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

[BSA1]

I have learned there are two fundamentals rules on this forum;

1. All S&W's are collectables regardless of age, condition and quantity produced.

2. Any modifications ruins the value of the gun.

You have old gun that has been modified thus it no longer has "collector" value. Since it has been sitting in your safe for years unused you don't have a need for it. Shortening the barrel will make the gun more useful for you and more practical for carrying. And contrary to Fundamental Rule #2 may enhance it's resale value as many folks like 4" N-frames with fixed sights.

 

[Mexican Kerry]

Since it has been sitting in your safe for years unused you don't have a need for it. Shortening the barrel will make the gun more useful for you and more practical for carrying.

It actually doesn't sit in the safe unused. Its in the regular rotation for range trips, and its a humdinger of a popcan killer!

Also, I actually do need each and every firearm I own, although ease of carry is really irrelevant because of the no-carry laws here. My thoughts of shortening it weren't based on a practical reason, just really like the pistols posted by others that have had the same thing done.

Regardless, I've decided/been convinced to keep her as she is, she's made it this far, who am I to make changes now? I'll keep taking it to the range for some fresh air and maybe I'll look for a truly deserving candidate for this project (still want one even though our neutered rights only allow for a half-arsed snubbie).

 

[Hondo44]

All my handguns would be 4.2".

By the way how did that number become the limit, it doesn't even match up with any even Metric #s?

 

[Mexican Kerry]

Word on the street is that when the new legislation came in, they were looking at how they could prohibit as many as possible. The vast majority were apparently 4" and under (and/or .25 and .32 cal), so with one fell swoop they could reclassify many pistols. People think that it has to do with concealment and argue that you can conceal a long barreled pistol if you want to, but that has nothing to do with the law, it was merely a matter of numbers. The new magic number of a legal 4.2" barrel is simply because its long enough to skirt the prohib status.

At least that's how its been explained to me, I'm not a lawyer and I'm certainly not an expert. If any more knowledgeable folks who frequent this site want to chime in or correct me I'm all ears.

 

[rwsmith]

Everything else aside

I don't think cutting that little bit off will gain that much. If it's mostly a range gun leave it the way it is. I'd keep it the way it is and put the money toward a newer gun with a little shorter barrel.

 

[Bill_in_fl]

My S&W 1917 already had the barrel cut and a lot of rust on it when I got it. So I didn't hurt it by polishing it out and welding an original front sight onto the barrel and bringing her back to life as a reconditioned snubby. Since once her barrel had been cut, it had already had the damage and decrease in value done to it before I got it. But if the barrel had not been cut when I got it, I would not have cut the barrel. If you did cut the barrel, it may still have value to people you might sell it to that want a cut down snubby 1917, but it would lose all its historical value even though it has been already modified to shoot .45 colt cartridges. My vote is like most, leave it as it is and find another one that has a cut barrel or is in bad enough shape that if you do cut the barrel, you didn't really damage it nor decrease its value because it was already in bad shape. Be advised that unless you have a mill /lathe and access to tig welding equipment (which is better than silver soldering on a front sight) putting it back into condition once you cut the barrel isn't that easy of a job. I know because I've done it and I do have a mill/lathe and welding equipment. Leave her be is my vote.


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[Jack Flash]

You have probably made the wisest decision (to not cut it down). Certainly, that is the cheapest and easiest!

If I did have it cut down and the limit is 4.2", I would probably have the 'smith cut it to 4.5" just to be safe.

 

[C1PNR]

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.

Yep, that's just exactly how I carry my 6" Model 57. I'm usually driving the jeep and you never know when a "target of opportunity" such as a coyote, rattlesnake, mountain lion, feral hog, etc., is going to present itself.

Of course, you need to know the local law regarding shooting from a vehicle Before you try that.

 

[Nframecollector]

I'd do it! Already been modified..................whats a little more?

 

[ralph7]

Even if one was to do a great job of cutting the barrel to the 4.2 and reinstalling a proper sight, the lettering on the top of the barrel would be wrong because of the cut.
The sight would butt right up, if not cover the lettering.