Chop or Not? 1917 project revisited

[OFT]

If you'll buy the beer, I'll get the gas ax.

 

[Chef]

Hi KKG,
The most expensive part of the project was the model 25 cylinder and ejector rod at 150. The misc small parts from Numrich were probably another 50 or so. I haven't discussed the barrel chop with my gunsmith yet but I'm figuring on around another 50 for that. I got the gun pretty cheap so when its all done if I get it refinished it will be around 600 when finished. I probably could have found a shooter in much better shape but its been fun working on this project and I will have a unique piece when its complete. Regards, Chef

 

[Guest]

Chef;

Thanks for the information.

 

[wlmccann]

I've posted this before. It had a bulged and split barrel as I got it. I got 3 3/8" of good barrel after removing the damaged portion.

 

[Chef]

Hi wlmccann, That is a great looking piece! Who did the grips? I like the length you did for the barrel. Sweet!
Regards, Chef

 

[Hoot]

Hi Chef,
Neat project! I found one already cut. Here's a 3 1/4 inch barrel for ya. I need to take another photo, the pearls are real now.

Best luck to ya!

 

[Kamerer]

Ok, cool, I thought I was being heretical a few posts back about cutting and rounding. Look at those gorgeous guns above and think about how much cooler they would be as round butts. DO IT!

 

[wlmccann]

Thank you Chef. I did the grips from scrap saved here in the shop. Barrel length was pretty much determined by the damage that was already there. The gun is showing some wear now after year and a half or so of frequent use. I shoot it well enough it's become a frequent carry piece.

 

[VM]

CHOP IT!

 

[Chef]

I'm gonna chop it! I think I'd like to keep the old style half moon front sight though. I think looking at Hoot's did the final damage! That is one fine looking nickel job. I'd like to see it with the real mops when you get a photo!
With that being decided. I've got a new replacement barrel available if anyone needs it. Its not marked exactly like the original but it is a Brazillian contract replacement. I think I've got 75 bucks in it and that's what I'd like to have. Drop me a line if you need one.
Regards, Chef

 

[Frank from jersey]

I like Hoot's nickel revolver. The finish on mine is about done. Any ideas on where to get a go nickeling job done? Frank Jr.

 

[rayb]

Some very nice examples for you to follow. The 3 1/4 - 3 1/2 inch bbls are very attractive.

Please keep us posted as your project advances, and thank you for posting.

rayb

 

[willy]

Did the 25 cylinder fit on the org. yoke ? or did you have to do some major work to get a working fit?
(I just cut a 25 barrel down to 4 1/4" and installed a half moon sight on my 1917)


Willy

 

[PZ93C]

Cut it down.

Here's my Colt.

 

[Chef]

Hi Willy,
The cylinder dropped right in the yoke fine. The cylinder stop still needs to be tuned and I haven't checked the bore/cylinder alignment yet. I have a lot of honey do's but I will post progress as it happens. Regards, Chef

 

[willy]

tHANKS
Keep us informed.


Willy

 

[AJMBLAZER]

Subscribed.



A couple years ago a guy over on the 1911Forum posted up a pic of his customized 1917. Similar story as here, old booty fab gun smithing combined with years of neglect gave him an ooogly 2-3" .45 ACP carry piece. He had it smoothed and hard chromed with a nice dull grey finish and man oh man was it sexy...can't find the pics I saved unfortunately.

 

[rhm0351]

I just wanted to be subscribed to see the final product and any others posted along the way.

-R

 

[gaucho1]

I am bumping in the hope for an update.

 

[45Wheelgun]

Here is my chopped 1917: