MODEL 67-1 BACK FROM AMERIGUN

[gtoppcop]

All,

I received my 67-1 Combat Masterpiece back from Chris McVety at Amerigun in North Branch, MI late last week.

This particular specimen was made in 1982 and was either a LEO's gun or lived its life in and out of a holster. The stainless finish was well worn with all sharp edges being worn down (kinda nice for de-horning...) and some of the factory engraving worn as well.

It did have one of the nicest actions that I've felt on a S&W in quite some time. After the obligatory full tear down and "de-lousing", I sent her frame/barrel assembly, cylinder, sideplate and cylinder yoke off to Amerigun for:

--Trijicon Tritium front sight with white outline
--Cylinder chamfer
--Bead blast

When I got the gun back, I noticed that the bead blast, while complete was VERY rough. The front sight was perfect, as wwas the cylinder chamfer (I like very aggressive chamfering of the charge holes).

First order of business was to put her back together with the parts that I cleaned and detailed over her one-month vacation to the Wolverine State.

During the time she was in Michigan, I sent her original hammer and trigger (.265" Service and .375" Semi-Target, respectively) to Denny Reichard at Sand Burr Gun Ranch in Indiana for radiusing, polishing and a slight semi-bob of the hammer spur.

When put together, the slate "battleship gray" of the bead blast didn't quite look right. I was on the verge of sending her off to ROBAR to have NP3 Plus applied. I mentioned it to my local gunsmith, who told me to simply brush the blasted surfaces with a stainless toothbrush. He told me that brushing it 'North and South' will give a nice matte, brush finish. I spent the better part of two hours brushing the gun and came out with a pleasing utilitarian finish.

Although the gun isn't "done" yet, I like the way she came out. My whole purpose was to make what I believe is a modern-day rendition of the Combat Masterpiece. When the trigger and hammer come back and are installed, she'll be a nearly perfect K-Frame holster gun. The grips are Ahrends Retro Combats in Bocote (Cordia) from ebay's 'Gripseller'. Wasn't sure how'd they look on a stainless gun...

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

That front sight is certainly an improvement over what typically comes on a M67-1. Too bad about the sand blasting. You'd think a good gunsmith would know better and use the proper glass beads and air pressure. But you fixed it and it looks good now.

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

Very nice!

Sure looks good with the Bocote stocks. Also looking forward to a range report when it's all "back together".

 

[KLYDE]

Another nice semi custom. I see nothing wrong with modifying a gun to fit your needs. Makes a good stable mate for that sweet model 10 you have. Keep us filled in.

 

[gtoppcop]

Amerigun does a great job on S&W revolvers. Chris and Gary are very passionate about their work. They are also Trijicon's Custom Shop and do many disparate projects.

Right now, my Model 13-1 (1974) is almost done. They did the following mods on her:

--Install front Tritium sight (the sights on the old M&Ps are actually pinned)

--11 degree muzzle chamfer

--Reblue (I originally specified the polish blue, but later revised it to a nice soft matte blue)

They also did my flagship Model 19-3 (1969) with a front Tritium blade. It, along with the smooth Spegel Cocobolo Extended Boot grips makes it a wonderful (read: modern) example of the Combat Magnum.

I will have them do several others in the coming months. My Model 15-6 (1993) is next. She's almost done and just needs a front Tritium blade to complete her.

After the other Combat Masterpiece is done, my 1981-vintage Model 65-3 will up next. She also has her front sight pinned in, so it's EASY for them to do. She's clocked perfectly, so the only thing is to get the correct height.

Chris and Gary ask me to include a target (w/ distance) with the frame or gun to properly diagnose correct height. If the gun is a fixed-sighted gun, they really need a target, as it may dictate what type of sight install: Pinned or Dovetailed.

Can't recommend these guys enough for quality work on revolvers. As they come in, I'll be sure to post pics.

 

[bigmoose]

Those grips look stunning on that 67. The 67 is one of my favorites and I like what you did with the front sight also. Fill us in on the range report when you get around to it.

 

[gtoppcop]

KLYDE,

Here's my Model 19-3 (1969) that they did the Tritium front sight on. Trigger was done by Mag-Na-Port. Grips are Spegel Extended Boots in Cocobolo. I wanted to make a modern version of the classic Combat Magnum. She's a wonderful shooter and one that is at home in any BBQ environment.

 

[gtoppcop]

Got back late last night from 2 weeks in Sweden visiting family. When I got home, Mama Bear said that I had quite a few packages waiting for me. One of these was from Sand Burr Gun Ranch in Indiana.

Denny Reichert did his magic on my 67-1's hammer and trigger. He radiused and polished both units, so there's no sharp edges anywhere. This morning after my "jet-lag nap", I got the 67-1 apart and changed out the spare trigger/hammer for her re-worked units.

While apart, I went over the chamfered charge holes with 2400 grit paper to eliminate any unfinished edges.

I changed the grips to a more pleasing set. The other two are included in the pic. The one that has the nicer grain pattern will adorn my Model 15-6 (Heavy Barrel) currently being re-blued and having a .250" high SDM 14K gold bead front sight fitted. She too will be a worthy example of the Combat Masterpiece moniker. The straight-grained pattern set will go on my Model 10-6 (1977), which is now enjoying a re-finish at the spa in Springfield, MASS.

The result (although it looks 'normal') is well worth the coin and time. She is a modern rendition of the fabled Combat Masterpiece. Everything you need and nothing you don't...

 

[Dghost]

Beautiful gun!!

 

[gtoppcop]

Guys,

As I did with the Model 13-1, here's my range report on the 67-1. I'm VERY happy with the way she shot today! After the obligatory rear sight adjustments, I was able to get her 'Minute-of-Felon' with a few strings of fire.

My EDC load here at the house is the under-appreciated Remington 125gr Golden Saber .38 Special +P. This load makes about 1000 fps from a four-inch tube and is very accurate and controllable. A previous test from TN Outdoors 9 on YouTube with a Model 438 showed that the Golden Saber's .38 Special bullet has decent expansion and penetration (from a 2-inch barrel). I think he got .62" expansion. I would like to see what a three and four inch barrel's performance does.

Back to the gun. It shot wonderfully. I could tell I had several folks watching me speedload and shoot. There were two San Diego PD recruits next to me with their GLOCKs that really could've used some accuracy. They most likely never seen an "Old Man's Gun" being used and shot quickly.

The trigger pull, accuracy potential and overall shoot-ability is top flight. My machinations and thoughts about a "modern" Combat Masterpiece proved to hold water.

Thanks for all of your kind comments. Again, if you're in the market for aftermarket night sights for your favorite wheelgun, look up the guys at Amerigun.

As more projects come out of them (I have a few more left), I'll be sure to post threads.