average hands ant the trigger reach was a little to long on the i frame . The single & double action on the GP are so close to the python that it was a go. So much easier to handle , especially rapid firing and single .i was amazed.

[@MichaelGraves-kp7qc]

Good info to know

[@GE-pu8vt]

I love them all!!!

[@rickrigsby7620]

1942 Colt Commando 38 Special- checks out perfect. Thanks

[@skylordsix]

I'm old school. My pride and joy is a 6 inch Smith & Wesson model 27 -2. First revolver I ever bought, back in 1977. Yes, I still have it.

[@kylewood8327]

I’ve got three: 1. S&W 66-2 snub 2. Ruger Security Six snub 3. Ruger Vaquero 4 5/8 inch. Great video! Luckily all mine are well timed and shoot great.

[@thegunfatherrestorations]

That's great to hear...timing is often the missing link for many revolver owners and poor performance. Glad to hear you're keeping your equipment well maintained!

[@Thatguy-zh1ln]

Great video. I will be checking my wheel guns.

[@motoputz3201]

S&W 686 4" barrel 7 shot .357 is a perfect fit for me hiking, fishing and hunting here in western Montana

[@efreutel]

Superb! Thank you.

[@waynemorgan5733]

My favorite is sentimental. I 1977 my new wife bought me a H&R model 999. Still got the gun and same wife. Life is good to me.

[@robbytiller-cu6cm]

Learned a lot. Thank you

[@thegunfatherrestorations]

Glad it was helpful!

[@coltguy32]

Colt S.A.A. which I purchased brand new off you guys a few years ago!

[@rosskennedy]

Excellent information,my favourite revolver is S&W model 67-5 +p 38 special.

[@GWMJRSmith]

Great video sir thank you.

[@BlueForte]

My favorite is the 627 V Comp revolver. I got it cerakote and engraved. It’s a beauty. I might just get myself a second one

[@ETHRON1]

Good info on what to check...both my vintage Colt "Offical Police" 38 spcls are nice and tight for their age...

[@garyclark1135]

I have a Colt Trooper MKIII bought in the 70s that had a clearance problem between the cylinder and barrel. It would heat up and jam after a few rounds. Got it fixed up on warranty and it's been great since.

[@xtremearmor]

I learned something new, thanks.

[@johncoleman2990]

Great information.

[@audiehollon4292]

My favorite is the Smith and Wesson model 686 3 inch version

[@bunsonhoneydew9099]

The North American Arms makes sweet little revolvers like precision watches. They are fun. For the craftsmanship and precision fit like an expensive custom, Dick Casul at Freedom Arms makes TOP quality single action revolvers. The 454 is about the upper limit for useable big bore hand cannons. The bigger rounds are just too punishing to be practical for hunting. Excellent quality.

[@claudeladow2334]

Good info.

[@garywhiteis4289]

Favorite is my S&W model 28-2. With my 27-2 as a close 2nd.

[@raynabozny2338]

I have a 4" 1994 Python in BSS,Colt Cobra Snub Nose in 38 Special Nickel Plated Aluminum and a 4" Diamond Back in 22 lr Blue

[@mikereinhardt4807]

My favorite revolvers are Colt. I have a King Cobra first gen in 357 and a Diamond back in 22LR. Makes for a nice combination...

[@TheAmerican1963]

Great video. Thank you !!!!!! 🙂

[@pj61114]

Good Job!

[@ForYouTube-rb1fo]

My favorite is a pair of Ruger New Vaqueros .45 Colt/ACP in bright stainless and rosewood. Both sights adjusted by Ruger for windage so the fixed sights are dead on. Under 2" at 25 yards with my 45 Colt reloads. ( from a rest of course ) Second favorite is a stainless steel S&W Bodyguard in .38 from the '80s with a superb trigger job and laser grip.

[@raywhitehead730]

Thanks

[@pplrstrange]

Thank you

[@hettro-cv6082]

Great video!

[@stanleyroberts4381]

S&W .38 Special built in the 40s and still going strong, and the Ruger Vaquero in .45 long colt.

[@jtdundee]

Good job!

[@kevinwilson9589]

I don't even have to think about it, My Smith & Wesson model 27-2 will always be my favorite revolver. Mine has a 5 inch barrel.

[@daltonpoff5051]

Oooky excellent 👍

[@Popgunner101]

Thanks for your video! My favorite revolvers have been my S&W Mod 15 Combat Masterpiece, Ruger GP-100, and Ruger Vaquero. I'd love to one day have a Colt Python.

[@daveinspiration7333]

my favorite is the smith and wesson 43c. Put a techna clip on it and its an awesome 8 round casual EDC for around the house.

[@geomarzolf8608]

Very good information you have shared with us. Seems like it was ok

[@mrblueun1080]

Taurus 357 ,6” and Ruger Sp101 ,6”. Awesome guns. OK !!!

[@craigroberts6439]

Two favorites, Ruger Security Six and my S&W model 65-3 .357 stainless….3 inch barrel.

[@fideauone3416]

OKOKOKOKOKOKOKOK.

[@orlandorivera9011]

Pyton its my favor revolver. Thanks for your usefull tutorial.

[@Crashphoenix666]

Thanks for this! I just checked my revolvers and they're all good. So far my favorite (Don't laugh) is my Charter Arms Professional in .32H&R Magnum. I like it more than Ruger, S&W and Chiappa.

[@harborcbs]

Been shooting revolvers almost 45 years now. The way I was taught to check timing in double action was to place the UNLOADED revolver near your ear and very slowly pull back on the trigger listening for 2 distinct clicks. 1. when the cylinder bolt returns to the up position midway through the rotation and 2. when the bolt locks into the notch on the cylinder BEFORE the hammer drops. Thus assuring that the cylinder is properly aligned and locked with the forcing cone . This method always worked well for me.

[@dgjacquin]

I love the S&W 686+. Smooth as silk.

[@johncompton-ho1hd]

My overall favorite(s) are the Smith & Wesson models 19, 357 mag and model 29, 44 mag. Maybe it's because I have both. However, they are the finest revolvers I own, or fired. Mechanically and accuracy the best experience I've ever had with any revolver.

[@gregpace4676]

My favorite is a 4" S&W Model 19, I don't shoot .357 in it (I use a 686 for magnums) I have owned a wheel barrow of .357's in the past, but the 19 just feels perfect in my hand!