.455 Project Gun

[delta-419]

I picked up a modified .455 frame/cylinder/barrel at the Dothan Gun Show last weekend. It had, sometime in its life, been converted to shoot 45acp. It had been stripped of all in "innards". I have been looking for a donor N frame for awhile and this was the perfect patient for a transplant to .44 special. The cylinder had been shaved down, so the recoil shield was intact. The barrel has now been removed. Work on the conversion will begin as soon as the rebound slide arrives. I have a new (never used) 5" barrel and a slightly used cylinder. This gun was blue at one time and I'm thinking that it will again be a blue gun. I don't know much about WWI guns but this frame bears serial number331xx. The re-nickel is serviceable and will remain so for awhile.

 

[Hondo44]

Looks like a decent 455 Mk II Hand Ejector-2nd Model for your 44 Spl project. I would also go back to blue. Are you going to reinstall a lanyard ring?

 

[delta-419]

Lanyard Ring

Hondo44, yes I have one and it will fill the hole in the butt. It is amazing how clean it is under the side plate. I also plan to get the side plate S&W logo re-stamped or engraved. Has anyone had a side plate re-stamped at the factory. This will take the large logo one as now stamped on modern Smiths.

 

[2152hq]

Nice save,,I love project guns.
Too much I'm afraid,,probably'll never finish them all.

Is your 44 bbl a shrouded ejector style like the H/D?,,just wondering. Makes no difference really. They shoot just as well either way.

I don't know if the factory will take in just a sideplate and rollmark a logo on it. Worth a phone call to see though.

Keep us posted on progress.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Delta419, it was good seeing you and your project at the show! I don't think the 2nd model military guns had a trademark stamp...at least the 1917's didn't. I believe APWCogan.com will stamp it. IIRC, Bob Cogan told me they have the stamps, both large and small. You might want to give them a call. They can also remove the nickel plate and blue it if you want. Of course, you could use a battery charger and some electrolyte to do it yourself... I'm looking forward to seeing the end result.

 

[Muley Gil]

Good for you.

I too like bringing the old ones back to life, providing you don't sink too much into them.