Gunsmith Recommendations for S&W Model 14 Action Job/Tuning

Sadly since Jerry Keefer has left us, I am needing a bullseye gunsmith recommendation for an action job/tuning of my S&W Model 14. 

Jerry did a beautiful job on my last revolver with an action job, numbering the cylinders and Taylor throating the barrel. I have not kept up with the bullseye gunsmiths currently working on revolvers. A recommendation would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Johnnie

Depending on your location, I can recommend Joe Leinenger, Howell, Michigan

https://www.facebook.com/pg/Mojo-Custom-Guns-499943136769886/posts/

1-(248) 867-8685
I believe that is his current number.

You're not going to find a single gunsmith who believes in Taylor Throating.  The guy mentioned above is very much against that particular modification.
As for a general recommendation Jerry mentioned Mark at Pinnacle Custom when I was asking him to also work on my revolvers.

Mark does great work.

Good point on Taylor Throating.

Many Pros and Cons

Much like debating Magnaport.

Joe Leinenger's (MOJO guns) current phone number is 248-459-2922.
Also could someone explain "Taylor Throating" ? please.

Taylor throating is where you have a gradual taper into the barrels rifling at the forcing cone. Instead of the small 11 degree (?) chamfer you have approximately a 1-1/2 times the diameter of the bullet taper. It is a smooth transition. 
I have two revolvers with Taylor throating and they shoot phenomenal! 
Jon

How is Taylor throating accomplished? 
Is it machined off gun? 
Reamed on gun?

Who all does the work?

Hello Jon,

From what I have found, the barrel throat is opened up to basically bullet diameter for a length 1.5 to 2 times the caliber, then from that point, tapered into the barrel bore at 1.5 degrees. 

Does that sound correct?

Thanks!

This document explains somewhat what options there are for revolver “throating”.

https://www.brownells.com/userdocs/learn/Inst-152.pdf

Taylor throating was a precursor to the Ron Power 11degree.  I’ve searched extensively and can find no info other than the tools are out of production and Mr Taylor passed some years ago.

As you stated, very little info on it out there.

I've seen what Jerry K had posted about it and some images from him, and found a bit of text on the subject, but really nothing other than that. 

I did re-machine my Model 15 barrel to 11°, which had been dorked by someone using those hand tools. The 11° forcing cone they reamed was nowhere near concentric with the barrel bore. It's X ring at 25 yards now which I'm pretty happy with.

I've just been curious about the Taylor thing.

Thanks!

DA/SA wrote:Hello Jon,

From what I have found, the barrel throat is opened up to basically bullet diameter for a length 1.5 to 2 times the caliber, then from that point, tapered into the barrel bore at 1.5 degrees. 

Does that sound correct?

Thanks!

Not exactly sure of the taper, but my non-calibrated eyes say 1.5-2 degrees.

Jon

Thank You!!

My apologies for the hijack. I was going to PM Jon, but thought others may be interested as well.

My understanding is Taylor throating is properly done with the barrel in place. The purpose of it is to relieve the constriction of the bore from torquing the barrel into the frame.

Thank you all for your input looking for a revolver gunsmith. For everyone’s information, Jerry K tuned my last Model 14 to shoot Remington 148 HBWC’s bullets by Taylor throating the barrel. My pistol easily holds the X ring on a 25 yard target with 2.6 grs WST and Remington 148 HBWC’s (Jerry’s pet 38 load). I don’t have an opinion accept whatever he did, my stock Model 14 shoots extremely well. 

Johnnie

Adding to the list of exceptional revolver smiths

Sandy Garrett at Northern Virginia Gun Works in Springfield, VA

just some reading material on the subject.

Thanks Jon.

I've had 2 Smith and Wessons tuned up by Brian Mallette in Davenport, Iowa. He does a great job and he's also a state pistol champion and 2600 shooter.

Johnnie.Bair wrote:Thank you all for your input looking for a revolver gunsmith. For everyone’s information, Jerry K tuned my last Model 14 to shoot Remington 148 HBWC’s bullets by Taylor throating the barrel. My pistol easily holds the X ring on a 25 yard target with 2.6 grs WST and Remington 148 HBWC’s (Jerry’s pet 38 load). I don’t have an opinion accept whatever he did, my stock Model 14 shoots extremely well. 

Johnnie

I'm jealous...  I practically begged Jerry to work on my revolvers but he was winding down.
None of the reamer manufacturers are producing the reamer needed for Taylor Throating any longer.  Unfortunately most gunsmiths and people don't understand the benefit so it's a process that never became popular.  I do have a smith that will be trying to perform the throating by single pointing it on his lathe followed up by polishing the throat to remove the tool marks.  It should definitely be done on a lathe after indicating barrel centerline, not using hand tools.  If the process works well I'll let everyone here see photos and endorse the smith.

Dave Manson will make you a custom reamer to any shape and dimension you want.  Costs more than a stock reamer but I have had good results from his custom work.