Many law enforcement officers carried cut down N frame revolvers in the 20's and 30's particularly in the Southwest. I also know one Cowboy Action Shooter who has a 3 inch SAA w/birds head grip as his civilian carry gun. Rather than butcher a Classic N frame, I would start with a S&W "Mountain Gun" in .45 ACP. Mine has a short barrel and birds head grip, fixed sights and shoots like a dream. The stainless finish holds up well carried next to the body.