|
|
10-18-2018, 11:15 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
Liked 19 Times in 3 Posts
|
|
Jovino Dud? Modified 25-5
I have found these forums to be incredibly valuable and the members' knowledge to be amazing! That said, I am in a bit of quandary - I acquired a modified 25-5 that based on all of my research, I was sure to be an early, unmarked Jovino (shortened barrel, ball-detent lock-up, smoothed trigger, rounded butt, smooth backstrap, etc.). I finally got around to getting it lettered...while not necessarily a definitive answer, the letter indicated it was shipped in 1981 to Kevin, Inc, which does business as Kittery Trading Post in Kittery, ME (as a classic 25-5; originally a 6" barrel, red ramp sights, etc.). Do I have a dud, or do I hold out hope that someone on here can help me fill in the blanks between then and whenever it was modified? The work that was done to it was incredible. Could it be a Behlert? Any insights would be very much appreciated!
This is my first post on the forums so go easy on me
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
10-18-2018, 11:22 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Missouri
Posts: 147
Likes: 109
Liked 149 Times in 43 Posts
|
|
Welcome to the Forum. Pictures in this case would be very helpful. Multiple pictures. Look forward to seeing how the unfolds. Sounds like a great piece.
|
10-18-2018, 11:39 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
Liked 19 Times in 3 Posts
|
|
Some photos I had handy on my phone.
|
The Following 16 Users Like Post:
|
6518John, bronco45, cndrdk, deanodog, GCF, gdogs, Hunter Keith, Jebus35745, jughed440, klind45, Maximumbob54, NOTREDAME, NovaJoe, one eye joe, shouldazagged, THE PILGRIM |
10-18-2018, 11:47 AM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Cocoa Beach, Florida
Posts: 10,584
Likes: 3,072
Liked 22,574 Times in 5,847 Posts
|
|
Welcome to the Forum
MANY gunsmiths of that era were doing almost identical conversions.
Yours looks good
Probably the two best known and well respected were John Jovino who was doing them as a stock item for stores to order and Austin Behlert who was doing them on demand for individual customers.
Without markings or the firearm being directly shipped to Jovino being confirmed in a letter, there is no way to determine who did your revolver's conversion.
As long as you purchased it at a reasonable price and enjoy it, don't get too worked up over who did the work
Last edited by colt_saa; 10-18-2018 at 11:49 AM.
|
The Following 14 Users Like Post:
|
Breakaway500, Camster, CH4, deanodog, Drm50, GCF, Hunter Keith, jaymoore, jughed440, kaaskop49, klind45, old bear, shouldazagged, WC145 |
10-18-2018, 11:50 AM
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Peoples Republic of Calif
Posts: 4,671
Likes: 1,236
Liked 6,043 Times in 2,153 Posts
|
|
It certainly appears as though whoever did it knew what they were doing.
|
10-18-2018, 12:28 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: IL
Posts: 1,707
Likes: 693
Liked 2,845 Times in 579 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by colt_saa
Welcome to the Forum
MANY gunsmiths of that era were doing almost identical conversions.
Yours looks good
Probably the two best known and well respected were John Jovino who was doing them as a stock item for stores to order and Austin Behlert who was doing them on demand for individual customers.
Without markings or the firearm being directly shipped to Jovino being confirmed in a letter, there is no way to determine who did your revolver's conversion.
As long as you purchased it at a reasonable price and enjoy it, don't get too worked up over who did the work
|
Looks like a great gun but since it didn't letter and you don't have the work order from the gunsmith, you may never know who did the work!
I have one as well in 45 ACP and it isn't marked but whoever did the work was very skilled and did a hell of a job.
Enjoy it!
|
10-18-2018, 12:38 PM
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,017
Likes: 8,196
Liked 1,639 Times in 580 Posts
|
|
Your revolver looks very well done to me. Enjoy it and let us know how it shoots. All my very best, Joe.
|
10-18-2018, 12:43 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Eastern WA
Posts: 3,316
Likes: 1,766
Liked 7,304 Times in 1,902 Posts
|
|
Looks good, except for the K frame grips.
__________________
Psalm 27:2
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
10-18-2018, 01:54 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
Liked 19 Times in 3 Posts
|
|
Appreciate all of the feedback and insights thus far. I have yet to shoot it, but given the fact pattern unfolding, I will probably go put a few rounds through it!
Regarding the grips, the Jovino's (and this) were rounded into a K-frame from an N-frame, so those K-frame grips fit well with the exception of the top of the grips which clearly don't line up with the frame. Any Jovno owners have any workarounds for this? Should I be using grips for a different frame? I suppose this is why the pachmayrs were used - no issues with those puppies on there, but I wanted to dress it up a bit.
Still looking to build out my collection, so if anyone has any big bore Jovino's they would entertain parting ways with, let me know (particularly in .41 Mag)!
|
10-18-2018, 02:04 PM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Cocoa Beach, Florida
Posts: 10,584
Likes: 3,072
Liked 22,574 Times in 5,847 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by PondaBaba
Regarding the grips, the Jovino's (and this) were rounded into a K-frame from an N-frame
|
The gunsmiths of the day could not reshape the Square butt N-framers to rond butt N-frame dimensions because there had never been a round butt N-frame made before then.
