Finally! Resolution complete!

[SAFireman]

As some of you know, I have been looking for a Jovino or Behlert custom big bore snubbie in 41 magnum for years (literally). I even had a WTB ad here on the forum. Well, a kind and thoughtful member brought an auction to my attention that contained a very unusual Model 58.

Now, some of you know about my affinity for the unloved beast that is the S&W Model 58, so this was very exciting.

Well, long story short, I won the auction, likely because very few people knew what this was, or were scared of a modified gun. It is to be delivered to my local FFL for transfer later today. I am almost sure that they will have some delay in getting it transferred to me. I won't see it in person until Tuesday.

I am loading up some fresh 210gr LSWC with sr4756 for a range session as soon as I get it home

Here is a pic from the auction:

I think that it started life as a model 58 with a 4 inch barrel. It appears to have a shortened model 57 barrel on it now as there is a full lug cover. The stocks are atrocious (K frame magnas) and will be removed immediately and something more suitable will be installed....maybe a good job for Patrick Grashorn aka Executioner?

What do you guys think? I think that now I need to find a Jovino Effector in 41 mag next the S&W addiction never ends does it?

Updated in today's post....see below....





12-6-2017 Resolution offered by seller: As soon as I knew that we might have an issue, I emailed the seller. His reply was prompt, he offered a full refund, plus return shipping, and transfer costs. I added all of that up and it seemed like a large sum to return an incorrect, but functioning gun. I offered to accept the parts cost to return it to the 41 caliber, and they agreed.

So, the gun is staying with me and I have the parts paid for if I decide that it is wise to convert it back to 41 Mag. I will be testing some 44 special loads this weekend, and looking for some HD/SD 44 Mag loads to try as well.

I think that we are on the road to recovery

12-8 - Range report added in last post

12-15 - Seller's promised remedy arrived and we are good to go!

 

[hardcase60]

I think you are correct regarding the barrel swap, it's a beautiful snubby, that I should own it, and that you are very fortunate to have found it. That's what I think. LOL, hardcase60

 

[hittman77]

I'm with you on the snubbie and 41 magnum love!

Great catch.

 

[SAFireman]

I think you are correct regarding the barrel swap, it's a beautiful snubby, that I should own it, and that you are very fortunate to have found it. That's what I think. LOL, hardcase60

I will send the next one that I find your way! You may have to remind me, I'm getin old and forget stuff like that

In the mean time, you are welcome to come and shoot it with me

 

[galena]

WOW.......that is a beautiful hand full. I love both of my 58s and generally carry 210 LSWCs. I am too lazy to go out to my reloading room to look up my recipe for the loads but they work great for me. Enjoy.

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

I would look for some old Sambar Stags,The new Elk Stags don't do anything for me(just my opinion).Throw on a nice matte black Tyler T Grip and your Golden.

 

[A10]

That's a very cool Gun! You know, you could go old school and wrap black electrical tape around the grip........

 

[Skullaero]

Very nice find. One of my biggest gun regrets was trading off my model 58. I think the grips give it a classic gangster look from the days before model numbers. However, I see the fitment at the back strap leaves a lot to be desired. I like it.

 

[SAFireman]

That's a very cool Gun! You know, you could go old school and wrap black electrical tape around the grip........

I am thinking really old skool - how about a cut-out piece of bicycle tire inner tube?

There is a really neat couple of old time heaters that White Coyote posted a while back, maybe one of those could be used for inspiration?

 

[SAFireman]

Very nice find. One of my biggest gun regrets was trading off my model 58. I think the grips give it a classic gangster look from the days before model numbers. However, I see the fitment at the back strap leaves a lot to be desired. I like it.

Yes, the current stocks are horrendous.....I think that they were from a K frame. I can not bring myself to cut up some nice N PC magnas, so I am thinking that Sambar Stag may be in order?

 

[hardcase60]

I will send the next one that I find your way! You may have to remind me, I'm getin old and forget stuff like that

In the mean time, you are welcome to come and shoot it with me

I may have to remind you of what??? Really! Half the time I'm just glad that I remember my name and what day it is, at the same time............ Thanks for the invite I don't get south very much anymore. hardcase60

 

[SAFireman]

The LGS never called, so I stopped by before lunch and it was there waiting for me. Yay! The last hours of the work day slowly trickle by.....I just want to go home and run a few cylinders through this old 58.....I have a stash of 210 LSWC stoked with a healthy (but still sensible) dose of sr4756. I bet the old steel plate will be sore in the morning

Range report and new shoes coming soon

 

[colt_saa]

Congratulations on the new snubbie

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I love a customized snubbie, no matter the caliber. Enjoy it!!!

 

[two-bit cowboy]

A 58 is on my short list, and I love snubbies, too.

You've got a winner.

 

[Bob L]

That is one great looking snubby. you should be proud of finding that one. I'm looking forward to a good range report.

 

[BigBill]

I'm not fond of snubbies but in 41 mag I can change my mind right. That will be purdy with some stags on it. I found my m58 n frame very confortable to shoot in 41 mag. While my ruger snubbie 357 jumps around way more. It's all about the bigger n frame.

 

[SAFireman]

Range report

First thing, when I made it home last night, I pulled those horrible K-frame modified magnas off and put them aside. I checked a few pairs of stocks that I have lying about and could only make one set fit well enough to not irritate my delicate sensibilities Yes, they are Pachmayr, but they fit wonderfully, and it is the same model used by Jovino in his conversion.

On to the range report.

I had some home brew 215gr LSWC with 12.5gr sr4756 made up, so I used them. At 25 yards I was ringing the steel plate with almost every shot. The 12.5gr load was manageable, but seemed stiff in that short barrel. The recoil was pleasant compared to full-house 357 magnums through my 340sc. The front sight needs some bright color to help it stand out.....I am thinking white base coat with a fluorescent orange top coat?

In any case, I enjoyed the short session with the new 58. I am already making plans to upgrade the stocks (calling Executioner!) and making the sights easier for my aging eyes to see.

I may have to make up some bunny fart loads to make the introduction of this handful more enjoyable for my wife and guests.

And for leather? I have a dandy S.D. Myres floral carved for a 3.5" N frame, but it just doesn't suit this gun. I am thinking maybe smooth, heavily boned pancake would be just the ticket......maybe horsehide? What do you guys think?

I would have posted this last night after the range time, but I was so excited to shoot my new 58 that I went and left my laptop at work

 

[ladder13]

That snub couldn't have found a more loving home, congrats Scott!

 

[captainjohnsofd]

Good luck finding a .41 Magnum snub made by Austin Behlert. I worked there in the 80's and remember .44's and .45's but no .41's. I had a Model 25 which received the full snub treatment but sadly sold it off long ago. It was a honey.