|
|
 |
09-20-2017, 04:30 PM
|
|
Banned
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Battery Oaks Range, S.C.
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 5,663
Liked 3,574 Times in 1,163 Posts
|
|
Ford's Triplelock Project
There has been some conversation in recent history about the quality of Ford's in Florida. I got back 2 guns today and am looking for another Friday.
The point being, this is Current info.
With the help of David Keith and his guidance, this gun is now in a condition that suits ME. It started life with me as a tired gun with a 5 inch barrel.
I had it redone with S&W Logo remarked, barrel marking with caliber designation redone, a 109 year old worn finish redone, with hammer and trigger case hardened, and all screws Fire Blued. I acquired a set of Mother of Pearls from the 1930s and finished off the Circus Wagon Look with a brass Tyler-T.
I assume they did my guns as they would do anybody else's.
They have satisfied me. You will have to decide for yourself.
So now, number 1375 suits ME. The folks at Ford's are A-OK with me!!!
|
|
The Following 109 Users Like Post:
|
6518John, 72b40, A10, akviper, Art66, Babysitr, Bat Guano, bigolddave, Bill Bates, BillyMagg, bmcgilvray, Capt. F., CelticSire, chief38, Combat, CQB27, crsides, D Brown, daddio202, damienph, Dan M, ddixie884, delta-419, DevilDog72, DGT, Dirtman, DocB, Eddie Southgate, ejbuteau45, Frank46, g-dad, g17, g8rb8, Gardner11, Goblin, Green Frog, GunarSailors, hoosierboy57, hsmith9491, Iggy, j38, JayCeeNC, Jaymo, Jebus35745, JH1951, jmace57, Joe Kent, jsfricks, Kansasgunner, keith44spl, ki5mc, Kinman, LaVistaBill, lawandorder, LeBur, les.b, Lewel, LJBrennan007, LoadedRound, long colt frazier, LT7d103, mcoe74, merl67, Mike, SC Hunter, mscook, Mule88, Muley Gil, M_conrad_0311, old 1911 fan, old bear, Old cop, Old Corp, OLDSTER, Old_Cop, oneounceload, PALADIN85020, Pig Hunter, Pizza Bob, plano, Qball, quinn, REM 3200, Revolver-time, rickflst, RILEY31, rjmfarms, RobertJ., Rock185, S&W Oldtimer, S.B., SAFireman, SFIDEC, Shark Bait, shell627, shouldazagged, Sixgun100, smitholdtimer, Snapping Twig, steelslaver, Sverre, SVT28, Tadeus67, Tom S., tommy F, tops, usm1rifle, Usmc5811, Watchdog, Wiregrassguy |
09-20-2017, 04:42 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: The SW Va Blue Ridge
Posts: 17,524
Likes: 89,686
Liked 24,874 Times in 8,518 Posts
|
|
Looks good!
__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!
|
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
09-20-2017, 04:51 PM
|
|
Banned
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Battery Oaks Range, S.C.
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 5,663
Liked 3,574 Times in 1,163 Posts
|
|
Thanks Muley, I hope this answers the nagging questions about Ford's quality. I got back a second model 44 handejector that was rough as mine. Turned out great.
|
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
09-20-2017, 04:56 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 400
Liked 5,038 Times in 1,633 Posts
|
|
Circus wagon my eye! That's a Jelly Bryce special.
__________________
I need ammo, not a ride.
|
|
The Following 7 Users Like Post:
|
|
09-20-2017, 05:01 PM
|
 |
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: upper corner lower alabam
Posts: 2,514
Likes: 0
Liked 5,293 Times in 1,514 Posts
|
|
Would like to see "Before" pics. Very nice job, hope to see a range report soon! 
