Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Revolvers > S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961
o

Notices

S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 All 5-Screw & Vintage 4-Screw SWING-OUT Cylinder REVOLVERS, and the 35 Autos and 32 Autos


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 08-01-2020, 08:30 AM
A.Brown A.Brown is offline
Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: St.Louis MO.
Posts: 56
Likes: 12
Liked 45 Times in 20 Posts
Default '37 Brazilian Chop Job????

After reading a lot of previous posts I've 90% decided to chop up my '37 Brazilian. I've always thought that the best combat revolvers had a 3-4" barrel. 3" puts the barrel even with the end of the shroud. I'll be making my own grips, kinda like the WW1 smooth but long enough to get my pinky on them. Soooo, I need help. A blank grip supplier so I can reshape w/o having to fit the inside contours myself, and pictures of your shortened pencil barrel prewar revolvers, ie 1917s, Victories, pre 10s, ect. These would help me visualize the end result before cutting. Thanks in advance for any suggestions, photos, or advice.
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #2  
Old 08-01-2020, 08:56 AM
Green Frog Green Frog is offline
Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central VA
Posts: 8,596
Likes: 1,550
Liked 9,320 Times in 4,181 Posts
Default

I don’t have any pictures for you, but a trashed pair of N frame targets should be fairly easy to find and cheap enough, and they would give you plenty of wood to do what you want to do.

You don’t mention what you plan to do about a front sight... this would be a good thing to measure and plan for before you cut the barrel... just sayin’.

Froggie
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #3  
Old 08-01-2020, 09:03 AM
andy52's Avatar
andy52 andy52 is offline
US Veteran
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Missouri
Posts: 2,929
Likes: 3,902
Liked 6,802 Times in 1,851 Posts
Default

If I could find a badly worn 1917/37 for a decent price I would do a chop down to a "Indy" type revolver in a heart beat.
The 1937 I have now is way to nice to do that with.
__________________
SWHF #595
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 08-01-2020, 09:08 AM
mikerjf mikerjf is offline
Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 2,232
Liked 2,928 Times in 1,089 Posts
Default

Two that I like. Note that on one, there seems to be a pin sticking out of the end - what's up with that?
Attached Images
File Type: jpg SW1917a.jpg (18.3 KB, 734 views)
File Type: jpg SW1917b.jpg (110.4 KB, 766 views)
Reply With Quote
The Following 6 Users Like Post:
  #5  
Old 08-01-2020, 09:21 AM
sceva's Avatar
sceva sceva is offline
SWCA Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: NE IL but I'm from Ohio
Posts: 2,046
Likes: 116
Liked 2,998 Times in 873 Posts
Default

The pin is the Front Cylinder lock pin. They usually do not stick out so far; perhaps it's stuck or not correctly fitted?

I like the idea of the shorter barrel bit I'm not a fan of the cut-away trigger guard.
__________________
Sceva
OGCA SWCA NRA
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #6  
Old 08-01-2020, 09:31 AM
steelslaver's Avatar
steelslaver steelslaver is offline
US Veteran
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Central Montana
Posts: 13,620
Likes: 12,734
Liked 39,084 Times in 9,964 Posts
Default

Here are a couple, but I used adjustable sight 1950 barrels and added adjustable sights to the frame.

I would be easirer to just chop a stock barrel. For a front sight cut the original one off the barrel piece. But, don't cut it off flush. make a cut on each sidee of it down into the barrel, so you get extra depth then file the exta depth down to about 1/8". Make a 1/8" groove in the end of cut barrel that your salvaged sight will just fit into and silver solder in place.

On the one with the blood wood grips I cut the grip frame down. The original serial number is still there. I just moved the bottom piece of the grip frame up and welded it in place. The one with the fake stags is now a 45 colt, using a reamed 44 mag cylinder


Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 08-01-2020, 09:31 AM
rjm6120's Avatar
rjm6120 rjm6120 is offline
Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Xtrm Northern KY
Posts: 1,263
Likes: 5,501
Liked 2,891 Times in 653 Posts
Default

A Brown......I happen to have a set of N frame square butt targets that are, shall we say, "modified", and may suit your grip needs as Green Frog suggested. I bought these grips at OGCA about 18 months ago. Someone got halfway through trying to sand the checkering out, and recontoured the speedloader cut out a bit.

