My .455/.45 Colt and a question about it.

[Mexican Kerry]

I bought this revolver about 5 years ago for $250. It was modified to shoot .45 Colt (all I've ever put through it) and I thought it was an ok price for a shooter. Not much to look at, it looks its age and then some.

Recent threads about shortened/altered old Smiths have reawakened my thoughts of cutting this barrel down. Here are a few quick pics of it in its current configuration. I'm in Canada so the shortest I can go is 4.2", not really a "snubby" but the closest I'll ever get.

I'm a bit undecided though, part of me says go for it, its already been modified and its not in the best condition. Part of me says leave it, its an old war horse that deserves a dignified retirement.

Any and all opinions are appreciated.

 

[C1PNR]

I'd keep the old soldier clean and lubricated just as it is. You were right, it has earned a dignified retirement.

 

[Mexican Kerry]

By "clean and lubricated" are you chastising me haha? I have to admit I've never been diligent about maintenance on this ol' girl. The pics show evidence of this.

I know what you're saying; its made it this far, it might be a shame for it to have a date with a hacksaw since its basically in its original configuration (other than its chambering). If it weren't modded for .45 Colt I wouldn't even consider it.

 

[jaymoore]

It's best left "as is"! Unless the barrel's bulged or something else is wrong with it. It's already been modded enough. You can still shoot the .455 rounds if you care to experience it in it's original iteration. Shooting .455s is definitely a different thing than most .45 Colt rounds. Report is a bit "hollower" and the revolver seems to come bak in the hand a little slower.

I'd send you one that's already been hacked on, but getting it across the border probably isn't worth it.

 

[lebomm]

Another vote for "Leave It Alone" here. Try a box of .455 if you just wanna try something different, but don't chop up that old soldier. Whoever did the conversion on your revolver did it the right way, and you can still use the .455 cartridges without difficulty.

 

[DCWilson]

I'm a "respect your elders" kind of guy, especially now that I am becoming one. I say you should leave the old guy alone. If you really want a Canada-legal .45 with a shorter barrel, look for one that already exists. No need to cut down an old warrior.

That gun is actually not that rough. The stocks are a little beat up and a lot of finish is worn off, but I don't see rust or heavy dings and dents. That gun is a respectable shooter as is.

 

[JWNathan]

I'm with everyone else, I have a 2nd model that's been converted to 45 colt as well. It's not all original either but it's a great shooter, even with .452 diameter bullets! Wish mine still had it's serial on the cylinder face like yours.
-Jesse

 

[Hondo44]

Agreed! I like that righteous old warhorse.

Don't cut it. It's not a bad gun, just showing its age and experience with all its original pedigree markings. Even has the original stocks and lanyard ring. There's lotsa' these that don't. I bet the serial # is still penciled on the backside of the right stock. No abuse and the modification was an improvement with its new dual chambering!

Besides if you cut it, how would you refinish the work? It's impossible to put old 'patina' back on it.

 

[OldDominion]

Another vote for "leave it as is."

 

[Donald Paul]

...and another.

 

[jack the toad]

I have two chopped barrel 1917's (2" & 3.5") and really like them but in this case I'd leave it as is.
Despite the cost, with minimum barrel length restrictions where you're at, what do you have to gain by losing 1.25" inches of barrel?

 

[CptCurl]

I would leave it as-is and love it. It is a nice old gun.

 

[A10]

I would also leave it as is, but be sure to take 'er out for exercise now and again! Looks like she'd have a story or two to tell.....

 

[gunfish]

Thanks for the pictures. It will soon see a century of use. I would not want the karma that follows whoever chops it. That is a revolver I would love to have.

 

[Jack Flash]

... with minimum barrel length restrictions where you're at, what do you have to gain by losing 1.25" inches of barrel?

6.5 - 4.2 = 2.3"

I always thought that the 6.5" barrel is a little too long, but some folks here swear that it is the perfect length for an N-Frame.

I probably would never get around to having it cut down, even though the shorter barrel has a lot of appeal to me.

 

[manyguns]

Sure wish I knew what the 3 notches represent!

 

[JohnRippert]

Defeats the purpose of making a big bore snubbie with the barrel length restrictions there. Keep it as is.

A crossdraw holster just left of the buckle would hold that nicely, even when sitting.

 

[mkk41]

Flip a coin!

But if ya do shorten it , get yerself an Indiana Jones fedora and bullwhip!

http://www.indygear.com/igguns.html

 

[Mexican Kerry]

You guys are all telling me what I already knew I guess. I kinda figured it might not hurt because it had already been modded and I got it for a song, but I understand what you're all saying. I guess she stays as is.

Manyguns, I've wondered about the notches too, that's why I threw that pic in the mix.

mkk41, I've got the fedora, but the wife put her foot down when I started shopping for a whip!

 

[alwslate]

I'll take a different view. I usually vote against the typical alteration,
the refinish, but a modification that makes the gun more desirable to
you can have merit. The key is quality work. A nicely done cut to 4.2"
is a far cry from the butchered " snubbies " that some old N frames
become. As far as an honorable retirement; the gun doesn't care what
you do to it. You have a nice old gun already, you owe it to yourself
not to ruin it. If the job was done right it could look almost original
and you could keep the rest of the gun as is, notches and all.