__________________
PTLAPTA!
|
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
09-20-2017, 05:57 PM
|
 |
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Bradenton, florida
Posts: 1,655
Likes: 5,318
Liked 3,465 Times in 917 Posts
|
|
Very very nice work! Ford's did a great job!
|
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
09-20-2017, 06:03 PM
|
 |
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Coastal NC
Posts: 2,936
Likes: 2,340
Liked 4,673 Times in 1,599 Posts
|
|
VERY nice! I'd be tickled to death with that.
I'm curious as to how they clean up/enhance the S&W logo? Do they have a way to stamp it, or as I imagine - actually engrave over it?
__________________
Ret'd LEO
SWCA #2275
|
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
09-20-2017, 06:08 PM
|
 |
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2003
Location: DUNNELLON, FLORIDA USA
Posts: 11,111
Likes: 1,691
Liked 16,314 Times in 4,238 Posts
|
|
Beautiful !
(the reason for cutting the barrel back ?)
|
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
09-20-2017, 06:20 PM
|
 |
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: TN - Tennessee
Posts: 487
Likes: 1,972
Liked 2,123 Times in 301 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Old Corp
VERY nice! I'd be tickled to death with that.
I'm curious as to how they clean up/enhance the S&W logo? Do they have a way to stamp it, or as I imagine - actually engrave over it?
|
I do not know how Fords does it, but a gunsmith showed me a little insignia that they use when refinishing that allows an electro engraving that is deeper
That is a fantastic looking TL
__________________
Matthew Conrad
Last edited by M_conrad_0311; 09-20-2017 at 06:42 PM.
|
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
09-20-2017, 06:41 PM
|
|
Banned
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Battery Oaks Range, S.C.
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 5,663
Liked 3,574 Times in 1,163 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by jimmyj
Beautiful !
(the reason for cutting the barrel back ?)
|
Jimmy, just cause I like it.
|
|
The Following 20 Users Like Post:
|
6518John, BillyMagg, CQB27, CScott, DevilDog72, g-dad, Jaymo, JH1951, jhnttrpp, jimmyj, keith44spl, Kinman, les.b, Muley Gil, M_conrad_0311, old bear, REM 3200, RobertJ., tops, Watchdog |
09-20-2017, 08:01 PM
|
 |
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Red River Valley
Posts: 7,693
Likes: 13,049
Liked 28,615 Times in 5,154 Posts
|
|
Billy,
That'n came out on the spectacular side of dandy.
Dave
__________________
"IN GOD WE TRUST"
|
|
The Following 12 Users Like Post:
|
BillyMagg, Combat, DevilDog72, Green Frog, Kinman, Lee's Landing Billy, les.b, Muley Gil, M_conrad_0311, old bear, RobertJ., SAFireman |
09-20-2017, 08:06 PM
|
|
Banned
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Battery Oaks Range, S.C.
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 5,663
Liked 3,574 Times in 1,163 Posts
|
|
Thanks to you Dave!
|
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
09-20-2017, 08:13 PM
|
 |
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: R.T. P, area NC
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 29,581
Liked 23,016 Times in 5,788 Posts
|
|
Billy, that is SWEET. Well worth the wait. I hope to really be able to check it out, the next time I'm lucky enough to return.
__________________
Always Stay Strong!
|
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
09-20-2017, 08:24 PM
|
|
Banned
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Battery Oaks Range, S.C.
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 5,663
Liked 3,574 Times in 1,163 Posts
|
|
You are always welcome here MR. Bear.
|
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
09-20-2017, 08:24 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central VA
Posts: 8,649
Likes: 1,567
Liked 9,405 Times in 4,216 Posts
|
|
Let's see Billy, you followed advice from Keith44spl. You had Ford's do the work for you. Oh yeah... you started out with a Triple-freaking-Lock! What else could you expect but wonderful??
Congratulations.