I picked them up, finished the sanding and put a few coats of lacquer on them. They really don't look too bad but I haven't really found anything to put them on and they're just laying in my "extra grips" box.

Let me know if you're interested.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 08-01-2020, 09:33 AM
J. R. WEEMS J. R. WEEMS is offline
Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA
Posts: 3,356
Likes: 4,437
Liked 4,433 Times in 1,463 Posts
Lightbulb GRIPS?SHOOTING

Believe I can come up with a trashed pair of N frame targets if you need them. Would like to get shipping but NC for the grips. Just send me an email with addy. GOOD LUCK!
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 08-01-2020, 09:38 AM
Kurusu's Avatar
Kurusu Kurusu is offline
Absent Comrade
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Portugal
Posts: 5,538
Likes: 39,612
Liked 18,061 Times in 4,567 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by andy52 View Post
If I could find a badly worn 1917/37 for a decent price I would do a chop down to a "Indy" type revolver in a heart beat.
The 1937 I have now is way to nice to do that with.
If you are lucky enough to have a "Brazilian Contract" in good original condition. Do not tamper with it. You may thank me later.
__________________
Expect the unexpected
Reply With Quote
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
  #10  
Old 08-01-2020, 10:00 AM
clang444 clang444 is offline
US Veteran
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: IL
Posts: 1,854
Likes: 1,023
Liked 3,573 Times in 954 Posts
Default

Here is some inspiration:

My .455 Hand Ejector reamed to .45 Colt and chopped:


My commercial 1917 chopped to 4" barrel


For the record, I didn't chop either. There are plenty of already modified guns out there.
__________________
My sgntr is mor thn 30 chrctrs
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 08-01-2020, 11:08 AM
A.Brown A.Brown is offline
Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: St.Louis MO.
Posts: 56
Likes: 12
Liked 45 Times in 20 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by mikerjf View Post
Two that I like. Note that on one, there seems to be a pin sticking out of the end - what's up with that?
I like the barrel length on the second picture. At most another 1/4" or so.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 08-01-2020, 11:10 AM
Pig Hunter Pig Hunter is offline
Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Iowa
Posts: 902
Likes: 2,754
Liked 1,036 Times in 443 Posts
Default

For mine I cut the rib off a crapped out 28 barrel and soldered it on the top of the barrel. This one was from the later shipment with the older round top frame so I fitted a drift adjustable rear sight leaf. Sorry, no pics. Service grips with a Pachmayr grip adapter work well.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 08-01-2020, 11:23 AM
A.Brown A.Brown is offline
Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: St.Louis MO.
Posts: 56
Likes: 12
Liked 45 Times in 20 Posts
Default Sight

[QUOTE=steelslaver;1408For a front sight cut the original one off the barrel piece. But, don't cut it off flush. make a cut on each sidee of it down into the barrel, so you get extra depth then file the exta depth down to about 1/8". Make a 1/8" groove in the end of cut barrel that your salvaged sight will just fit into and silver solder in place.



Thanks for the idea. I had planned to use the original sight, but it will be lowered considerably, reshaped, and white lined.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 08-01-2020, 11:29 AM
A.Brown A.Brown is offline
Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: St.Louis MO.
Posts: 56
Likes: 12
Liked 45 Times in 20 Posts
Default N frame grips

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pig Hunter View Post
Service grips with a Pachmayr grip adapter work well.
I plan to use a T-grip adapter. Will have to see how reshaping the grips turn out before that's decided for sure though.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 08-01-2020, 11:33 AM
Wiregrassguy's Avatar
Wiregrassguy Wiregrassguy is offline
SWCA Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: AL Wiregrass
Posts: 7,201
Likes: 34,555
Liked 10,739 Times in 3,659 Posts
Default

Make sure you don't bob that barrel too much. This 1917 came to me missing 1/8" of the locking bolt frame which pretty much kills the forward lock. They also didn't put a tall enough front sight blade on it. I have a Brazilian replacement barrel I'm mulling over whether to make an Indy gun out of it or not.



