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10-04-2016, 04:19 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lawandorder
.............shown before but it fits this thread. I also enjoy handguns that have been modified to suit their owner at the time.
This one has factory re-work marks but don't know what was done there.
The barrel is 3 & 1/2, has been re-blued, and fitted with an unusual grip adapter which allowed the owner to put a set of Single Action Army style grips on it.
Someone transitioning from a Colt SAA to a Smith DA , who knows?
If I remember right it was shipped to Oshman's for Houston PD.
Has a man's name engraved on the sideplate.
Paired up with a floral tooled, break front holster by Sterling Leather.
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I NEVER tire of looking at this gun. What a Beaut!
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10-04-2016, 04:44 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lawandorder
.............shown before but it fits this thread. I also enjoy handguns that have been modified to suit their owner at the time.
This one has factory re-work marks but don't know what was done there.
The barrel is 3 & 1/2, has been re-blued, and fitted with an unusual grip adapter which allowed the owner to put a set of Single Action Army style grips on it.
Someone transitioning from a Colt SAA to a Smith DA , who knows?
If I remember right it was shipped to Oshman's for Houston PD.
Has a man's name engraved on the sideplate.
Paired up with a floral tooled, break front holster by Sterling Leather.
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That's definitely a unique grip treatment. Fortunately didn't require any modifications to the gun itself, just custom made SAA shaped grips installed.
If you can show a photo of the left side of the grip frame w/o the stocks and one of the serial # area in the barrel shroud we can help determine if anything else was done on its return trip to the factory besides the re-blue.
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10-04-2016, 06:04 PM
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Jim here is an image of the unusual grip adapter
on this interesting old Third model. It is similar to the one Lee has posted an image of before.
Will try to get the other shot soon.
Thank you.
Tony
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Last edited by lawandorder; 10-04-2016 at 06:29 PM.
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10-04-2016, 08:33 PM
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Looks like someone used part of another frame to fill in the front to accommodate the SA grips huh? Nifty idea, however I wonder about the donor frame.....
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10-04-2016, 08:58 PM
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Be just about as easy to just machine and fit one from a raw piece of metal as to do that with an piece from another gun. Either would take some time to get a great fit like that, kind of like inletting a grip, but from steel.
Last edited by steelslaver; 10-04-2016 at 09:00 PM.
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10-04-2016, 09:03 PM
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Saw a gold bead or gold front sight insert on a couple here. Anyone know a 'smith that will do that on a gun? I have the gold (old/ex wedding ring!) and have a couple SA revolvers I would like a gold front sight insert. Thanx
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10-04-2016, 10:02 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lawandorder
on this interesting old Third model. It is similar to the one Lee has posted an image of before.
Will try to get the other shot soon.
Thank you.
Tony
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Tony,
Wow, thx for the new photo. There was a lot more to that than meets the eye! Very nice, and how is it attached?
I would probably just have made the filler piece integral with one side of the stocks, but then I'm basically lazy.
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10-04-2016, 11:21 PM
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SWCA Member Absent Comrade
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Andy Cannon Model 686 (Done In 1989)
Andy Cannon Custom 686 (Been Shown Before).
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10-05-2016, 01:13 AM
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Google SDM sights. They do real gold bead sights for S&W's but don't remember if they make them for other brands. Frank
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10-05-2016, 06:50 AM
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Some customized S&Ws from my past
Bowen customized 38/44 in 45 Colt. Roy Fishpaw grips.
Bowen customized Model 58 with Spegel checkered boot grips.
Bowen customized Model 520 in 45 S&W. Spegel checkered boot grips.
This was one of my favorite custom S&Ws: a Model 16-4 converted to 38 Special by Hamilton Bowen. In 2006 I started shooting Bullseye with revolvers pretty regularly, using a Model 17-5 (full lug) for 22, a Model 27 for CF and a 625-6 5" for 45. I was never entirely satisfied with the 27, so after also trying a 586 (which really never had the accuracy I needed), I had Bowen build me a dedicated match revolver. The cylinder was bored to fit the W-W 148 match load, and a NOS Model 17 barrel custom was bored and rifled to match a Colt Python - .356" bore with a 1 in 14" twist. Won a bunch of matches with it.
Keith
Last edited by keithherrington; 10-17-2016 at 06:10 AM.
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10-05-2016, 09:52 AM
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Here is another view showing the screw through the adapter and kinda shows how the bottom hooks into the bottom of the grip frame.
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10-05-2016, 11:14 AM
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Here is the one I showed earlier with the
S&W Jinks letter. A re-work all done at the factory.
