Interesting M1926 modification

[bettis1]

A friend sent me these photos with questions about the modifications to this M1926 (sn 41xxx).

I've never seen one quite like this before but here's my take. It's not a factory modification but appears to be a professionally done one. The gun would date to around 1933. The barrel looks like it is about 3.5". The factory also never made a rib with the parallel grooves on each side of the sight. So my guess is that it was a 5" barrel that was shortened. If it had started as a longer barrel, the printing on the side wouldn't be centered as it is. Of course, when it was shortened, the sight was removed so a rib and a Patridge sight was installed. The lines on each side of the sight were probably placed there to cover the solder joint. I don't think the barrel was ever removed because the barrel pin looks original so I bet that it has the same serial number as the frame and cylinder. That probably accounts for the additional loss of blue on the barrel and the fact that the gunsmith used cold blue on it. The front Patridge sight is wider than the original half nickel so I wonder if the rear sight groove opened up any? The grips are much later than would have come on the gun, too.

Bob

 

[Doc44]

Good looking shooter. I agree with your conclusions.

Bill

 

[keith44spl]

Bob,

Neat ol revolver...Folks have done all kinda modifications to 'em over the years...

Yes, It does look like the rib and front sight assembly was sweated on, with what I'd guess to be
soft solder, like what's used to join double barrels with.

Su Amigo,
Dave

 

[Deacon KC]

I like that! Very handsome.

 

[Russell Cottle]

Someone did aa good job on that ol war horse.

 

[Muley Gil]

That six shooter is sooo ugly it should never see the light of day! So, I'll do the honorable thing and take it away and hide, deep within my safe, never to be seen again!


'Cept when I take it out and shoot it, of course.

 

[2152hq]

The ramp and sight kind of looks like one that Parker Hale or one of those type companys sold for spiffin' up fixed sighted revolvers like the M&P. They were a one piece unit and were soft soldered into place. Sometimes a little adjustment by filing was necessary to the barrel right up close to the frame. That needed to correct the contour slightly so the sight rib can sit down tight for soldering.
The assemblys were sold in different lengths.

The missing blue is probably the result of the 'smith getting an education to the fact that most soft soldering flux will remove or at least badly discolor gun bluing when heated and it runs all over.

 

[lawandorder]

Bob I like that one. Any history on previous owners?

 

[bettis1]

Tony,

Yep, it does have a certain charm doesn't it. No history that I know of. The pictures are from an acquaintance in far west Texas who said that a friend just found it. I'll see if he has any details where it might have come from.

Bob