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12-16-2008, 06:34 PM
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Mick
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12-16-2008, 07:31 PM
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Thanks Mick; The pic looks great, and thanks for adding the text! I have had other Smith's that do not have locks. Before I joined this forum, I really didnt pay much attention to the lock thing until I found out that they fail. After reading more about it here, I decided that I wasnt going to assume that mine would not fail, so, out it came....then, I was sitting there looking at the hole and the slot, thinking to myself that the Smith just didnt look right, and decided to do something about it. If others show interest, I will get something together in the way of parts photos and some basic directions for you to post, and be in touch. Thanks again, I appreciate your time and effort in getting this to the members. FT
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12-16-2008, 11:30 PM
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No prob! Just shoot me an email anytime ya need me to add to the photos!! I can guarantee just about everyone would love to see the internals of the gun, and the parts that you made! I know I would!! Im not that handy with steel, nor do I have the machinery to make percision parts, but Im a curious tinker' none the less, and enjoys seeing others craftsman/machinests skills put to work.. Same as a bunch of others on here I imagine.
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Mick
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12-17-2008, 07:11 AM
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mickstix; Will do...we will just wait see if anyone else is interested. Actually, the parts are not all that hard to make and fit, and I made mine with hand tools....I believe that if somebody wanted to do this themselves, all that would be required is a basic knowledge of metal working and your normal hobby gunshop types of tools...files, a Dremel, and a micrometer or Venier caliper, for measuring, and a 6-32 tap and drill set. I would encourage anyone to give it a shot...be patient and take their time, and they should be able to accomplish the task. From the time I started working on the design to the time the project was completed, I would guess that I had about 5 hours in the whole deal. For a member to just sit down and do it....it may be 2 to three hours worth of benchwork. Email coming to you!
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12-17-2008, 07:43 AM
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This is certainly a step in the right direction. Now if only I could learn to make forged hammers and triggers in my basement, I might be interested in the new guns. That hollow trigger is just downright ugly too.
Dave Sinko
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12-17-2008, 08:07 AM
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I am very interested in seeing instructions and additional photos. Great idea!
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12-17-2008, 08:10 AM
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Smith has really stuffed up,I like the old hammer and trigger also.You know what the new Smiths look like,a Taurus copy of a smith.The classic lines and looks are gone.Am I wrong.
Ken
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12-17-2008, 09:46 AM
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Thanks Raider....I am working on it as time permits...................I understand what you are all talking about...that darn lock just ruins the looks of the gun, but, I have it, I like it, it was hard to find, its very accurate, and I am just going to have to work with it. A lock on a handgun is stupid, but until the PC crowd and the frivolous lawsuits stop, I can only imagine that things will get worse.
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12-17-2008, 04:16 PM
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FT, did you want me to hold off on posting the "parts" picture?? I added text to the picture, to describe the parts. (From your email).. Let me know and I'll add it to the original post..
I can live with the new hammer and triggers, (though the firing pin off the hammer bums me out) but the "internal lock" is a total deal breaker for me.. This mod that Flat-top has come up with is just what these new guns need, imo!!
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Mick
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12-17-2008, 07:04 PM
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Mickstix; Email sent.
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12-17-2008, 09:51 PM
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email returned!
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Mick
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12-18-2008, 07:17 AM
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Gotcha Mick...more info on the way, and more to come!!!
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12-20-2008, 04:52 PM
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Bump!! Dont let this one slide too far folks.. Once FT gets his drawing done we have some nice detailed pix to post, along with his tutorial!! Stay tuned, it'll be worth it!!
Quote:
That hollow trigger is just downright ugly too.
Dave Sinko
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No worries David, that hollow trigger is just begging for some JBWeld and a set-screw trigger stop! That and some time with a file and it'd look factory fabulous!
