Can you give us a "Ball Park Figure" on just how much you have got into the particular "Project" not including the price of the gun???

I have a Brazilian 1937 in a little better condition and I have shortened the barrel. I had a bit of a mishap and the original front sight is no longer an option. I am going to install a Weigand front sight system.

Dave

My vote: go ahead and cut. I don't think you need feel any guilt about wrecking a collectable treasure.

The idea of rounding the butt is appealing, but I don't believe it can be done without effacing the serial number, which could mean a trip to the stoney lonesome.

The condition of my 1937 is between yours and pristine. Part of me longs to make it a 'semi-Fitz' but I'm hanging back for now.

If anyone who has had such work done could post their smith recommendations?

I'd chop it in a heartbeat.

If you'll buy the beer, I'll get the gas ax.

Hi KKG,
The most expensive part of the project was the model 25 cylinder and ejector rod at 150. The misc small parts from Numrich were probably another 50 or so. I haven't discussed the barrel chop with my gunsmith yet but I'm figuring on around another 50 for that. I got the gun pretty cheap so when its all done if I get it refinished it will be around 600 when finished. I probably could have found a shooter in much better shape but its been fun working on this project and I will have a unique piece when its complete. Regards, Chef

Chef;

Thanks for the information.

I've posted this before. It had a bulged and split barrel as I got it. I got 3 3/8" of good barrel after removing the damaged portion.

Hi wlmccann, That is a great looking piece! Who did the grips? I like the length you did for the barrel. Sweet!
Regards, Chef

Hi Chef,
Neat project! I found one already cut. Here's a 3 1/4 inch barrel for ya. I need to take another photo, the pearls are real now.



Best luck to ya!

Ok, cool, I thought I was being heretical a few posts back about cutting and rounding. Look at those gorgeous guns above and think about how much cooler they would be as round butts. DO IT!

Thank you Chef. I did the grips from scrap saved here in the shop. Barrel length was pretty much determined by the damage that was already there. The gun is showing some wear now after year and a half or so of frequent use. I shoot it well enough it's become a frequent carry piece.

CHOP IT!

I'm gonna chop it! I think I'd like to keep the old style half moon front sight though. I think looking at Hoot's did the final damage! That is one fine looking nickel job. I'd like to see it with the real mops when you get a photo!
With that being decided. I've got a new replacement barrel available if anyone needs it. Its not marked exactly like the original but it is a Brazillian contract replacement. I think I've got 75 bucks in it and that's what I'd like to have. Drop me a line if you need one.
Regards, Chef

I like Hoot's nickel revolver. The finish on mine is about done. Any ideas on where to get a go nickeling job done? Frank Jr.