The front sight is still a mystery.
I call it the "Half-Bred". Neat old 44 special.
It has also has the eagle S2 stamp.
Some info has been gathered on W.J. O'Quinn person
but I have hit a dead end for now.
Never know WHAT you may find at small Texas
gun show.
Last edited by Xfuzz; 10-05-2016 at 07:41 PM.
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10-08-2016, 12:24 PM
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Man there are some very cool guns on here. I have this old Model 15 that I bought back in 1981 and it started life as a 2" square butt. A number of years ago I had a friend install a 4" Python barrel on it to give me the Smolt you see here. These were very popular years ago and Bill Davis made a ton of them in the Sacramento, CA area. This one was built for me by Mark Kearns, who worked for Bill for a number of years. I'm in the process of working on a 686/Smolt project with my local smith (another former Bill Davis smith). They shoot great!
Last edited by D1911; 04-14-2018 at 12:41 PM.
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10-08-2016, 12:40 PM
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Here is a 25-5 that was worked over by Austin Behlert before I got it. Most of the guns I have seen of his always involved chopping the barrel. This one isn't. Other than the obvious action job (when you shoot it) there is some jeweling, ball/detent lockup, round butt conversion and it has been MagNa ported. It is a joy to shoot pins with.
bob
Last edited by Bob R; 10-08-2016 at 01:54 PM.
Reason: He also round butted it. I use RB to SB grips on it.
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10-09-2016, 06:52 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cprher
...Bowen customized Model 520 in 45 S&W. Spegel checkered boot grips.
Keith...
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In 45 S&W, that is a beauty. Would not mind finding one like that myself. To go with my 22-4.
Kevin
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10-09-2016, 05:38 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cprher
Bowen customized Model 520 in 45 S&W. Spegel checkered boot grips.
Keith
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Keith,
That's a very good looking and unique custom N frame!
Are the chambers actually reamed for the original Triple Lock round:
45 S&W Special (.45 Frankford "Cal. .45 Ball, Model of 1906") with case length of .923"?
If so, do you use cut down modern 45 Schofield cases?
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10-09-2016, 06:33 PM
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45 S&W
No. It is chambered for the .45 S&W, also known as .45 Schofield, with a case length of 1.100".
Keith
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10-09-2016, 08:21 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cprher
No. It is chambered for the .45 S&W, also known as .45 Schofield, with a case length of 1.100".
Keith
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Oh, OK, that's still very cool!
And you can still also shoot the modern .45 Cowboy Spl with its .893” case length (ACP/AR length).
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10-10-2016, 07:13 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hondo44
Keith,
That's a very good looking and unique custom N frame!
Are the chambers actually reamed for the original Triple Lock round:
45 S&W Special (.45 Frankford "Cal. .45 Ball, Model of 1906") with case length of .923"?
If so, do you use cut down modern 45 Schofield cases?
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This falls under the "Learn Something New..." category. I thought the 45 S&W was the 45 Schofield?
Kevin
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10-10-2016, 02:39 PM
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I have only a couple that I had modified for myself - most of my custom guns are ones that I bought already done. Someone else gets exactly what they want built, then they sell it. Go figure. (Click on the pictures for larger versions.)
Here are my two guns that I've had done. First is my 8-3/8" .327 Magnum, built on a Model 14-4 frame with rebored Model 17 barrel, by Andy Horvath.
The seldom-seen 8-3/8" K32
My 8-3/8" .44 Special, also done by Andy.
The seldom-seen 8-3/8" .44 Special
A Model 58 with a Model 29 barrel and cylinder, that I found on Gunbroker.
Model 58 with a difference - .44 Mag
A .455 Triple Lock converted to .45 Colt and turned into a target gun.
Triple Lock target conversion (not King) - Tulsa, April 2014
A 2nd Model Hand Ejector converted from .455 to .45 Colt.
A Model 1917 converted to .22LR.
A Model 3 break top revolver converted to .22LR single shot.
A Model 22 .45 Cal of 1950 that had been chopped and round butted.
Before and After pictures of a Model 58 that is unmodified, except for being refinished by S&W in 2009.
Off the top of my head, I also have a Model 10 converted to .22LR and a Model 15 converted to .22 Hornet, that I don't have current pictures of. Oh, and a Model 10 in .38 Special converted to a PPC gun, with bull barrel and target sights. There are probably more that I can't think of at the moment. I'm actually kind of a sucker for someone else's projects.