They had to conform the grip frame to something that already existed or the revolvers would require custom made grips.
It was the overwhelming market acceptance of these conversions that coaxed the team of Lew Horton and Smith & Wesson to produce the very first Factory Round Butt N-frames
The rest as they say is history
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
10-18-2018, 02:23 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Corpus Christi, TX
Posts: 967
Likes: 217
Liked 609 Times in 246 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by PondaBaba
Regarding the grips, the Jovino's (and this) were rounded into a K-frame from an N-frame, so those K-frame grips fit well with the exception of the top of the grips which clearly don't line up with the frame. Any Jovno owners have any workarounds for this? Should I be using grips for a different frame? I suppose this is why the pachmayrs were used - no issues with those puppies on there, but I wanted to dress it up a bit.
|
Nice snag / Seriously envious!
Not a Jovino owner (yet), but I'd suggest Pachmayr Compacs - as shown in Colt SAA's post. They are old school / all business, look right on a meaty N Frame snub, & are quite ergonomic.
Although I have seen a number of disparaging comments made about Pachs on this forum, I personally like them - maybe not for show, but certainly for GO!
Pachmayr K Frame Grippers were original equipment, on 625-3 N Frames, & in my opinion, definitely add to the appeal.
Attached are a couple of poor quality pics, of my old 4" 625-3.
__________________
Regards - GCF
Last edited by GCF; 10-18-2018 at 02:26 PM.
|
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
|
|
10-18-2018, 03:51 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Highlands, North Carolina
Posts: 1,522
Likes: 2,096
Liked 2,202 Times in 883 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by colt_saa
The gunsmiths of the day could not reshape the Square butt N-framers to rond butt N-frame dimensions because there had never been a round butt N-frame made before then.
They had to conform the grip frame to something that already existed or the revolvers would require custom made grips.
It was the overwhelming market acceptance of these conversions that coaxed the team of Lew Horton and Smith & Wesson to produce the very first Factory Round Butt N-frames
The rest as they say is history
|
Solid and informative post. I love round but "N" frames and have (3) of them... well, (2) actually since my little brother has spoken for the M629-6 to buy. I love the fact that Jovino and other talented smith had Smith and Wesson product the Round Butts. RB's are all that I have in revolvers!
|
10-18-2018, 04:01 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Highlands, North Carolina
Posts: 1,522
Likes: 2,096
Liked 2,202 Times in 883 Posts
|
|
Your gun is a total piece of counterfeit junk OP! If you send it to me I'll properly dispose of it for you.
Man I'd enjoy the snot out of that beautiful Revolver. I really wouldn't care who did the work as long as the trigger was glass break smooth in Double Action and it hit POA to POI. You've got a looker there. However, I would get some proper grips for her though. If she were mine she would be wearing a pair of Goncalo Alves "Combats" and all would be right! Nice gun OP, you did well...
|
10-27-2018, 10:06 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: yonder
Posts: 2,223
Likes: 4,195
Liked 3,548 Times in 950 Posts
|
|
Nice piece...and in 45 Colt too. Don't see many like that. Definitely would be nice to know who did the custom job. It's too bad that Jovino refuses to provide info on any custom piece that came from their shop.
This 25-2 was shipped to Jovinos in July of '83. Posted a few pics for comparison.
Last edited by jughed440; 10-27-2018 at 10:17 AM.
|
The Following 6 Users Like Post:
|
|
10-27-2018, 11:06 AM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: N GA
Posts: 4,466
Likes: 204
Liked 3,613 Times in 1,498 Posts
|
|
Certainly looks like a Jovino conversion to me
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
10-27-2018, 11:22 AM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Back in Northern NJ
Posts: 886
Likes: 904
Liked 865 Times in 352 Posts
|
|
I think it's a handsome piece. Congrats, I would have jumped on it as well.
__________________
NICK-SWCA-NRA BENEFACTOR LIFE
|
10-27-2018, 08:07 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
Liked 19 Times in 3 Posts
|
|
Great looking gun you got there, thanks for sharing those photos for comparison. I have to say, its virtually identical, so either someone just knew how to master the Jovino conversion, or my 25-5 eventually made its way to Jovino’s shop for a conversion. So darn frustrating that there is no way to try and fill in the missing pieces!!!
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
10-27-2018, 10:52 PM
|
Absent Comrade
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Louisville, KY, USA
Posts: 19,336
Likes: 53,737
Liked 38,387 Times in 11,802 Posts
|
|
I don't know who did the work and don't much care. I just want one of those.
Yours is a beauty, and the conversion was very well done.
__________________
Oh well, what the hell.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
10-28-2018, 07:11 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,617
Likes: 49
Liked 721 Times in 369 Posts
|
|
My daughter-in-law to me to Kittery Trading Post when I flew out to Boston for a Russian Boar hunt with my oldest son, great store and a big selection of everything.