Froggie
Last edited by Green Frog; 09-20-2017 at 08:26 PM.
|
|
The Following 6 Users Like Post:
|
|
09-20-2017, 09:05 PM
|
 |
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2015
Location: West Virginia
Posts: 5,372
Likes: 104,950
Liked 22,296 Times in 4,529 Posts
|
|
Billy,
Words fail me!! That is just plain beautiful!!! Real coincidence...I just received a semi rough Brazilian that I plan on modifying...and I was planning on putting a 3 1/2" bbl on it. Turns out that the original barrel has almost perfect rifling after scrubbing out the crud of the years, but I have a spare 1917 barrel coming from eBay which I intend to modify, and keep the original intact.
The point is, that I happen to love the 3 1/2" barrel, I like the one on my 27, and have had this desire to modify a big caliber pre war gun. Iggy's project was the original inspiration, and now I have something else to think about!!!
Great job with the refinish....
Best Regards, Les
__________________
SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064
|
|
The Following 9 Users Like Post:
|
|
09-20-2017, 09:11 PM
|
|
Banned
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,469
Likes: 271
Liked 1,207 Times in 659 Posts
|
|
Good lookin Triplelock!
|
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
09-21-2017, 02:43 PM
|
 |
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Fincastle, VA
Posts: 1,596
Likes: 2,879
Liked 6,283 Times in 910 Posts
|
|
I sure would like to see photos of what it looked like before refinishing.
Curl
|
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
09-21-2017, 03:29 PM
|
 |
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: AL Wiregrass
Posts: 7,221
Likes: 34,804
Liked 10,779 Times in 3,671 Posts
|
|
Wow! Great job Billy! How long did it take them to complete the work?
Guy
__________________
Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629
|
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
09-21-2017, 05:45 PM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: California
Posts: 19,248
Likes: 11,903
Liked 20,594 Times in 8,582 Posts
|
|
It is beautiful.
The case coloring on hammer and trigger look factory, good job there!
The S&W trademark logo on the side plate looks properly stamped with a roll die. Can't see it that well, however.
I would not be happy with the side plate seam or the nickeled third lock cam plate and front locking bolt, both should be case colored.
__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819
|
|
The Following 7 Users Like Post:
|
|
09-21-2017, 06:05 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2015
Location: SC
Posts: 49
Likes: 583
Liked 48 Times in 27 Posts
|
|
The revolver is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! Congratulations.
|
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
09-21-2017, 06:14 PM
|
|
Banned
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Battery Oaks Range, S.C.
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 5,663
Liked 3,574 Times in 1,163 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wiregrassguy
Wow! Great job Billy! How long did it take them to complete the work?
Guy
|
Guy, it took 5 months. I guess they are covered up? If my guns are any indication, I understand why. Thanks for your comments though they don't surprise me, you seem to always have a positive comment.
|
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
09-21-2017, 06:25 PM
|
|
Banned
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Battery Oaks Range, S.C.
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 5,663
Liked 3,574 Times in 1,163 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hondo44
It is beautiful.
The case coloring on hammer and trigger look factory, good job there!
The S&W trademark logo on the side plate looks properly stamped with a roll die. Can't see it that well, however.
I would not be happy with the side plate seam or the nickeled third lock cam plate and front locking bolt, both should be case colored.
|
Jim, thanks for taking a look! Since the gun is a L O N G way from original and I take the blame for the colors. The S&W Trademark looks like it was done this morning...Perfect. As to the side plate seam, as good as they are, they couldn't fix but so much. Honestly Jim, if you had seen it before, you would be amazed. Truly a silk purse from a sow's ear.
|
|
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
|
|
09-21-2017, 07:31 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 1 Post
|
|
Awesome! Beautiful gun!
|
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
09-21-2017, 07:33 PM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: SW Arkansas
Posts: 15
Likes: 14
Liked 16 Times in 6 Posts
|
|
Beauty
A really beautiful Triple Lock. I have a tired renickled Triple in my safe that I would love to look like yours.
|
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
09-21-2017, 07:47 PM
|
 |
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Kennesaw,Ga
Posts: 2,587
Likes: 3,982
Liked 5,550 Times in 1,153 Posts
|
|
That's a beauty! Love that barrel length.