__________________
Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

Last edited by Wiregrassguy; 08-01-2020 at 11:40 AM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 7 Users Like Post:
  #16  
Old 08-01-2020, 12:01 PM
A.Brown A.Brown is offline
Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: St.Louis MO.
Posts: 56
Likes: 12
Liked 45 Times in 20 Posts
Default '37 chop job

My 37 is a parkerized round top with the smooth WW1 style grips. I am trying to chop it the way I would have if I were a soldier home from WW2 and I needed a concealable piece. Using mods available at the time, reusing the original sight, stuff that theoretically a home Smith could have done for himself.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #17  
Old 08-01-2020, 04:15 PM
schutzen-jager's Avatar
schutzen-jager schutzen-jager is offline
Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: peoples republic of New J
Posts: 609
Likes: 585
Liked 856 Times in 340 Posts
Default

when i was building them back when Century arms was selling the gunsmith's specials one of them had a bent barrel - chopped + crowned it - worked well , but did not feel right - sold it to neighbor -
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 08-01-2020, 04:30 PM
Kinman's Avatar
Kinman Kinman is offline
Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Spokantucky
Posts: 4,098
Likes: 10,349
Liked 6,901 Times in 2,335 Posts
Default

I own this one, barrel measures 3-1/4". Whoever did the modification did a great job on the front sight. Yes the pin does stick out a bit further than normal but does not hinder operation or in my view create a problem. Not being a S&W mechanic I cannot explain the reason other than the possibility a different model pin may have been used.



This one was also a Brazilian Model of 1917 I picked up from a friend, it had been nicely refinished which made it a candidate for further modification, I had a friend of mine cut it down to 4" and mill a Baughman style front sight regulated for the Wondersight rear.

Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 08-01-2020, 04:44 PM
LLOYD17's Avatar
LLOYD17 LLOYD17 is offline
US Veteran
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: STL
Posts: 884
Likes: 1,093
Liked 4,169 Times in 542 Posts
Default

Here’s a couple chopped N Frames. The blued one is a 1917 with a custom barrel. The nickel one is a 44 3rd.

__________________
SWCA: 3154
SWHF: 552
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 08-01-2020, 04:49 PM
BlackAgnes's Avatar
BlackAgnes BlackAgnes is offline
US Veteran
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: New York
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 4
Liked 3,795 Times in 458 Posts
Default

My "Indy" gun, service stocks were just too painful!
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 08-01-2020, 05:38 PM
Hondo44 Hondo44 is offline
SWCA Member

'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: California
Posts: 19,208
Likes: 11,814
Liked 20,510 Times in 8,548 Posts
Default

My 1917 has a factory pre war style 4" non-ribbed, tapered, and shrouded barrel. Mushroom knob replaced with proper vintage shrouded extractor rod with ‘barrel’ style knob.



Made a half moon front sight blade replacement (milled and pinned into base). It’s a full 1/10” wide and slightly higher with the rear sight notch opened up to target sight notch width of .124”; my “gat” ‘with old eyes’ sights.

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 08-01-2020, 05:54 PM
cgt4570's Avatar
cgt4570 cgt4570 is offline
SWCA Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Mount Carmel, TN USA
Posts: 3,167
Likes: 1,620
Liked 3,176 Times in 932 Posts
Default

Here are a couple of my custom short pre-war .45 ACP's:

__________________
Chris
SWCA #2243 SWHF #292
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 08-01-2020, 06:54 PM
A.Brown A.Brown is offline
Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: St.Louis MO.
Posts: 56
Likes: 12
Liked 45 Times in 20 Posts
Default Chopped 37

Quote:
Originally Posted by LLOYD17 View Post
Here’s a couple chopped N Frames. The blued one is a 1917 with a custom barrel. The nickel one is a 44 3rd.