Steve
|
10-28-2018, 08:29 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2006
Location: MN
Posts: 984
Likes: 41
Liked 2,197 Times in 415 Posts
|
|
Congrats on your purchase of a fine revolver.
N frame stocks do fit better than K frame stocks on Jovino N frame round butt conversions, as they are essentially the same dimensions of the S&W N frame round butt.
Like colt-ssa said round butt N frames didn't exist at the time most of these conversions were done.
Rubber K frame round butt grips that wrapped around the backstrap still required trimming a little material from inside the grip to fit around the top of the frame.
Unmodified Ahrends and Altamont N frame round butt grips on Jovino conversions.
KO
|
The Following 8 Users Like Post:
|
|
10-28-2018, 08:40 PM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: OKC area
Posts: 314
Likes: 257
Liked 2,157 Times in 197 Posts
|
|
Jovino
I have owned several Jovinos and a couple Behlerts. Collected Behlert custom guns for a while. 2 Of the Behlert N Frames I owned, a 29 and a 58 had Ruger speed six Pachmayrs. Jovinos usually reshaped the hammer spur to a slightly tear drop shape.
For what its worth John Jovino sold the store to the Impertado family around 1911 or 12. The family that owns Henry rifle company now.
Last edited by GaryinOKC; 10-28-2018 at 08:43 PM.
|
10-28-2018, 11:45 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Tulsa County
Posts: 2,413
Likes: 1,644
Liked 3,135 Times in 1,146 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by GaryinOKC
For what its worth John Jovino sold the store to the Impertado family around 1911 or 12. The family that owns Henry rifle company now.
|
Really?
Sent from my XT1710-02 using Tapatalk
__________________
CPT, Armor (Ret)
Luke 22:36
|
10-29-2018, 12:13 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Iowa
Posts: 4,106
Likes: 14,444
Liked 3,763 Times in 1,784 Posts
|
|
Not only did Jovino sell the store, he did NOT do the conversions. The store actually catered to the police and was very close to the old NYPD headquarters in what is known as Little Italy. The sign can be seen in some NY-based movies made by Scorcese. I once knew the name of the smith who did the conversions but it has slipped away.
The 25-2 conversions were not custom ordered but produced for sale as done. Less hassle than making changes to suit each buyer. Most were based on 25-2s and used moonclips, the fastest speed reload for revolvers; except for Roger Davis in Oklahoma who is freakishly fast with Safariland speedloaders.
__________________
Bob.
SWCA 1821
|
10-29-2018, 12:31 AM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: New England
Posts: 4,189
Likes: 3,543
Liked 3,996 Times in 1,627 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by jughed440
Nice piece...and in 45 Colt too. Don't see many like that. Definitely would be nice to know who did the custom job. It's too bad that Jovino refuses to provide info on any custom piece that came from their shop.
This 25-2 was shipped to Jovinos in July of '83. Posted a few pics for comparison.
|
THESE JOVINOS ARE BEAUTIFUL CREATIONS ! ! !
THE GRIPS ON THIS EXAMPLE APPEAR TO BE THE MUCH SOUGHT AFTER EARLY PACHMAYRS, THAT WERE MANUFACTURED SANS MEDALLIONS.....
__________________
'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.
|
11-28-2018, 11:15 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: yonder
Posts: 2,223
Likes: 4,195
Liked 3,548 Times in 950 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by one eye joe
THESE JOVINOS ARE BEAUTIFUL CREATIONS ! ! !
THE GRIPS ON THIS EXAMPLE APPEAR TO BE THE MUCH SOUGHT AFTER EARLY PACHMAYRS, THAT WERE MANUFACTURED SANS MEDALLIONS.....
|
....and notorious for leaving corrosion marks on the frame if they are not removed for cleaning & maintenance often enough, or if the gun is not stored properly. Thankfully, the previous owner(s) of this 25-2 did well.
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
11-28-2018, 08:27 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Missouri
Posts: 401
Likes: 143
Liked 993 Times in 144 Posts
|
|
Jovino’s
The Jovino’s, and clones are great shooting snubs.
Here are a few of mine, some letter to Jovino’s some don’t.
Bottom left is a 2.5” 45 colt, 45apc, (2) .357,center 44 special
652237CC-E760-413C-B7E3-97FCC60F7EEB.jpg
Last edited by NOTREDAME; 11-28-2018 at 10:25 PM.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
|
|
|
Similar Threads
|
Thread |
Thread Starter |
Forum |
Replies |
Last Post |
WTB: Jovino
|
ladder13 |
WANTED to Buy |
0 |
04-17-2017 02:45 PM |
Jovino 25-2
|
d.t.h. |
S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present |
14 |
10-03-2013 08:26 PM |
W.T.B. jovino
|
dropshot |
WANTED to Buy |
4 |
01-27-2013 04:54 PM |
Modified Magnas/Diamond Modified Magnas?
|
Retired W4 |
S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 |
5 |
12-29-2012 01:05 AM |
Jovino 25-5
|
st regis |
S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present |
21 |
01-23-2009 11:29 AM |
|