Want to build a 4” PPC for Fun-Need BBL, Its Done

Jebus35745 · #1 04-11-2021, 10:05 PM

Have a 4” model 10 with a Bomar winged cover up on it and a 4” PPC would be cool. Anyone have a barrel laying around? I believe most PPC barrels are around 1” dia, a larger dia would be great. Andy Horvath would handle the mounting. One picture is of the model 10 with the rib and the other 2 are what I would like to build. Does anyone know a source for the bigger dia barrels? Larry

Protocall_Design · #2 04-12-2021, 10:10 AM

All you have to do is get a barrel blank. They start out at 1-1/4 or 1-3/8. You turn it down to whatever diameter you want, thread it to fit the frame, make whatever other cuts (slab side, cylinder latch, muzzle crown, forcing cone) and holes you want, etc. I've done lots of them. Most PPC barrels are 1-1/16. That is what fits well with the frame.

For 38/357, I use Douglas XX or Walther 1 in 10 twist. The tight twist keeps slow moving target loads stabilized out to 50 yards. The S&W twist is 1 in 18-3/4. Too slow for far targets.

Brownell's has barrel blanks or you can order from the barrel maker.

Jebus35745 · #3 04-14-2021, 07:08 PM

Surprised only one response knowing we have a lot of home gunsmiths here with parts laying around. Protocall, would you sell a 5” piece of barrel blank so Andy would have enough to work with to make me a 4” barrel? I have 4 PPC guns, this would be number 5. Larry

Protocall_Design · #4 04-14-2021, 08:04 PM

Yes, I would. We can take care of the details in PMs.

Jebus35745 · #5 04-16-2021, 07:47 PM

Have a piece of barrel coming from Protocall, nice talking to you Warren. Guess this project will become a reality, Andy Horvath says he can work his magic for me once again. Green frog, it is dangerous to live close to Andy. The gun below is what I want, Larry

Protocall_Design · #6 04-17-2021, 04:45 PM

That's a goodun! Be sure to show us the finished project with a range report. It ought to be a very accurate revo.

Jebus35745 · #7 04-28-2021, 01:03 PM

Took the gun & 5” piece of barrel from Protocall to Andy Horvath yesterday. Another dream gun coming to reality. Said he could shape it to look like the pictures of the 4” PPC shown above. Want him to Blue it also, could be a close match and it’s ALL DONE when I pick it up. Excited BUT he said it could be 4 months or maybe fit it in sooner. Waiting, Larry

Green Frog · #8 04-28-2021, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jebus35745

Have a piece of barrel coming from Protocall, nice talking to you Warren. Guess this project will become a reality, Andy Horvath says he can work his magic for me once again. Green frog, it is dangerous to live close to Andy. The gun below is what I want, Larry

I stay sufficiently broke all the time as it is, thank you very much! I’m curious though, will Andy be putting a front lug under the barrel for the front latch or using a ball lock on the crane... or both? Back in the day there was a small movement in this region for “Belly Gun” matches... and people would “game the system” building a full house PPC gun with a 3” barrel. Oops, I guess now you’ll have to have Andy build you one of those too.

Back to your guns, a Model 10 HB with a good action job and a coverup rib was waaay beyond my limited talent and skill.

Froggie

Jebus35745 · #9 04-28-2021, 08:49 PM

Froggie, actually a 4” PPC being built. The gun being built haunted me for a year, loved the look of it. It sold at auction for 1400.00, I quit bidding at 700 or so. It will have a ball detent lock up, not paying for a lock at the bottom of the barrel. No under lug, the barrel will have to be milled on top so the rib can run through it. Being Andy is only 30 minutes away costs me money. One request is to have “Horvath Custom” on the barrel. Hopefully he will start it sooner, Larry

Jebus35745 · #10 09-02-2021, 08:33 AM

Got the gun back, I wanted a larger diameter barrel and the rib actually inset in the barrel. It’s close and looks OK. He used a double ball detent for lockup, cool. Shoots good also. Left the .327 3” there to bead blast & re-blue. That will finally be done. Larry

PeteC · #11 10-27-2021, 07:54 AM

That turned out really well, including the grips! I am always impressed that there are still people around who can do that kind of work.

How much did the grips have to be reduced in width in the process?

Jebus35745 · #12 10-27-2021, 08:49 AM

The gun is a 10-something that was an original round butt. That’s why I bought it, Larry

PeteC · #13 10-27-2021, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jebus35745

The gun is a 10-something that was an original round butt. That’s why I bought it, Larry

Got it. In the first post it looked like the stocks were being sanded down or reduced to fit the frame, or something like that. I did not realize they came that way, sorry. Whatever the case the end result looks great!

Jebus35745 · #14 10-27-2021, 10:32 AM

I was trying to use a set of target grips that were goofed up so I decided to use them on this. The grips are presently on a 3” K-22 that had a bulged barrel, Larry

Green Frog · #15 10-27-2021, 11:02 AM

Another beautiful piece from the shop of Andy Horvath! As I’ve said before, it’s a good thing I don’t live as close to him as you do... I’d be even more continuously broke than I am now! Seeing yours let’s me enjoy it vicariously without spending all the $$$.

BTW, how is Andy doing these days? I hope you found him healthy and busy. I still dream of having him do one more project for me if we both live long enough, but at my age...

Froggie

PeteC · #16 10-27-2021, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jebus35745

I was trying to use a set of target grips that were goofed up so I decided to use them on this. The grips are presently on a 3” K-22 that had a bulged barrel, Larry

Ah, ok. I was wondering how you got from "there" to "here"! LOL.

Jebus35745 · #17 10-27-2021, 10:08 PM

Froggie, Andy is doin good. Says he won’t retire, doesn’t want to sit around. I guess his health is good, looks like he did when you’re 616 was built. Every Tuesday he shoots trap. Go ahead, do another project. Larry

bgrafsr · #18 10-28-2021, 11:25 AM

You keep having "custom guns" done Larry, and you will have to go back to work.

Just to let you know, we have finally moved into our home that we bought last July. Still have some work to do and lots of boxes to unpack.
The dishwasher stopped working 4 days ago and don't know why. Not getting power. Checked breaker, it's okay.
Our new gas dryer won't heat up to dry the clothes, so have an appt. set up for service, to see what's wrong.
Not a good way to start out in a new home.

cherrypointmarine · #19 10-28-2021, 03:04 PM

I bought one a while back , I always wanted one . I was warned ahead of time , expect light primer strikes because they lighten the trigger so much . I got it , took it out , no problems with any ammo . I'm not a DA guy , but I was forced to become one . It's now my favourite revolver , my favourite pistol except for my 945's and 845 . I wish I would have bought one long ago .

AJ · #20 10-28-2021, 06:10 PM

Larry,

Glad you are enjoying your Horvath PPC revolver. Me, I am to cheap to have one built. Didn't know that I wanted one until I shot it. I bought a used A.F.Behlert PPC revolver from a friend for $175 a couple of years ago. Easily my most favorite revolver. With the six inch slab sided barrel will make a good club too. Have a good story about that.

AJ