__________________
Get off my lawn!
|
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
09-21-2017, 08:06 PM
|
 |
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,617
Likes: 49
Liked 721 Times in 369 Posts
|
|
All I'll say is it's not my experience with Ford's, I heard there was some family
problems at that time? Looks like their back to top shelf stuff again.
Steve
|
09-21-2017, 09:26 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Westbrook,ME
Posts: 217
Likes: 912
Liked 555 Times in 127 Posts
|
|
Since you had the barrel cut , I assume you'll be carrying it "Mexican style" for EDC?
|
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
09-21-2017, 09:55 PM
|
 |
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Texas
Posts: 673
Likes: 1,109
Liked 865 Times in 286 Posts
|
|
That looks better than a cheap date on pay day. Thank you for sharing.
|
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
09-21-2017, 10:17 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 702
Likes: 1,360
Liked 122 Times in 66 Posts
|
|
Very nice and well done. thx for sharing
__________________
Tommy
|
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
09-21-2017, 10:20 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,668
Likes: 3,512
Liked 1,578 Times in 912 Posts
|
|
You had me at .44 Spl.
I have a few I'd like to send them.
__________________
What would Jim Cirillo do?
Last edited by Jaymo; 09-21-2017 at 10:23 PM.
|
09-22-2017, 06:22 AM
|
|
Banned
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Battery Oaks Range, S.C.
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 5,663
Liked 3,574 Times in 1,163 Posts
|
|
Thanks to all. I will put some pictures up of the 5 inch gun with barrel band tomorrow. These 2 old guns were REALLY TIRED when I sent them off. I sent them off after hearing of the problems on here. A leap of faith, so to speak. They both required a lot of work to end up like they did.
|
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
09-22-2017, 09:57 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Frisco, Texas
Posts: 249
Likes: 381
Liked 142 Times in 65 Posts
|
|
Can't wait to see the before pictures! Beautiful!!
__________________
NRA & TSRA
Texas CHL Holder
|
09-22-2017, 11:01 AM
|
|
Banned
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 12,572
Likes: 21,054
Liked 32,463 Times in 7,773 Posts
|
|
That's some beautiful case hardening on the hammer and trigger...colors actually look more vivid than factory work. Turnbull couldn't have done it any better.
The fire blued screws are a great detail...icing on the cake, so to speak.
|
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
09-22-2017, 11:39 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,617
Likes: 49
Liked 721 Times in 369 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lee's Landing Billy
Thanks to all. I will put some pictures up of the 5 inch gun with barrel band tomorrow. These 2 old guns were REALLY TIRED when I sent them off. I sent them off after hearing of the problems on here. A leap of faith, so to speak. They both required a lot of work to end up like they did.
|
Did Ford's do all your work? Barrel amputation as well? Recase harden the hammer and trigger?
Steve
|
09-22-2017, 11:50 AM
|
 |
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Sadly, Seattle WA
Posts: 10,609
Likes: 22,892
Liked 10,349 Times in 4,292 Posts
|
|
That shorty .44 would be the belle at any bbq! Very cool bringing an old girl like that back to life!
__________________
Even older, even crankier....
|
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
09-22-2017, 04:53 PM
|
|
Banned
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Battery Oaks Range, S.C.
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 5,663
Liked 3,574 Times in 1,163 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by S.B.
Did Ford's do all your work? Barrel amputation as well? Recase harden the hammer and trigger?
Steve
|
Steve, they did ALL except shorten the barrel. A dear friend of mine did that part and wishes to remain anonymous. He says he has fishing to do with his grand children. I sure hope he catches a bunch. Thanks ole Pard. As to the before pictures, it never occurred to me that anyone would want to see such an awful critter, so, there are none. I will post pictures of the other gun soon.
|
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
09-25-2017, 01:33 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Cedaredge Co.