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Mick
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12-23-2008, 09:01 PM
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OK, there she is Flat Top!! Nice job and fabrication!! 2 thumbs up!! Mick
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Mick
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12-24-2008, 06:35 AM
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Mick; Thanks!...and, I couldnt have done it without your help...it was greatly appreciated. (Attn Forum members: Mick gave up much of his holiday time to get this info to you. He does not expect anything in return for his efforts...but, I know that he has been wanting a polished SS S&W 1911 for some time now, and wouldnt it be a fitting "thank you" if the forum members all pitched in to get him one!!!! LOL!!!) I hope that some on this forum take advantage of this and give it a shot. For those who are mechanically challenged, I am sure that any qualified gunsmith, or gun tinkerer could accomplish this project. It just takes a bit of patience, and attention to detail to get the job done. I encourage those who want to give it a try to do so, and if they have any questions, they may feel free to email me. I hope that all here have a Happy and Safe Holiday Season! FT
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12-24-2008, 09:22 PM
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Very nice job!
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Dom
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12-25-2008, 06:06 AM
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Hunt; On behalf of Mick and myself...thanks! I am not a collector, but I had reservations about modifying a Smith by making a permanent (drill/tap) change to the gun. Smiths seem to hold or increase in value, and I am sure "originality" means something in that respect. Also, the "drill and tap" thing doesnt address the flag slot issue when the lock is totally removed (which I think is the best way to eliminate the potential problem). I think this IL kit cleans up the look as best as possible but still allows for originality (value), and, the factory warranty to be maintained. This may be a bit more than some folks are willing to bite off, but, it is an alternative..........
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12-25-2008, 07:58 AM
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Flat Top, Great job! And hey nice gun too.
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12-25-2008, 08:36 AM
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Thanks Coug! The gun is getting there....still have some mods to do, to make it "my own". This one is a keeper for sure, and for a snubbie the accuracy is amazing...one 12 shot ragged hole at 10 yards. Just goes to show what a Smith can do for an old guy with bad eyesight!!!! LOL!
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12-25-2008, 03:24 PM
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Nice work, flat top!
How did you cut the screw slot? Dremel or saw?
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12-25-2008, 03:34 PM
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Mick have you thought about making the parts for those who for whatever reasons can not make the parts, but could do the install or have someone do it for them.
Heck if nothing else you might find yourself making enough in a rather short time to buy a classic S&W for yourself. I would see nothing wrong with paying for your ready made parts and instructions. Not sure how many different sizes they have for the internals but there is at least two and maybe three.
Being an old fart with arthritic hands and back I would buy the set-up off you for a J frame for sure and most likely my N frame. Heck if I got a good buy of say 3 for $50 to $75 range I would most likely buy three, two for sure.
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12-25-2008, 03:44 PM
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ol timer: I just started it with a jewelers file and cut it with a hack saw. That is a small part, and even the hack saw blade puts a very thin slot in the end of the screw.
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12-25-2008, 03:52 PM
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Old Navy; I originally intended to produce this as a kit, but with the variations in manufacturing tolerances there would still be the "file to fit" for each individual gun. Smiths are very well made, but, they are still mass produced.........I opted to keep the copywrite on this design, through my company, but, I would encourage any forum member to use the design, and if you know a gunsmith or tinkerer that could make them for you, I would encourage you to download the info and have it done. I know what you mean about old hands and arthritis, but mine made these parts (and it wasnt easy, I assure you!!!)
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12-25-2008, 04:16 PM
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Excellent work! This should be a sticky.
Thanks for all the hard work.
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12-25-2008, 04:54 PM
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Thanks Jim!
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12-26-2008, 01:04 PM
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I would be interested in a file to fit kit. Heck, I would be interested in a raw material kit.
Quote:
Originally posted by flat top:
...I opted to keep the copywrite on this design, through my company, but, I would encourage any forum member to use the design, and if you know a gunsmith or tinkerer that could make them for you, I would encourage you to download the info and have it done...
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This is very generous.
Thank you,
ot
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12-26-2008, 01:44 PM
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It's good to see this thread. I own 2 with the IL and to be honest I could care less.
