Model of 91 Barrel Project

Boulder350 · #1 03-30-2020, 11:45 AM

I picked up a unique revolver a while ago and want to put together a set. It started with the revolver pictured below. Its a 38 Double Action 4th Model with a Model of 91 barrel on it. All the numbers match on the frame, latch, and barrel. There is no star next to the serial number and no date stamp on the side of the frame under the stocks so it left the factory this way. The serial number is 345,xxx so its an antique.

Talked to another very learned member on this forum who collects Model of 91's. He too has 38 DA with matching serial numbers and a Model of 91 barrel. His serial number is also in the 300,000's but quite a ways off from mine.

I want to put together a set with the revolver and 2 other single shot barrels. I have a 22 nickel 6" barrel from a first model with matching serial numbers 19,857. I just picked up a 32 nickel 6" barrel with serial number 14,200. The barrel is listed in the Neil and Jinks book as a single shot 32.

The 32 barrel is missing a bunch of parts. Pictured below is what I have found so far to put the barrel together. The extra revolver barrel pictured is just for parts. The pictured extractors are in the white and are for a 22. Need to add some metal to the top of the ears and the bottom of the u cut out to make it work for a 32. One of the barrel latches is in the white and is not numbered. Will use it if I can't find a target sight latch. A gunsmith is going to make a sleeve for the extractor to slide in if I can't find one. No target front sight yet but I may use the 1/2 moon sight from the revolver barrel if needed. I already ordered a custom display box for the set.

I have done a build before with a blued 32 barrel. Here is link to that project

Single Shot 32 S&W Barrel Project

The parts I'm still missing is a target front sight, the sleeve the extractor slides in, a retaining pin for the extractor sleeve, and the rear target sight. Does anyone have some of these parts that they are willing to let go or know where I can get them? Also looking for recommendations on a company that can nickel plate the parts.

Thanks

rct269 · #2 03-30-2020, 11:41 PM

I'm 90% certain I have a front sight blade (Thin Round Top). I don't know if it's appropriate for the frame size, nor the height. If it's right for the frame and too tall, it's easy enough to file it down.

Job One is to find it. Let me know where to send it, and if it's not right for the frame size, maybe you can find a trade for the correct size.

Ralph Tremaine

Actually (now that my brain is in gear), you can make a Thin Round Top as easy as pie (It's a constant thickness.)-----------and you could whittle this one down if it's for a larger frame.

Found it. It's carrying a 6 digit serial number, so it's from an I or K frame; and I don't know if that's the same as for whatever the single shot's frame size designation is (S?) or not. It'll either drop right in or it won't---no mystery!

I'd ask Fords to tend to the plating.

Boulder350 · #3 03-31-2020, 06:13 AM

Ralph, thanks for the info on Fords for the plating. Found them on the web and will be contacting them. The new membership roster arrived yesterday so will send you an email about the front sight. When I completed the 10" blued 32 barrel I only found the short paine front sight. I may pull that one off the 10" blued barrel, put it on the 6" nickel one, and find something taller for the blued barrel. Time will tell.

rct269 · #4 03-31-2020, 08:16 AM

Fords was a good idea last night---now I'm not so sure. It seems like I heard they no longer do top-breaks. Seeing as how that came from the internet, it has to be true----and even if it is, you're just doing bits and pieces, right? Better check to see one way or the other.

Ralph Tremaine

model3sw · #5 03-31-2020, 09:25 AM

I have an assortment of single shot front sights, new in package, made by Ideal / Marbles. All came from Charles Duffy (RIP) over 30 years ago. I explained to Charles Duffy that I needed a few certain type sights. Charlie sent me several writing to chose which one I need and send the rest back with a check for the one I used.

I sent him a check for ALL the sights, sending back none as I knew I'd never see an opportunity like this again in my life.

If you email me the precise dimensions of the one you need, I'll check what i have. Barrel lengths and caliber are the key identifying features.

I also have an assortment of single shot barrels in various lenghts and calibers that I purchased from member / gunsmith Jerry Rogers when he purchased the entire supply of leftover single shot barrels from S&W about 20 years ago.

Quick story, only several days ago, while sorting out 100s of S&W letters and printed email pages on inventory items, I found a sealed Marbles envelope with a gold bead target sight for a Triple-Lock I had used for a book mark ... gaaad knows how many decades ago.

Best Regards, Sal Raimondi

glowe · #6 03-31-2020, 09:37 AM

Mark, call Joanne at Craftguard in Iowa, (319) 232-2959. They have been in business for 50 years and I find their work to be excellent. There are less and less platers and bluing companies out there, but they are still doing both, plus all kinds of coatings on guns. I know a couple master gunmakers that use their services exclusively.

https://craftguard.com/

reccpd101 · #7 03-31-2020, 10:28 AM

This thread is a perfect example of what this forum is all about. Wish I could find a place for a shorter barrel for my minty nickel Hopkins & Allen Safety Police 38 model that was as helpful as you guys.

I also miss the old original Numrich Arms when the Duffy family had it.

Boulder350 · #8 03-31-2020, 12:18 PM

Thanks once again guys.

Ralph, I called Fords and they were hesitant about doing top breaks stating its hard to find parts for them if the parts get damaged during the finishing process. Will give Gary's referral a call too.

Sal, I measured the front sight for the 6" barrels I have. They are about .565" long x .040 thick at the base x .204" above the barrel. These measurements are from sights mounted in the barrel so they are close. I don't have a factory 10" barrel to measure the front sight height but my 8" 22 has an ivory bead sight .270" tall above the barrel. First choice would be a taller sight to install on my 10" 22 barrel so I can use the shorter one I already have for the 6" barrel. I once read about a road trip you took and found a pristine single shot with a 6" blued barrel in 38 S&W. Can you tell me the front sight height on that one? Will send an email to you about the extra barrels you have.

rct269 · #9 03-31-2020, 12:41 PM

My sight blade---------------------------

.060" thick
.250" above rib (+/-)
.660" length (at rib)

Ralph Tremaine

Boulder350 · #10 03-31-2020, 01:07 PM

Ralph,
Your sight is the same thickness as the New Model Number 3's, but shorter. One of the loose New Model Number 3 sights I have is .060" thick x .785" long (at the rib).

rct269 · #11 03-31-2020, 02:08 PM

Yeah, this particular model (Thin Round Top Blade) was applied to top breaks on order from 1905 to 1923, and was the standard target front on all hand ejectors from 1905 to 1923-----continued available on order to 1942---and of course the size varied depending on the frame size.

Ralph Tremaine

model3sw · #12 04-05-2020, 12:48 PM

Here's a few barrels I found and sight assortment from Charles Duffy and others over the past 40 years. Sal

Barrels from
Nickel 6", 32 S&W (serial number "23" )
Blue 6", 38 S&W ( No Serial number )
Blue 10", 32 S&W ( No Serial number )

Barrels were from member / gunsmith JERRY RODGERS (when he purchased S&W NOS Barrels back about 15 years ago.

Sight assortments in photos were from Charles Duffy, appx 30 or so, years ago. sAL

Mrnurse · #13 04-05-2020, 01:11 PM

FORDS IS 6 MONTHS BACK LOG.. OUTSTANDING WORK.

Boulder350 · #14 04-06-2020, 10:58 PM

Nice barrels and sights Sal. Will be in touch.

model3sw · #15 04-07-2020, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boulder350

Nice barrels and sights Sal. Will be in touch.

You're covered !