Posts: 2,293
Likes: 11
Liked 2,756 Times in 980 Posts
|
|
What a beautiful revolver. I would love to own a triple lock some day. That example is just right.
|
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
09-25-2017, 01:40 PM
|
 |
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Arizona
Posts: 10,448
Likes: 3,929
Liked 50,499 Times in 6,017 Posts
|
|
Certainly a raving beauty here!
I'd be interested to know how the barrel marking was centered for the shorter barrel - I suspect the original marking was further forward. Was the barrel a replacement?
John
__________________
- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -
|
09-25-2017, 03:18 PM
|
|
Banned
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Battery Oaks Range, S.C.
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 5,663
Liked 3,574 Times in 1,163 Posts
|
|
Paladine, no sir, the barrel was shortened by a fellow Forum member. Ford's redid the caliber designation.
|
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
09-26-2017, 05:58 PM
|
|
Banned
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Battery Oaks Range, S.C.
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 5,663
Liked 3,574 Times in 1,163 Posts
|
|
Just sent another gun off to Ford's. They said they would send it back by Santa!!!
|
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
09-29-2017, 02:47 PM
|
|
Banned
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Battery Oaks Range, S.C.
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 5,663
Liked 3,574 Times in 1,163 Posts
|
|
Triplelock will be in Lexington on the 28th. Anxious to see all of you again.
|
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
09-29-2017, 07:44 PM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Sadly, Seattle WA
Posts: 10,609
Likes: 22,892
Liked 10,349 Times in 4,292 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lee's Landing Billy
Just sent another gun off to Ford's. They said they would send it back by Santa!!!
|
That's pretty darn fast! Pics when it gets back?
__________________
Even older, even crankier....
|
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
09-29-2017, 07:49 PM
|
|
Banned
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Battery Oaks Range, S.C.
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 5,663
Liked 3,574 Times in 1,163 Posts
|
|
Absolutely pictures. It will be posted on other makes to keep dings to a minimum.
|
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
09-29-2017, 07:58 PM
|
 |
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,309
Likes: 2,722
Liked 5,054 Times in 1,442 Posts
|
|
Over all nicely done. However, I have seen several pics of Ford's work over the years. Am I the only person would does not appreciate what they do to the side plate lines? Looks like the side plate is removed and the edges of the plate and frame are rode hard on the buffing wheel.
|
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
09-29-2017, 08:13 PM
|
 |
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Twin Cites, Minnesota
Posts: 5,152
Likes: 10,990
Liked 10,878 Times in 3,281 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by SLT223
Over all nicely done. However, I have seen several pics of Ford's work over the years. Am I the only person would does not appreciate what they do to the side plate lines? Looks like the side plate is removed and the edges of the plate and frame are rode hard on the buffing wheel.
|
No, I noticed if too. In fact it jumps out at me. I would be furious if someone did that to the side plate and frame edges of one of my guns. Maybe it was like that from some poor refinishing job in its past, but still they should have been able to restore it better than that.
Last edited by Warren Sear; 09-29-2017 at 08:16 PM.
|
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
10-02-2017, 10:05 AM
|
|
Absent Comrade
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Ardmore, OK
Posts: 791
Likes: 781
Liked 2,433 Times in 363 Posts
|
|
Restoration perfection is rare & only a couple in UDA I'd use & not Fords. I sent Ford a Colt 1902 auto I'd prepped & polished to have markings replaced & blued. Came back with laser markings, wrong font & wrong placement & Colt pony in oval circle. IMO they have people Of varied skills & the outcome of an average gun is a crapshoot. Probably collecter-ish guns are done by the better workmen. Another facet is many/most of their customers lack knowledge of the difference between poor/average/excellent. After a few other disappointments I sent my next 8 jobs to Turnbull ---->
|
|
Posting Rules
|
|
|
|
|
Linear Mode
