Recent content by pmhayden

The retired gunsmith, whom I respect, was S&W trained, regularly placed in California police pistol back in the day, taught some name smiths at Trinidad, and worked in the right place at the right time. Reaming a 29 cylinder to .45 Colt would have made sense for the prop department. But mostly...

I have two Harrell’s measures. I use the small one for pistol. The larger one is their “90” measure for rifle. They are an upgrade from the Lyman 55. I do not have to weigh every throw (except Unique - nothing works well for Unique. ;-) Switched to BE-86.) I don’t know if they are a game...

Thank you all for your expertise, help, and kind delivery. Much appreciated. Even though the pistol was refinished, it gives me pleasure to know that someone, though unknown, had such skill and standards. It always pains me to see dished screw holes and rounded edges. This pistol received the...

Numbers if you can see them. I apologize for the lousy cell phone pictures.

I cannot argue with your points. But if it was reblued, that raises other questions. The lettering and screw holes show no wear, and the finish is uniform throughout the pistol. All edges are sharp. The normal imperfections usually found in a prep and reblue are absent. Whomever reblued this was...

Pictures without grips.

I have refinished and reblued firearms. This revolver has not been reblued. However it has a slight, faint grain in the finish - not a glossy polish. I would call it a uniform light satin finish. It is extremely uniform in surface prep. Better than ANY gunsmith job I have ever seen. My thought...

I will see if I can access the pistol for another photograph. It may be a few days. But I see what you mean about the grips, if it’s that old.

A friend purchased this pre war K frame revolver. The bluing is original and relatively clean. He asked me for an opinion as to value. It is not for sale. But any information as to year of production and value would be appreciated. I know this is not a rare revolver but to stumble on a like-new...

CZ75B Tactical and a CZ75 PreB; FN HiPower, Israeli surplus, rebuilt with some C&S parts, and refinished. I have had other 9 mm pistols. But these are all that are left. These are as good as any for my use. Mostly focus on the 44 and 45 calibers, and 38 spl for target.

I bought a Model 64 4 inch pencil barrel to carry concealed OWB while hiking and fishing. I wanted something in SS, light, at least .38 special. I carry it with 158gn SWC and a +P load of Unique I would only use if necessary. I only carry OWB, and revolvers are not different than full size autos...

When I was younger, new to Smiths, I found a 5” Model 27 in a pawn shop for $275. They did not know either. It has some holster bluing wear and a line from the rubber grips that were on it, and was not in “collectable” condition. Quit possibly a retired WA State Patrol trooper’s gun. I replaced...

For .38 special I use 4.0 gn HP-38 and W231 for a 158 SWC as a standard load, and 4.2 gn for a little bit more oomph, both in a Model 15. If I want more oomph I load 5.0 gn of Unique or BE-86 but shoot it in a .357 686 or a .357 Ruger Blackhawk. I consider modern HP-38 and W231 to be identical.

This thread is interesting. I appreciate the technical data, and own a M25-5 (with correct throats and perfect blueing). I also have a newer flattop NM Blackhawk in .45LC on the mid-size frame. My experience is that both revolvers will shoot a 255-260 gn cast bullet over 8.5 gn of Unique or...

I invested in an 8 lbs jug of BE-86 as a replacement for Unique. It works well in .44 Spl and 45 Colt. I believe it is used in bulk by commercial manufacturers. It does meter better.