|
|
04-16-2018, 10:10 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: trail's end in ol' Wyo
Posts: 7,252
Likes: 17,484
Liked 18,453 Times in 5,052 Posts
|
|
Vanity Baby Chiefs
Nearly two years ago ISCS Yoda posted this thread: It has arrived - Smith 64 'Airweight' Custom, Semi-Fitzed Snubby
It was my inspiration. TheShootest1894 agreed to bring my vision of a similar project to being, and I picked it up today. In the mean time Craig Spegel worked his magic on Macassar Ebony, and I got those grips last week.
Baby Chiefs 11920 had reportedly been the bug for a Montgomery, Ala., LEO. He, or somebody, carried it a lot and shot it a lot, too. It was in need of a tune-up so it became the focus of my project.
TheShootest 1894 bobbed the hammer and redid the case hardening on it and the trigger. He partially relieved the trigger guard, checkered the back strap, put a slight bevel on the cylinder's flutes, Cerekoted everything except the extractor rod and flat latch, which he had reblued, and etched my Chiefs stripes on the side plate.
Craig inset a $5 gold piece from 2000, the year I retired from the 'Force, into the right grip.
Thanks much to Yoda for the idea, and to TheShootest1894 and Craig for fantastic work they both did to make it happen.
Here's my new edc, and the last photo is it with its Baby boot(ies) along side a Model of 1953 Chiefs to show the difference in the grip handle lengths.
__________________
Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob
Last edited by two-bit cowboy; 04-16-2018 at 10:37 PM.
|
The Following 50 Users Like Post:
|
153, AZretired, chiefbob81, chiefdave, daddio202, DCWilson, Engine49guy, Erich, federali, FifthWheel, GerSan69, gnystrom, Hunter Keith, Indynick, Inusuit, JayCeeNC, Jcon72, Jtown, KalamazooKid, Kansasgunner, kobsw, krsmith58, lawandorder, les.b, LPD256, M1A, MetalMan, mikerjf, model3sw, MOONDAWG, mr-mom, MSgt G, Papaw, quinn, RKmesa, RobertJ., RoyS, s&wchad, SAFireman, snowman.45, storyman, Struckat, TheShootist1894, Toyman, tt66, usm1rifle, usmc2427765, VeritasVincit, vipermd, Wiregrassguy |
04-16-2018, 10:24 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Kalamazoo MI
Posts: 3,264
Likes: 5,026
Liked 15,180 Times in 2,494 Posts
|
|
Beautiful. Thanks for sharing TBC!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________
Pass it on.
Mark
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-16-2018, 10:25 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 456
Likes: 142
Liked 458 Times in 100 Posts
|
|
As the first time I am seeing it all together, the Spegals were the absolute right choice (when aren't they?)
Very much a pleasure to work with you on this project sir!
Happy I snagged these 'before' pics, it had lived a good life! glad it's been reborn
__________________
KGB Customs
|
The Following 8 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-16-2018, 10:32 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: trail's end in ol' Wyo
Posts: 7,252
Likes: 17,484
Liked 18,453 Times in 5,052 Posts
|
|
Ah, thanks for posting those 'Shootist. Yours are far better than my original ones. Really shows the wear.
You did a fantastic job. I couldn't be happier.
Here's another before shot with its leather by another of our own: 05CarbonDRZ.
It takes a community to raise a Baby!
__________________
Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-17-2018, 08:41 AM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Warsaw, Missouri
Posts: 961
Likes: 1,356
Liked 2,111 Times in 543 Posts
|
|
A fitting tribute to your years of service. Thank you.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
04-17-2018, 09:59 AM
|
|
Administrator
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 27,023
Likes: 8,998
Liked 48,768 Times in 9,262 Posts
|
|
That's cute as a BUG!
(see what I did there? )
__________________
Regards,
Lee Jarrett
|
The Following 8 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-17-2018, 10:22 AM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Massachusetts USA
Posts: 9,596
Likes: 3,711
Liked 8,951 Times in 3,558 Posts
|
|
I am normally not a fan of altering original S&W's but that one sure makes one reconsider. That is one beautiful, one of a kind, shootin iron.
Are the original stocks for sale????
__________________
James Redfield
LM #497
|
04-17-2018, 10:47 AM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: trail's end in ol' Wyo
Posts: 7,252
Likes: 17,484
Liked 18,453 Times in 5,052 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by JSR III
Are the original stocks for sale????
|
The stocks on the Chiefs when I bought it weren't original -- they were in much nicer condition than the revolver! I've since picked up another "beater" Baby Chiefs and they now adorn it (it came with black synthetic grips for a later Chiefs -- too long -- so they went into the box of "almost" useless things).
__________________
Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
04-17-2018, 11:28 AM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Dallas, Texas
Posts: 8,441
Likes: 2,498
Liked 13,179 Times in 4,572 Posts
|
|
Ahhhhh..............nicely done, TBC, nicely done indeed. Shootist, you are to be congratulated again.
