I was recently tasked to help find new owners for an old friend and Korean War Vet's guns.

I had forgotten that maybe thirty years ago we had horse-traded some guns, and way back then I fancied myself a gunsmith hobbyist, and modifed a few of my S&Ws for my own amazement.

I was astonished to find among his collection a Model 28 that I had modified many moons ago and I had not thought about in decades. I bought it from the dealer who handled the gun sales, and I think I'll keep it forever!

The gun started out as a stock 28, and I sent the barrel off to Cliff LaBounty for re-boring to.45 Colt and shortening. Why I specified a 3 3/4" barrel. I haven't a clue, but there it is!

The original cylinder was bored out (I think Cliff did that, too) and I round-butted the revolver, relieved the left side of the trigger guard, and fitted an orange front sight insert. I also fitted a Model 27 rear sight and checkered the barrel rib to match.

I notice that the bluing varies a bit, but I like it anyway! Because the Model 28 cylinder was retained, I am limited to standard length ammo.

Back then, I had no barrel/frame vise, so after removing the barrel pin, I held the gun in my hand and repeatedly rapped the barrel shroud with a rawhide mallet until it unscrewed--I re-installed it the same way. Seemed to work just fine!

Actually, it's a pretty cool carry gun!

Definitely interesting. Hey, no way you're not gonna be able to pick up that front sight, is there?!?

Holy smokes -- that's a great looking gun.

"Back then, I had no barrel/frame vise, so after removing the barrel pin, I held the gun in my hand and repeatedly rapped the barrel shroud with a rawhide mallet until it unscrewed--I re-installed it the same way. Seemed to work just fine!"

I've never heard of doing it that way, but if it works, why not?

You'd think so, but he can't hit the middle of a banana!

__________________
Fight socialism. Never stop.

That would pose a problem!!!!!

There's more to the story!

About the same time as the Model 28 build, I recall that he had an old knife (maybe a bayonet?) with a broken handle and he asked me if I could fix it up.

I was blown away to find it among his gun stuff, and his widow gave it to me.

I remember making a new guard out of some brass stock and soldering it on, The walnut for the handle I got from some old gunstock or other, and I put a brass buttcap on it as well.

What memories it brought back!

I think both gun and knife are cool.

You do very good work, thanks for the pics and stories.

Thats a mean looking revolver you have there. I love it.

So much more than memories.

He held onto the M28 and the bayo knowing it you would get it eventually and appreciate more now than you did then. He is (was) a very good friend.

Now you have memories of building those pieces and can appreciate the friend even more.

You are a lucky man to have a friend like that.

Abbynormal- I bet he did just that! Thank you!

"I bet he did just that!"

I am certain he did, and I am also sure it was a mark of his
regard for you that he kept them all these years. You did well,
and I would personally be very happy to own either piece.
Thanks for sharing them and the memories with us!
John