What does bother me though is I'm tired of hearing "I won't buy a S&W because of the IL and MIM parts". My god, it's a S&W! Get over it.
Should I ever desire to lose the lock this was good to know.
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12-27-2008, 02:05 AM
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Wow, glad to see this thread finally took off!! FT, I told ya if ya posted it, they'd come.. Im almost tempted to start "Looking" for an IL gun, just so I can try and make one of these things!! hehee..
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Mick
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12-27-2008, 06:50 AM
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Mick; I think that you have been looking for a good excuse to buy a new Smith.....I am glad I could help you out in that respect!!! LOL!!! Its good to see that our efforts are receiving some interest....now, all we need to do is get someone to make one for themselves, and report on their success.....with photo's of course!!!
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12-27-2008, 07:00 AM
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J; Mine had the lock...it never failed. Didnt even know there was a IL problem till I came here! You folks caused me a lot of work!!!! LOL!!! My only Smith that has this is the 44 Mag snubbie...it is a "work" gun, which means it "has to work"!!! I just didnt want to assume that my lock would not break, so out it came.
Thomas; Thanks! Make the kit...then install the gun.....Man, you guys can come up with all sorts of ideas to get yourself a new Smith!!!!
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12-30-2008, 10:51 PM
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Kabump! Cant let this one slide too far.. Too much good info to let it go.. Mod's if you see this, hows a bout a sticky???
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Mick
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01-07-2009, 08:36 PM
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Bump to top.
Another vote that this information is too valuable to allow it to vanish into obscurity.
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01-09-2009, 09:55 AM
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I think that someone could make this up as a kit and sell hundreds here. I would take 5 just for me.
Doc
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01-10-2009, 11:16 AM
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If a quality kit is made, I'll buy some as well. I might even buy more new S&W revolvers.
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01-10-2009, 01:42 PM
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Flat top Thanks this page is another that I bookmarked
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01-11-2009, 07:18 AM
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Thanks all! To "manufacture" this kit, and to make it a viable product, would require EDM programs, machinery, etc, and the cost would be high. To deminish the cost there would have to be thousands of customers, and thousands of dollars spent in advertising to attract them. For myself, or someone else to actually sit at a bench and make kits by hand, would also not be cost/time effective. Thats why I offered up this idea to forum members. If someone would take the lead, and make an attempt to make this kit themselves, I think they would see that its not really that hard to do...just takes a little patience and attention to detail. It took me about five hours from the conception of the idea to the installation of the kit. I would thing that the kit, now that the directions, etc, are layed out, should take someone about half that time to build and install. Again, I would encourage a forum member to give it a shot, and if someone during the building process needs some help or assistance they are free to contact me by email.
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01-30-2009, 10:35 AM
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Bump! (Mods, please sticky/pin this thread!)
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Mick
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01-31-2009, 05:49 PM
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Quote:
Originally posted by flat top:
For myself, or someone else to actually sit at a bench and make kits by hand, would also not be cost/time effective.
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You could make the kits using MIM parts to save time and money. Plus it'd match the hammer and trigger.
Smitty
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01-31-2009, 05:56 PM
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Smitty; you have hit the nail on the head!!!! what an idea!!! Nothin like foriegn made parts in an American made gun, eh?
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02-13-2009, 05:47 PM
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Would you mind posting a pic or 3 looking down from the top of the gun onto the plate? The 1st photo almost shows it, but I was wondering what it looks like from the top down. Much thanks.
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04-05-2009, 10:59 PM
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I think I might accomplish this mod.
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04-06-2009, 02:02 AM
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This is a great product and should make you a lot of money if a lot of people know about it. I bet at least 20 to 30% of all SW buyers would rather have no lock.
Let us know if you are selling this
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02-01-2010, 07:41 PM
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Very Nice Job. Thumbs up to ya FT!
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02-19-2010, 01:48 AM
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Excellent thread!
Many thanks!
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