I think the nickel model has the barrel length I'm aiming for. Do you have a profile pic of that one?
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #24  
Old 08-01-2020, 07:07 PM
BC38's Avatar
BC38 BC38 is offline
Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Spokane, WA
Posts: 13,474
Likes: 1,145
Liked 18,396 Times in 7,278 Posts
Default

OK, I'll play.
Here's my Brazilian with a shortened barrel.
I've replaced the grips with WWII era service stocks, but haven't taken any new pictures.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 20200512_165030.jpg (79.2 KB, 130 views)
File Type: jpg 20200512_165018.jpg (67.6 KB, 103 views)
__________________
Send lawyers, guns & money...
Reply With Quote
The Following 7 Users Like Post:
  #25  
Old 08-01-2020, 08:05 PM
deyomatic deyomatic is offline
Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 805
Likes: 3,261
Liked 662 Times in 305 Posts
Default

I've posted this before so forgive me. I wish I had photos of the ball detent that aids in front lockup but I do not.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg After 1.jpg (42.8 KB, 142 views)
Reply With Quote
The Following 10 Users Like Post:
  #26  
Old 08-01-2020, 08:08 PM
Iggy's Avatar
Iggy Iggy is offline
Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Wyoming
Posts: 10,419
Likes: 10,417
Liked 28,226 Times in 5,272 Posts
Default


1916 vintage .455 MKII HE with a post war 45 ACP barrel and cylinder. The .455 barrel was bulged.
Cylinder is bored out for 45 Colt.. I use 45 Win Mag brass loaded to old Colt velocities in moon clips. Puts the bullet right at the forcing cone.. No Jump.

Surprising how light it is with all those big holes in it.
__________________
Eccentric old coot

Last edited by Iggy; 08-13-2020 at 10:46 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 08-01-2020, 08:08 PM
LLOYD17's Avatar
LLOYD17 LLOYD17 is offline
US Veteran
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: STL
Posts: 884
Likes: 1,093
Liked 4,169 Times in 542 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by A.Brown View Post
I think the nickel model has the barrel length I'm aiming for. Do you have a profile pic of that one?
Here’s a family pic of 3.5, 4, 4.5 and 5 inchers (all 44’s)

__________________
SWCA: 3154
SWHF: 552
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 08-01-2020, 08:47 PM
BC38's Avatar
BC38 BC38 is offline
Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Spokane, WA
Posts: 13,474
Likes: 1,145
Liked 18,396 Times in 7,278 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by deyomatic View Post
I've posted this before so forgive me. I wish I had photos of the ball detent that aids in front lockup but I do not.
Has the bottom of that barrel been ground down and reprofiled? Shouldn't it be notched around the ejector rod/knob?
__________________
Send lawyers, guns & money...
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 08-01-2020, 09:31 PM
A.Brown A.Brown is offline
Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: St.Louis MO.
Posts: 56
Likes: 12
Liked 45 Times in 20 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Iggy View Post

1916 vintage .455 MKII HE with a post war 45 ACP barrel and cylinder.
Cylinder is bored out for 45 Colt.. I use 45 Win Mag brass loaded to old Colt velocities in moon clips. Puts the bullet right at the forcing cone.. No Jump.
Looks like you're reading my mind.That's the style I'm imagining.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #30  
Old 08-01-2020, 09:34 PM
A.Brown A.Brown is offline
Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: St.Louis MO.
Posts: 56
Likes: 12
Liked 45 Times in 20 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by LLOYD17 View Post
Here’s a family pic of 3.5, 4, 4.5 and 5 inchers (all 44’s)

I like the 3.5". I think that's where I'll end up.
But the 4.5" is cool too. May keep that in mind for a 1905 .38.

Last edited by A.Brown; 08-01-2020 at 09:36 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #31  
Old 08-02-2020, 12:12 AM
Tom K's Avatar
Tom K Tom K is offline
SWCA Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Tulsa, OK area
Posts: 2,874
Likes: 1,451
Liked 7,050 Times in 1,579 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by clang444 View Post
...
My .455 Hand Ejector reamed to .45 Colt and chopped:

My commercial 1917 chopped to 4" barrel

For the record, I didn't chop either. There are plenty of already modified guns out there.
Bolded for emphasis. If your Brazilian is in decent shape, keep it in decent shape and find a gun that has already been modified. They are out there.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #32  
Old 08-02-2020, 12:23 AM
zipty6 zipty6 is offline
Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 594
Likes: 4,507
Liked 2,074 Times in 336 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by clang444 View Post
Here is some inspiration:

My .455 Hand Ejector reamed to .45 Colt and chopped:


For the record, I didn't chop either. There are plenty of already modified guns out there.
I really like that one.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #33  
Old 08-02-2020, 03:33 AM
Hondo44 Hondo44 is offline
SWCA Member

'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: California
Posts: 19,208
Likes: 11,814
Liked 20,510 Times in 8,548 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by BC38 View Post
Has the bottom of that barrel been ground down and reprofiled? Shouldn't it be notched around the ejector rod/knob?
Not my gun, but yes the barrel flat and the notch have been turned off leaving a profile like a Colt Detective snubby.
__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819
Reply With Quote
  #34  
Old 08-02-2020, 06:23 AM
StrawHat's Avatar
StrawHat StrawHat is offline
SWCA Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Northeast Ohio
Posts: 5,988
Likes: 9,191
Liked 13,457 Times in 3,971 Posts
Default

Here is a 1917, chopped to 4”.

The othrs are 4” tapered barrels in various Models of 45 ACP. And a suggestion for leather.

Kevin
__________________
Unshared knowledge is wasted.

Last edited by StrawHat; 08-02-2020 at 06:26 AM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 8 Users Like Post:
  #35  
Old 08-02-2020, 07:01 AM
CptCurl's Avatar
CptCurl CptCurl is offline
SWCA Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Fincastle, VA
Posts: 1,596
Likes: 2,879
Liked 6,282 Times in 910 Posts
Default '37 Brazilian Chop Job????

You got me!

When I first saw this thread go up I avoided it. I'm a collector and have an instinctive bias against "customizing" a classic revolver. We often hold our noses in the air and make snide comments about "Bubba."

Well, I just gave in this morning and clicked on this thread. I must admit that my nose tilted down from its upward position, and I was fascinated with the various modifications displayed here. Some actually approach elegance.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not going to run out and find a custom gunsmith. But I did enjoy this thread.

Curl

P.S. I strongly agree with the members who have said that if you want to customize a S&W revolver you should start with one that already has been chopped.
Reply With Quote
The Following 6 Users Like Post:
  #36  
Old 08-02-2020, 07:58 AM
steelslaver's Avatar
steelslaver steelslaver is offline
US Veteran
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Central Montana
Posts: 13,620
Likes: 12,734
Liked 39,084 Times in 9,964 Posts
Default

For the record the Brazilian I chopped and made into a 45 colt had mismatched numbers and the 1917 that I made into a snub acp came with a loose mismatched barrel that was in bad shape. I have another mismatched Brazilian, and a couple of Bubbas 28-2 for modification guns.

But, I haven't seen very many Brazilians any collector would get excited about. Maybe they will be collectable someday after most of them have been modified. Its like Enfields, when I was young stores had racks of them for $19.95. Buy all you wanted. Herters had a grove of walnut trees made into stocks and you could get them cheap. Mill off the sights, cut off tthe front of the barrel and rework the muzzle to get rid of military sights, add scope mount, cut up trigger guard and floor plate and weld it back together flat, cut the ball off the bolt handle and turn it around and weld it back on and you had a nice handy dady 30-06 deer rifle. My dad made 8 of them that way. Us kids killed a lot of game with them. If so many had not been made into these kind of sporterized hunting rifles they wouldn't be very valuable today. I still run into these is pawn shops and sporting goods used counters
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #37  
Old 08-02-2020, 09:37 AM
StrawHat's Avatar
StrawHat StrawHat is offline
SWCA Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Northeast Ohio
Posts: 5,988
Likes: 9,191
Liked 13,457 Times in 3,971 Posts
Default

Mention was made of replacing the front sight. Obviously, sights are a personal preference and while I like them at least .100” wide and actually prefer them .125 with rear notches to match, the front sight on my modified 1917 was done well. Including the tiny gold dot.