Last edited by Tom K; 10-10-2016 at 07:43 PM.
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10-10-2016, 03:25 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by StrawHat
This falls under the "Learn Something New..." category. I thought the 45 S&W was the 45 Schofield?
Kevin
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It is, but when shortened like that, it can also refer to the 45 S&W Special, the very 1st chambering for the 1st Model Triple Lock.
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12-20-2016, 03:53 AM
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Engraved Triple Lock
Engraved 4" Triple Lock .44 Special with a drift adjustable rear sight and a pretty cool bead front sight that still maintains the round profile I like on a fixed sight HE. Shoots well enough that I qualified with it on the state LE pistol course with a 100% score- while it was wearing the jigged bone grips that it came with when I bought it.
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12-20-2016, 07:33 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lawman445
Engraved 4" Triple Lock .44 Special with a drift adjustable rear sight and a pretty cool bead front sight that still maintains the round profile I like on a fixed sight HE. Shoots well enough that I qualified with it on the state LE pistol course with a 100% score- while it was wearing the jigged bone grips that it came with when I bought it.
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WHERE ARE THE RUBY EYES!!!???
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12-21-2016, 02:33 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Muley Gil
WHERE ARE THE RUBY EYES!!!???
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I only have one set of steerhead pearl that had ruby eyes. They are on the 5" nickel Triple Lock they came to me on and unfortunately one ruby eye was missing. If I can`t find a suitable replacement I may have to just put a little eyepatch on it.
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12-22-2016, 08:03 PM
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OK. Somebody needs to tone this down a bit with another visit from Bubba himself. I picked this up a few years ago for $200.
~1944 Victory (originally a .38 S&W BSR) with a bored cylinder and wearing 70's PC Magna's and a period-correct 4" 38 SPL barrel. The highlight is the improvised plastic thumb latch. You can't see the vice marks on the frame in the picture but this was a backyard barrel exchange for sure.
I had a blast learning about S&W's with this guy. It now wears smooth Victory grips, with a lanyard ring, and a proper thumblatch (and a few new springs etc.)
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01-01-2017, 12:37 PM
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Model 58 revolving rifle.
Not mine..saw it on an auction site this morning.
I think they said they 19" barrel in 44-40.
Regards,
Bruce
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07-01-2017, 11:39 AM
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Last edited by RKmesa; 07-01-2017 at 11:41 AM.
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07-02-2017, 03:29 PM
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Victory Model shipped to USMC San Francisco 03-01-1944. Returned to S&W 11-51 for rework. S&W installed 2" barrel. Turned into a Fitz Special but am waiting for more info, if it's available.
Last edited by jimdvan; 07-02-2017 at 03:34 PM.
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07-02-2017, 03:37 PM
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US Veteran Absent Comrade
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I wrote this revolver up for the forum "S&W Revolvers, 1961 to 1980" but I think it deserves inclusion here. I found it at the recent gun show in Odssa, TX; it's a K frame, 22 caliber Combat Masterpiece with a 2 1/4 inch pinned barrel and a round butt. It's marked Mod 18-4 (proper marking for a 22 Combat Masterpiece) in the frame cutout for the crane. Serial number on the butt starts 82K which makes it 1980 production. On the left side of the butt near the bottom is a five digit number that doesn't match the serial number, and the number E 11. On the right side of the butt is another five digit number and two symbols: the number 5 in a hexagon and another number 5 in a heart. I've never seen anything like this on a Smith before and wonder what the markings mean. I didn't think Combat Masterpieces came with a round butt; however this one is so well executed I wonder if possibly it left the factory this way.
Then there's the barrel. It apears to have come from a short barreled 357 with the shrouded ejector rod. It's in two pieces with an insert in 22 caliber. The workmanship involved in putting this together so that it aligns with the chambers is mind-boggling. The stamping on the left side of the barrel is the normal 'Smith & Wesson' but the right side has in small letters: S&W and larger ones: 22LR. I haven't shot it yet; the temperatures have been over 100º since I got back from Odessa, but I'm eager to see how well it shoots. What do I have? What's the meaning of these strange markings? Where did the round butt come from? Explanations, conjectures and SWAGs gratefully received.
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07-02-2017, 05:21 PM
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Some decided to round butt it, not surprising considering the rest of the work that went into the gun.
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07-02-2017, 06:22 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cyrano
... It's marked Mod 18-4 (proper marking for a 22 Combat Masterpiece) in the frame cutout for the crane. Serial number on the butt starts 82K which makes it 1980 production... I didn't think Combat Masterpieces came with a round butt; however this one is so well executed I wonder if possibly it left the factory this way.
