Custom fixed sight Model 58-57

SAFireman · Apr 15, 2019

Most of the folks on this board have seen Doc44's 29-58.....you know, the fixed sight, 3" shrouded barrel, 44 magnum? Well, the factory only made THREE of these for a special order (for a really great customer), and I have never seen one for sale.....I had to make my own.

The beginning - Plain Jane model 58 (early production). I bought this gun from a dealer in NY state. I was referred by a notorious enabler Ladder13

. I carried and shot this gun for several years, it even spawned the 'Unofficial 58 Club'. Here are a few of the 'before' pics.

After shooting it with the Diamond PC Magnas and a Tyler T grip adapter, I moved on to a set of Smith & Wesson finger groove Combat Stocks. These stocks are wider and fit my hand as if they were molded around it. It sure makes the 58 a pleasure to shoot with stout loads.

Part two in next post.....

loc n load · Apr 15, 2019

Well Scott, I am patiently waiting for part two. Really like the cutlery and leather. Had to smile when you commented on swapping the PC's for the combats. Totally understand that.

SAFireman · Apr 15, 2019

The conversion

I had come across a loose model 57 barrel at a local gun show and bought it for a project that had not yet been decided upon.

I sent the barrel to our very own Keith44spl who cut it down to just a shade over three inches. He added a new sight that would be correct for the fixed sight frame, and he added a red ramp.

The model 58, the barrel, and a set of Catalin N round stocks were packaged up and sent to Ford's in Florida.

Ford's round butted the frame, narrowed the trigger guard, removed the original barrel and mounted the 'new' three inch barrel. Once the work was completed, and the gun test fired, it was given the Master High Polish blue treatment.

This conversion was meant to be a tribute to Doc44's 29-58. Bill (Doc44) was kind enough to photograph his gun and send me a CD so that we had a good idea of what the finish project should look like.

I added the Tyler T grip adapter once it got home. I haven't had the free time during daylight hours to shoot it, but I will jump on that opportunity as soon as I can. You can look forward to a range report shortly.

Here is the finished product....

Stay tuned, range report forthcoming!

Old Corp · Apr 15, 2019

Great project and great completion.
It's funny - while people often say a M58 looks like a 'pregnant' M10 HB, your piece looks like an upsized M19 2.5". Great lines.

My M58 (that came from you) has become too near and dear for me to ever alter it much. Do still need proper PC diamond Magnas for it one day...'til then it does nicely with incorrect Magnas and a Tyler-T.

SAFireman · Apr 15, 2019

Old Corp said:
Great project and great completion.
It's funny - while people often say a M58 looks like a 'pregnant' M10 HB, your piece looks like an upsized M19 2.5". Great lines.

My M58 (that came from you) has become too near and dear for me to ever alter it much. Do still need proper PC diamond Magnas for it one day...'til then it does nicely with incorrect Magnas and a Tyler-T.

I may have another pair of 'spare' PC magnas in my stash. PM me with your serial # and I will see how close I can come.

If this was my only 58, then this project would never have happened. I was blessed with more than one, so it didn't hurt nearly as much

A model 58 is likely to be the last gun sold.

Doc44 · Apr 15, 2019

Great job!!! To be proud of.

Bill

colt_saa · Apr 15, 2019

Beautiful addition to the family

Ford's does wonderful work

Sixgun100 · Apr 15, 2019

One of the nicest Revolvers I've ever seen. Outstanding conversation. Enjoy!

scout II · Apr 15, 2019

Now that's what I am talking about. An all business gun that looks sharp as can be. Now I have to hunt down a model 57 barrel.

loc n load · Apr 15, 2019

Great outcome, and two highly skilled artisans involved in the make over. I have always considered the 58 to be the "big brother" to the 65. Both of which I am quite fond of. I have always considered the 3" RB the epitome of the carry revolver. And your " new" 58 simply reinforces that opinion. Now, "gas it up" and go shoot it.

Doug M. · Apr 20, 2019

I can't believe the collector fetishists have not come along squealing that you have ruined it.

Me? I think t's a very well done serious revolver, set up for how you want it to work for you, and that it is an excellent item.

JMV366 · Apr 20, 2019

Very nicely done. Really sharp !!!

WC145 · Apr 20, 2019

That came out terrific!! I'm really looking forward to your range report.
When I did my 3" RB .41mag project the 28-2 I used was pretty beat up so the worst of the blemishes were cleaned up and it got a matte blue finish, which helped to mask the remaining issues. Ford's did a beautiful job on your finish and round butting the frame. Always nice when your vision becomes reality.

kthom · Apr 20, 2019

Congratulations, SAFireman! VERY nicely done, and top shelf. That one speaks to my 3" barrel lovin' heart! And my favorites among them all have fixed sights. Just WOW!

Messer · Apr 20, 2019

Looks like a 3" Model 13 that went to the gym!

Very nice indeed!

Bob S.

Dieseltech56 · Apr 20, 2019

I'm surprised this conversion isn't more popular. I have a 58 and while the gun is nice it's a reblue and doesn't have any collector value. I would love to have a 3 inch round butt

lawandorder · Apr 21, 2019

Very smart fellow with impeccable taste !, aided by some great folks.

Chukar60 · Apr 21, 2019

I am not much of a fan of N frames and 41's, but if I saw that for sale?
I would change my mind in a big hurry.
Very nice concept with excellent execution. Quite sharp!

Green Frog · Apr 22, 2019

I am neither a fan of N-frame 41s nor generally of fixed sights... neither really fits my needs/shooting style. Having said that I'll say if that's what you like, you did a great job of getting it built. As I have said so often on this forum, the worst thing you can do is build yourself a gun just because it pleases other folks. The best thing is your personalized gun that fits your needs and personality. Congrats on a fine build.

Froggie

Lewel · Apr 25, 2019

58/44

Here is my take on your idea. A fixed sight 44mag hideout gun. This was built on a md 58 frame, 44 mag barrel, & a rechambered md 58 cylinder. This was done when a model 58 was a $4-500 gun. John Gallagher put it together. The gun shoots POA at 20 yards.

It is enjoyable to have a variation of a gun not many people have.

Custom fixed sight Model 58-57

Member

Attachments

Member

Attachments

Member

Member

US Veteran

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Attachments

Similar threads