Kevin
__________________
Unshared knowledge is wasted.
Reply With Quote
The Following 7 Users Like Post:
  #38  
Old 08-02-2020, 10:04 AM
IWK2HT's Avatar
IWK2HT IWK2HT is offline
Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Ontario
Posts: 243
Likes: 1,413
Liked 725 Times in 125 Posts
Default A .455 chopped

Here is my second model mark 2 N frame
The barrels been cut and the trigger has been open at the front chambered to 45 LC .
It’s more of a novelty item to me but it is fun to shoot.
The rubber grips don’t do much for the looks but it does tame the recoil a bit.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 12BC6EAF-D688-4CB9-8CCF-F5256F6565FA.jpg (34.2 KB, 88 views)
Reply With Quote
The Following 6 Users Like Post:
  #39  
Old 08-02-2020, 11:36 AM
Wiregrassguy's Avatar
Wiregrassguy Wiregrassguy is offline
SWCA Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: AL Wiregrass
Posts: 7,201
Likes: 34,555
Liked 10,739 Times in 3,659 Posts
Default

IWK2HT, I didn't think those snubs were legal in Canada. ??
__________________
Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629
Reply With Quote
  #40  
Old 08-02-2020, 12:06 PM
IWK2HT's Avatar
IWK2HT IWK2HT is offline
Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Ontario
Posts: 243
Likes: 1,413
Liked 725 Times in 125 Posts
Default

Yes Guy they are if you have a prohibited permit
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #41  
Old 08-02-2020, 12:32 PM
2152hq 2152hq is offline
Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 7,724
Likes: 1,633
Liked 9,091 Times in 3,362 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wiregrassguy View Post
Make sure you don't bob that barrel too much. This 1917 came to me missing 1/8" of the locking bolt frame which pretty much kills the forward lock. They also didn't put a tall enough front sight blade on it. I have a Brazilian replacement barrel I'm mulling over whether to make an Indy gun out of it or not.



Could you add metal to the back end of the locking lug housing to make it full size to again use it for it's intended purpose.
That would fill in the bbl notch out for the ejector rod knob.
Then shorten the ejector rod & center pin back to the necessary length to fit. Re-cut the bbl for the ejector rod knob clearance.

You don't need much ejector push length to eject the 45acp's. It wouldn't be much different than the J frame 2" revolver ejection in 38special . Probably better with the shorter 45acp cases.

I'd add enough to that front lug so I could get it working and still have a slight undercut profile to it under the bbl,,just for looks.

Welding is always a possibility to build up the metal of course, but I would splice in a entire new piece from the front on a small shallow dovetail or maybe just a shallow key slot. Then silver solder in place, shape and finish,

Fix up the front sight blade at the same time.
Rust blue the end of the bbl to finish off the repair work.

All done!
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #42  
Old 08-02-2020, 12:44 PM
Wiregrassguy's Avatar
Wiregrassguy Wiregrassguy is offline
SWCA Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: AL Wiregrass
Posts: 7,201
Likes: 34,555
Liked 10,739 Times in 3,659 Posts
Default

@2152hq -- I thought about that but I don't have the expertise or equipment to do the work. I have apwcogan nearby, but it was going to be too expensive to have them do it. Besides, have a protruding lug isn't very aesthetic. So, I did the easy thing and installed a ball detent on the yoke.


__________________
Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629
Reply With Quote
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
  #43  
Old 08-02-2020, 04:56 PM
Kinman's Avatar
Kinman Kinman is offline
Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Spokantucky
Posts: 4,098
Likes: 10,349
Liked 6,901 Times in 2,335 Posts
Default