Then there's the barrel. It appears to have come from a short barreled 357 with the shrouded ejector rod. It's in two pieces with an insert in 22 caliber...
What do I have? What's the meaning of these strange markings? Where did the round butt come from? Explanations, conjectures and SWAGs gratefully received.
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You have the elusive "Model 18.5-4". Half Model 18 and Half Model 19. It looks to be a perfect fit for this thread and a modified 18 frame with a .22 sleeved model 19 barrel. Let us know how it shoots. Someone went throught a lot of work to create that gun. It would have been much easier to chop the front end off of the Model 18 and re-attach the front sight.
Thanks for sharing,
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07-02-2017, 08:18 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cyrano
I wrote this revolver up for the forum "S&W Revolvers, 1961 to 1980" but I think it deserves inclusion here. I found it at the recent gun show in Odssa, TX; it's a K frame, 22 caliber Combat Masterpiece with a 2 1/4 inch pinned barrel and a round butt. It's marked Mod 18-4 (proper marking for a 22 Combat Masterpiece) in the frame cutout for the crane. Serial number on the butt starts 82K which makes it 1980 production. On the left side of the butt near the bottom is a five digit number that doesn't match the serial number, and the number E 11. On the right side of the butt is another five digit number and two symbols: the number 5 in a hexagon and another number 5 in a heart. I've never seen anything like this on a Smith before and wonder what the markings mean. I didn't think Combat Masterpieces came with a round butt; however this one is so well executed I wonder if possibly it left the factory this way.
Then there's the barrel. It apears to have come from a short barreled 357 with the shrouded ejector rod. It's in two pieces with an insert in 22 caliber. The workmanship involved in putting this together so that it aligns with the chambers is mind-boggling. The stamping on the left side of the barrel is the normal 'Smith & Wesson' but the right side has in small letters: S&W and larger ones: 22LR. I haven't shot it yet; the temperatures have been over 100º since I got back from Odessa, but I'm eager to see how well it shoots. What do I have? What's the meaning of these strange markings? Where did the round butt come from? Explanations, conjectures and SWAGs gratefully received.
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Cyrano,
That's an interesting Model 18 and someone's dream gun created in steel.
Let's walk thru some of the puzzles you mentioned:
1. Actually all of the grip frame markings are standard. The 5 digit # on left side is the assembly # matching in two other locations; on the yoke and inside of the side plate. Formerly in the "yoke cut" of the frame, it was moved to make room for the s/n and Model # in the yoke cut.
The 04544 on the right side is common to Mod 18s of this period, my 18-4 has the same #. The other stamps are typical inspector stamps and can be found in squares, triangles, hexagons, circles, rectangles, hearts, etc, during this period.
2. The round butt grip frame shape is not factory. And although very skillfully executed, the rear round butt corner does not match the front corner and would not have come from the factory that way. By the 1980s era, stocks were no longer fitted individually and numbered to the grip frame. So the generic shaped stocks would not fit the sharp corner properly.
3. The origin of the barrel is pretty obvious and has been discussed. More often when we see shrouded barrels added to the Mod 18, a 22 Jet Barrel is used from the Model 53, which is simpler/cheaper than relining a 357 barrel and re-stamping it 22 LR.
Also the Jet barrel is stamped 22 Magnum, but the gun I built also had a 22 Mag cyl installed as a convertible.
Also you notice the front frame surface is too short for the barrel shroud and it therefore hangs down. The correction for this is to slightly reduce the horizontal bottom edge of the shroud. At least that's how I've done it. Most will not go to that trouble.
The barrel rib is also wide for the gun's top strap, some leave it, and some mill it narrower and/or lower to match the top strap. But the easiest to fix is the gap between the front end of the rear sight tang and back of the barrel rib. The Model 66 two inch has an extra long sight tang that extends to the front of the frame and will fill the gap perfectly.
It's a great concept revolver! A K frame Kit Gun.
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S&WCA #819
Last edited by Hondo44; 07-03-2017 at 03:31 AM.
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07-02-2017, 09:08 PM
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I've posted this one elsewhere in this forum...seems like it fits.
I believe it is a 1937 Brazilian- the barrel is 2 1/16".
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07-02-2017, 09:09 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bruce5781
Model 58 revolving rifle.
Not mine..saw it on an auction site this morning.
I think they said they 19" barrel in 44-40.
