Flat Top's "remove the lock" project: complete "pix and all"

[Mickstix]

Flat top sent me all the pix to host, and a lil text to go with it.. Here it is:

Here is a photo of the finished IL project. (Detailed instructions and more pix are below) This gun will be bead blasted after I do more extensive work to it and the IL parts will blend right in. Also, a blued revolver with blued IL parts would look nice as well. I made both parts that show from stainless, and for a polished nickel revolver, the only thing the owner would need to do is have the parts polished for a nice match.

Here's the full tutorial, pix and all!! Enjoy!!

Thanks again FlatTop!! Im gonna give this a try as soon as I find a deal on a revolver with a lock in it!

 

[flat top]

Thanks Mick; The pic looks great, and thanks for adding the text! I have had other Smith's that do not have locks. Before I joined this forum, I really didnt pay much attention to the lock thing until I found out that they fail. After reading more about it here, I decided that I wasnt going to assume that mine would not fail, so, out it came....then, I was sitting there looking at the hole and the slot, thinking to myself that the Smith just didnt look right, and decided to do something about it. If others show interest, I will get something together in the way of parts photos and some basic directions for you to post, and be in touch. Thanks again, I appreciate your time and effort in getting this to the members. FT

 

[Mickstix]

No prob! Just shoot me an email anytime ya need me to add to the photos!! I can guarantee just about everyone would love to see the internals of the gun, and the parts that you made! I know I would!! Im not that handy with steel, nor do I have the machinery to make percision parts, but Im a curious tinker' none the less, and enjoys seeing others craftsman/machinests skills put to work.. Same as a bunch of others on here I imagine.

 

[flat top]

mickstix; Will do...we will just wait see if anyone else is interested. Actually, the parts are not all that hard to make and fit, and I made mine with hand tools....I believe that if somebody wanted to do this themselves, all that would be required is a basic knowledge of metal working and your normal hobby gunshop types of tools...files, a Dremel, and a micrometer or Venier caliper, for measuring, and a 6-32 tap and drill set. I would encourage anyone to give it a shot...be patient and take their time, and they should be able to accomplish the task. From the time I started working on the design to the time the project was completed, I would guess that I had about 5 hours in the whole deal. For a member to just sit down and do it....it may be 2 to three hours worth of benchwork. Email coming to you!

 

[David Sinko]

This is certainly a step in the right direction. Now if only I could learn to make forged hammers and triggers in my basement, I might be interested in the new guns. That hollow trigger is just downright ugly too.

Dave Sinko

 

[Raider]

I am very interested in seeing instructions and additional photos. Great idea!

 

[Aussie44]

Smith has really stuffed up,I like the old hammer and trigger also.You know what the new Smiths look like,a Taurus copy of a smith.The classic lines and looks are gone.Am I wrong.

Ken

 

[flat top]

Thanks Raider....I am working on it as time permits...................I understand what you are all talking about...that darn lock just ruins the looks of the gun, but, I have it, I like it, it was hard to find, its very accurate, and I am just going to have to work with it. A lock on a handgun is stupid, but until the PC crowd and the frivolous lawsuits stop, I can only imagine that things will get worse.

 

[Mickstix]

FT, did you want me to hold off on posting the "parts" picture?? I added text to the picture, to describe the parts. (From your email).. Let me know and I'll add it to the original post..

I can live with the new hammer and triggers, (though the firing pin off the hammer bums me out) but the "internal lock" is a total deal breaker for me.. This mod that Flat-top has come up with is just what these new guns need, imo!!

 

[flat top]

Mickstix; Email sent.

 

[Mickstix]

email returned!

 

[flat top]

Gotcha Mick...more info on the way, and more to come!!!

 

[Mickstix]

Bump!! Dont let this one slide too far folks.. Once FT gets his drawing done we have some nice detailed pix to post, along with his tutorial!! Stay tuned, it'll be worth it!!

That hollow trigger is just downright ugly too.

Dave Sinko

No worries David, that hollow trigger is just begging for some JBWeld and a set-screw trigger stop! That and some time with a file and it'd look factory fabulous!

 

[Mickstix]

OK, there she is Flat Top!! Nice job and fabrication!! 2 thumbs up!! Mick

 

[flat top]

Mick; Thanks!...and, I couldnt have done it without your help...it was greatly appreciated. (Attn Forum members: Mick gave up much of his holiday time to get this info to you. He does not expect anything in return for his efforts...but, I know that he has been wanting a polished SS S&W 1911 for some time now, and wouldnt it be a fitting "thank you" if the forum members all pitched in to get him one!!!! LOL!!!) I hope that some on this forum take advantage of this and give it a shot. For those who are mechanically challenged, I am sure that any qualified gunsmith, or gun tinkerer could accomplish this project. It just takes a bit of patience, and attention to detail to get the job done. I encourage those who want to give it a try to do so, and if they have any questions, they may feel free to email me. I hope that all here have a Happy and Safe Holiday Season! FT

 

[Hunt200]

Very nice job!

 

[flat top]

Hunt; On behalf of Mick and myself...thanks! I am not a collector, but I had reservations about modifying a Smith by making a permanent (drill/tap) change to the gun. Smiths seem to hold or increase in value, and I am sure "originality" means something in that respect. Also, the "drill and tap" thing doesnt address the flag slot issue when the lock is totally removed (which I think is the best way to eliminate the potential problem). I think this IL kit cleans up the look as best as possible but still allows for originality (value), and, the factory warranty to be maintained. This may be a bit more than some folks are willing to bite off, but, it is an alternative..........

 

[Coug45]

Flat Top, Great job! And hey nice gun too.

 

[flat top]

Thanks Coug! The gun is getting there....still have some mods to do, to make it "my own". This one is a keeper for sure, and for a snubbie the accuracy is amazing...one 12 shot ragged hole at 10 yards. Just goes to show what a Smith can do for an old guy with bad eyesight!!!! LOL!

 

[ol timer]

Nice work, flat top!

How did you cut the screw slot? Dremel or saw?