Regarding modifications of Brazilian 1917's. The only Brazilians I have seen worth keeping original have been on this site, in particular there was one that came from South America and the guy even had the original box...at least thats what I remember. I was showing my modified Brazilian to one of the old guys at the rifle club on "Show and Tell Monday" (which was alot of fun, everybody took turns bringing something in on Mondays during the winter when it was too cold to shoot before 10:00) I'll preface this story by adding that Will had worked as the gunsmith for a leading gunshop for decades. Anyway I handed it to him and he said "You were too young to remember when these things hit the shop, but we used to have a box on the end of the counter with a sign (Your pick $19.99) that box sat there for over a year before they were gone, after they left the only other revolvers that were good parts guns were all of the Model 28's that had been cop guns, they were the best project guns ever, you could do anything with them."
Considering how many original 1917's and then later Brazilian Models that came back in rough shape, its a wonder to me that there aren't more cool custom guns built off those beaten up pieces, I would have to imagine that the frames and cylinders were utilized not to mention internal parts which must work in every pre-war N frame.
I will agree with the collectors that any revolver in decent shape should be kept original, but once someone has molested an original beyond bringing it back to original its game on for a customizer. I like just about anything well done with the exception to the Fitz modification, thats just wrong IMHO. The only way a Fitz modification will work for me is if it came with documentation that the reason it was done was because the trigger guard was bent severely while pistol whipping an assailant.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #44  
Old 08-02-2020, 08:52 PM
deyomatic deyomatic is offline
Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 805
Likes: 3,261
Liked 662 Times in 305 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by BC38 View Post
Has the bottom of that barrel been ground down and reprofiled? Shouldn't it be notched around the ejector rod/knob?
Yes and yes. The trick is to (have someone that knows what they're doing) drill a hole and place a coil spring and tiny ball inside the crane and peen it over to do what the stock setup does on the ejector rod.
It's been so long since I looked at it that I can't even picture it right now. This snub's been 100% reliable for me.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #45  
Old 08-02-2020, 11:32 PM
peter-paul peter-paul is offline
Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 194
Likes: 37
Liked 883 Times in 128 Posts
Default

I can do almost every Gunsmithing job here proficiently EXCEPT notch out a new front sight and replace the old flush to fit. Do any of you know a gunsmith who would be able to do the whole ball of wax?
Reply With Quote
  #46  
Old 08-03-2020, 06:28 AM
StrawHat's Avatar
StrawHat StrawHat is offline
SWCA Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Northeast Ohio
Posts: 5,988
Likes: 9,191
Liked 13,457 Times in 3,971 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by peter-paul View Post
I can do almost every Gunsmithing job here proficiently EXCEPT notch out a new front sight and replace the old flush to fit. Do any of you know a gunsmith who would be able to do the whole ball of wax?
Andy Horvath is one who can do it all. But, he is not getting any younger.

Kevin
__________________
Unshared knowledge is wasted.
Reply With Quote
  #47  
Old 08-03-2020, 09:34 AM
Wiregrassguy's Avatar
Wiregrassguy Wiregrassguy is offline
SWCA Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: AL Wiregrass
Posts: 7,201
Likes: 34,555
Liked 10,739 Times in 3,659 Posts
Default

Apwcogan.com

Guy
__________________
Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629
Reply With Quote
  #48  
Old 08-03-2020, 10:35 AM
keith44spl's Avatar
keith44spl keith44spl is offline
Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Red River Valley
Posts: 7,690
Likes: 13,045
Liked 28,605 Times in 5,151 Posts
Default

Old Belly Guns are just Cool !

I help'd a close friend with creating this one.



.
__________________
"IN GOD WE TRUST"

Last edited by keith44spl; 08-07-2020 at 07:39 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #49  
Old 08-03-2020, 07:09 PM
A.Brown A.Brown is offline
Member
'37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job???? '37 Brazilian Chop Job????  
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: St.Louis MO.
Posts: 56
Likes: 12
Liked 45 Times in 20 Posts
Default WOW!

OMG!!
That is gorgeous!
That would definitely qualify as my BBQ gun!!!

Last edited by A.Brown; 08-03-2020 at 07:11 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #50  
Old 08-04-2020, 08:11 AM
Ray Ray is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Lost in South America
Posts: 693
Likes: 189
Liked 1,120 Times in 370 Posts
Default

Well I guess the guy from South America Kinman refered to is me !
Thanks for the remark.
Hereīs the link for the pics of the gun, box pics link will follow in another post, couldnīt post both in one.

Regards,Ray


Update on Brazilian 37- IV Better Pics
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
V chop job Camster S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 3 02-18-2018 08:40 PM
S&W 1917/1937. To chop or not to chop... gunsnrovers S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 39 10-16-2016 02:26 AM
13-2, To Chop or not SS57 S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 36 02-19-2015 12:34 AM
Anyone Ever Chop Down a 625? Greyson S&W-Smithing 16 08-30-2011 01:43 PM
Chop the 29-2? Which one? T. McIntyre S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 42 08-13-2009 06:32 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:58 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)