Regards,
Bruce
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Wish S&W actually made these. I'd buy an 8-shot .357 magnum with a 16" barrel, would make a nice companion to my Marlin.
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07-02-2017, 09:37 PM
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US Veteran Absent Comrade
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Many thanks, Hondo 44; that answers a lot of questions. Now I know a lot more about what I have. Can't wait to shoot it, but it's too hot right now.
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07-03-2017, 08:18 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by deyomatic
I've posted this one elsewhere in this forum...seems like it fits.
I believe it is a 1937 Brazilian- the barrel is 2 1/16".
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What is the serial number range?
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07-03-2017, 08:42 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Muley Gil
What is the serial number range?
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194,0xx. Seems pretty early to be in the 1946(?) shipment, right?
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07-03-2017, 10:40 PM
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1917 Barrel Conversion Project
Got this WW I 1917 Army pretty cheap; all original except it had a cut down .455 Mk II barrel (bore dimensions all wrong for 45 ACP.)
Here it is converted to a barrel w/shroud the way the factory should have made them pre war, (at least after the military production), the same as the 44 Military and 38/44 HD.
Should have been a simple barrel change if I could have found a Classic or Thunder Ranch 1917 Model barrel. But all I could acquire is a SS tapered barrel for a 45 Colt Mtn Gun.
I milled off the rib and milled down the integral front sight base to match the pre war integral fixed sight base:
Made a half penny front sight blade replacement (pinned into base). It's a full 1/10” wide and the rear sight notch has been opened up to target sight notch width of .124”:
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S&WCA #819
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07-04-2017, 01:00 AM
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Bubba sez hi:
What a way to treat a K-22OD, but seeing as how it was done by the original owner, I can cut him some slack. Apparently he didn't want no stinkin Call bead, he needed to draw a fine bead.
Someone with a bit more skill re-did the front site on my VM:
I don't know if it was built up by welding or what, but I can't see any seam or transition even under an illuminated magnifier.
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07-04-2017, 07:54 AM
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I built this one from a bare frame I purchased and parts. Rustblued the bare parts that needed a coating, left the parts with good bluing. A scrap smith lives again
Last edited by Vbk76; 07-10-2017 at 09:47 AM.
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07-04-2017, 02:48 PM
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S-Prefix 28-2 round butt converted with S&W mid-90's combat stocks. The cylinder has been de-horned. I call this my Model 28 Mountain Gun
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07-06-2017, 05:55 PM
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I know this is not what you are expecting...
My last duty piece... marked M645... It was my friend & Dept Armorers class gun at S&W school. Everything is "just right". It has all the upgraded parts... including the 4506 safety.
George was always grinnning when I finished qualifying with it.
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Last edited by flagman1776; 07-07-2017 at 06:24 PM.
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07-06-2017, 07:21 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by deyomatic
194,0xx. Seems pretty early to be in the 1946(?) shipment, right?
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That would fall into the range for the first shipment of Brazilian 1917s. Does it have the square notch rear sight or the dimple?
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07-06-2017, 09:46 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Muley Gil
That would fall into the range for the first shipment of Brazilian 1917s. Does it have the square notch rear sight or the dimple?
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I don't recall off hand...I am pretty sure it is different from the US Army 1917 that I have. I think I checked it when I got it and based on the SN and the sight features (whatever they are) that it was likely a 1937. I'll take a closer look sometime soon and hit you up with a PM.
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07-10-2017, 12:15 PM
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I got this 28 about 30 years ago when they were practically being given away, well not quite but they were cheap and not very popular.
Started life as a 6", but I then decided I didn't like longer barrels.
So I chopped it and needed a front sight. At first I just silver soldered on one I created from the salvaged front sight, but a couple of years later, after hand cutting a couple dovetails, I figured a gold bead Marbles would work pretty well, and be windage adjustable to boot.
Anyway......I know it's not everyones cup of tea, but I love the sight picture it gives me.
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07-10-2017, 12:20 PM
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I know it's not everyones cup of tea.
I like guns I can shoot well.......I'll drink with you preferably beer though
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S&WCA #2726
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07-10-2017, 12:20 PM
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A 581 shortened to 3.5" with a recontoured shroud and tritium front sight.
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07-10-2017, 12:22 PM
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A 681 chopped to 3.2", shroud contoured, round butt conversion, tritium front sight.
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07-10-2017, 12:27 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by weatherby
I know it's not everyones cup of tea.
I like guns I can shoot well.......I'll drink with you preferably beer though
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LOL........I HATE tea! You bring the beer, I'll bring the bourbon!
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