That backstrap checkering is soooooooooo gorgeous.
And you KNOW I love the military memento - I am delighted that you liked that idea.
Enjoy it!
Side note: I was in Federal court today. Pardon me while I close my office door and strap on my Shootist customized M64.
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-17-2018, 11:44 AM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: trail's end in ol' Wyo
Posts: 7,252
Likes: 17,484
Liked 18,453 Times in 5,052 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by ISCS Yoda
That backstrap checkering is soooooooooo gorgeous.
|
Thanks for all the nice thoughts.
I really wanted Craig to checker the grips, but I chose not to because I feared that would detract from 'Shootist's work on the back strap. The hand feel is simply amazing -- that checkering holds my palm perfectly so the smooth grips aren't a detriment.
__________________
Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
04-17-2018, 01:28 PM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 13,996
Likes: 5,007
Liked 7,702 Times in 2,624 Posts
|
|
Modifications usually make me cringe, but when they are part of a thoughtful renovation package -- as here -- I can appreciate the end product.
I invite you to consider whether a Big Dot front sight might be a good addition to your new EDC. I added one to both a 649 and a 296, and target acquisition felt much quicker after I did. You would need some barrel surgery to accommodate one. The pinned variety would need a slot in the rib, or the slipover form would need the ramp ground down to a stub to which the slight could be glued.
__________________
David Wilson
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
12-13-2019, 07:13 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Carrollton GA
Posts: 769
Likes: 1,862
Liked 2,067 Times in 435 Posts
|
|
Plagiarism - Phase 1
I once had an original thought, but it died of loneliness...
Now the I have that out of the way, a big thank you to ISCS Yoda and Two-Bit Cowboy for the idea. While my 1970 Model 36 is far from complete, the grips are ready. I debated on waiting until it was completed to show off the finished project, but at my age who knows if I will even be around when it’s finally done. No one is promised tomorrow.
I took a bit of a different route with the grips, I just couldn’t get it out of my head how good that 1993 Gold Coin would look set in bone. Finally decided on giraffe bone, and a two tone S&W on the other side.
I think it was a good choice, but you be the judge.
__________________
Danny
SWCA #3370 - SWHF #672
|
The Following 9 Users Like Post:
|
|
12-18-2019, 05:23 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: trail's end in ol' Wyo
Posts: 7,252
Likes: 17,484
Liked 18,453 Times in 5,052 Posts
|
|
Howdy Chief!
Wow, those are stunning.
I like the coin on one side and the S&W medallion on the other. Nice touch.
Thanks for sharing.
__________________
Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
12-18-2019, 06:49 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,877
Likes: 2,260
Liked 2,967 Times in 1,104 Posts
|
|
Very nice work!
But LOL... I am reminded of the story about a GI who inlaid a nickel into his 1911's grip... "so it would be worth something!"
Obviously not the case here. Beautiful guns!
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
12-18-2019, 07:12 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Carrollton GA
Posts: 769
Likes: 1,862
Liked 2,067 Times in 435 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by two-bit cowboy
Howdy Chief!
Wow, those are stunning.
I like the coin on one side and the S&W medallion on the other. Nice touch.
Thanks for sharing.
|
Thanks Bob, just had to try them on, but she is now on the way to Ford’s for the refinish and engraving, probably be a while. We have been going back and forth on the designs. I sure hope the finished product looks as nice as it does in my mind.
__________________
Danny
SWCA #3370 - SWHF #672
|
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
|
|
12-21-2019, 03:14 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: trail's end in ol' Wyo
Posts: 7,252
Likes: 17,484
Liked 18,453 Times in 5,052 Posts
|
|
Looks great, Danny.
Can't wait to see the finished product!
__________________
Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob
|
12-27-2019, 04:30 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2009
Location: South Florida
Posts: 7,785
Likes: 2,487
Liked 8,322 Times in 2,921 Posts
|
|
Very nice custom Chiefs,
Reminded me there are two bright blue half penny FS Baby chief barrels in my safe from back when I thought about customizing a J frame to commemorate my retirement several years ago...
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
05-22-2020, 11:47 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Carrollton GA
Posts: 769
Likes: 1,862
Liked 2,067 Times in 435 Posts
|
|
1970 Navy Vanity Chief
First off thanks so much to ISCSYoda and Two-Bit Cowboy for being generous enough to share their ideas. Mine wasn’t built as a nice Shooter like the other Senior Chief, more of a true vanity piece. After about a year of searching and planning, it finally arrived today.
The 1970 Chief, my enlistment year, with the 1993 Gold $5 Coin for my Retirement year like Two-Bit cowboy. I also decided I wanted bone grips, so MD Grips in Tennessee came through with the Giraffe Bone, Mike had to purchase a special size bit to make the coin fit, but came out great. I think the gold and bone look good together. Thought about doing something with the hammer, but decided to leave those case colored. Ford’s did the matt bluing on the frame, SCPO Fouled Anchor on the side and Navy years of service down the back strap. She’s in the presentation case now so I can enjoy it every day.
Thanks again guys for the great ideas, hope it does justice to your beautiful guns! I know my family and I will treasure it.
__________________
Danny
SWCA #3370 - SWHF #672
|
The Following 10 Users Like Post:
|
|
05-22-2020, 01:41 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: trail's end in ol' Wyo
Posts: 7,252
Likes: 17,484
Liked 18,453 Times in 5,052 Posts
|
|
VERY nice, Danny.
I'm flattered, and I again thank YODA for his inspiration, too. He's the one who started all this.
I agree, the coin on the bone is a great paring. Gorgeous!
Mine is on my hip as I write this!
Enjoy.
__________________
Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
05-22-2020, 03:09 PM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Alabama
Posts: 679
Likes: 5,769
Liked 2,986 Times in 449 Posts
|
|
Marvelous...Absolutely Marvelous!!!
Thanks for sharing.
|
05-22-2020, 03:12 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Prescott Arizona
Posts: 183
Likes: 719
Liked 539 Times in 103 Posts
|
|
Very nice indeed.
The gold coin inlay is a cracking idea, well done.
Cheerio,
Roy
|
05-22-2020, 03:41 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: 'Beachy' SoCal
Posts: 522
Likes: 12
Liked 761 Times in 280 Posts
|
|
I do appreciate creativity and individuality. I'm a romantic, even the worn pieces have a certain warmth & character to my liking. That said, where a 'resuscitation' candidate or the like is altered, I can appreciate such morphing into about anything desired.
I commend if morphing a 'clunker' toward individualized work of art!
Thanks for the Thread and...
Best!
John
|
05-22-2020, 05:28 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Dallas, Texas
Posts: 8,441
Likes: 2,498
Liked 13,179 Times in 4,572 Posts
|
|
Y'all are very welcome! I'd have to do a deep search on this Forum to find the member who inspired me to have this custom work done. I am very pleased that I inspired others and that you have such gorgeous guns.
As you might recollect, in April of 2018 I had a devastating house fire. The next day or the day after that, as we went looking for items to salvage (most of the guns were in my safe and survived) we were in my bedroom and I turned to my friend and said, "My custom Model 64 was on my night stand." We could see that my night stand got soaked and smoked but was still standing, albeit in many inches of soot. I then said, pointing to the thickly sooted floor, "That gun is right there, buried under the rubble; I know it is or the firemen would have seen it and given it to me like the other things that they gave to me".
So we began to dig. VOILA!!! I was correct. My buddy is super handy with guns, he actually took them all to his home to clean them up, and he did the same with this one. The stocks are darker than they were but the gun is as usable as it was before the fire and fit for every day carry.
I know y'all needed to know this since this thread was resurrected from and the fire happened on 04-18-2018, 5:31 AM.
A lot can happen in two days!!!!!
__________________
Come and take it!!
Last edited by ISCS Yoda; 05-22-2020 at 05:29 PM.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
05-23-2020, 11:13 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Carrollton GA
Posts: 769
Likes: 1,862
Liked 2,067 Times in 435 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by ISCS Yoda
Y'all are very welcome! I'd have to do a deep search on this Forum to find the member who inspired me to have this custom work done. I am very pleased that I inspired others and that you have such gorgeous guns.
As you might recollect, in April of 2018 I had a devastating house fire. The next day or the day after that, as we went looking for items to salvage (most of the guns were in my safe and survived) we were in my bedroom and I turned to my friend and said, "My custom Model 64 was on my night stand." We could see that my night stand got soaked and smoked but was still standing, albeit in many inches of soot. I then said, pointing to the thickly sooted floor, "That gun is right there, buried under the rubble; I know it is or the firemen would have seen it and given it to me like the other things that they gave to me".
So we began to dig. VOILA!!! I was correct. My buddy is super handy with guns, he actually took them all to his home to clean them up, and he did the same with this one. The stocks are darker than they were but the gun is as usable as it was before the fire and fit for every day carry.
I know y'all needed to know this since this thread was resurrected from and the fire happened on 04-18-2018, 5:31 AM.
A lot can happen in two days!!!!!
|
You better believe it...the world can change in two seconds! At 5:30 am, a sound sleeper may have suffered much worse than you did Senior, glad you are all safe and sound.
But your friend did a great job with that one, hardly looks like it was in a fire.
Now...Inquiring minds want to know, how did the safe work in the fire? Many of us spend a small fortune on Browning, Liberty or other safes. Likewise we’ve all seen pictures of the inside of those safes after a fire, and the damaged or ruined guns that were supposed to have been protected.
And BTW when I say ‘those’ safes with damage, I’m not referring to Browning or Liberty, just safes in general.
__________________
Danny
SWCA #3370 - SWHF #672
Last edited by NavySCPO; 05-23-2020 at 10:44 PM.
Reason: Safe Description
|
|
Posting Rules
|
|
|
|
|