Yeah, they're still available new. I think I got mine off eBay.
My Latest N Frame Project.. The beginning---Update: May 23rd, 2018!!
- Thread starter les.b
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Great thread. I picked up the 44 special 1927 shown. Factory letter says it shipped as a nickel 6.5" gun. Someone, lost to the past, had the barrel cut down to 3.5", the original front sight re-welded, and the the gun re-nickled. Grips also by Bigmtnman. It is laying head to head with my standard 1950 Military 44 special to show the difference between it and a standard 4". I also have a New Service 1917 the someone in the past installed a really thick 3" barrel: like a rifle barrel stove pipe, and soldered on a brass stock front sight to make a neat belly gun: unfortunately the internals are a mess, the gun will not index properly or lock up decently.
Mike
Mike
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S.B.
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I bought a bubbaed Brazilian off this very forum years back, the original owner dipped it into chrome at work and then he could not get the spent cases to eject after firing? Sent it down to Ford's in Florida then to Clements in Virginia. Thought I'd have Dave/Charles shorten the barrel due to frosting at muzzle inside the barrel but, they talked me out of it. Now a great shooter. I own a Wonder Sight for it but, not in the picture. By the way, I find the Wonder sight very field useful. I see the cylinder hold open pin or spring in OPs pictures, I know N frames work fine without them but, Fords never returned mine when gun arrived at Clements either.
Steve
Steve
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Bullman
Member
Some of these photos are making me lust badly. Nice looking old N frames!!!
bulletslap
Member
This thread is going to cost me money 
Green Frog
Member
OK it's official. Now I've got to live to at least 115 to finish all of my projects in the queue!
I have a Wondersight coming to use with my M&P 32-20.
The search is on for another 1917/1937 that is suitably "challenged" to be the donor for my next big bore gun.
I haven't really gotten any of my most recent projects completed, so they stretch out into the future as well. All I need is unlimited funding and 36 hours in each day. Glad I'm retired and can devote my energies to all of these pressing projects!
Froggie
I have a Wondersight coming to use with my M&P 32-20.
The search is on for another 1917/1937 that is suitably "challenged" to be the donor for my next big bore gun.
I haven't really gotten any of my most recent projects completed, so they stretch out into the future as well. All I need is unlimited funding and 36 hours in each day. Glad I'm retired and can devote my energies to all of these pressing projects!
Froggie
OP
Update:
Nothing happening....it's mid-term at school, and I've been busier than a "one-armed paper hanger", (as my dad used to say), and I haven't done anything on my project gun for a week.
There's a local gun show this weekend, and I'm going to go just to see what's up since the shooting in Las Vegas, plus you just never know what might turn up at these events, although I don't think that gun shows in general are what they used to be.
Anyway, I haven't given up on my project, it's just on hold for a short time.
Best Regards, Les
Nothing happening....it's mid-term at school, and I've been busier than a "one-armed paper hanger", (as my dad used to say), and I haven't done anything on my project gun for a week.
There's a local gun show this weekend, and I'm going to go just to see what's up since the shooting in Las Vegas, plus you just never know what might turn up at these events, although I don't think that gun shows in general are what they used to be.
Anyway, I haven't given up on my project, it's just on hold for a short time.
Best Regards, Les
I can't give you any true experience with "field conditions" and in view of the fact that very few "issue" handguns come equipped with adjustable sights it would warrant that they are not desireable for a "combat" situation. They are fastened onto the weapon by the fifth screw, which is taken out and after the sight assembly is installed a larger screw with a through pin is fit though the base and sight adjustment assembly. It is recommended by some that a piece of electrical tape is placed between the base of the WS and the frame, I did that. After the sight assembly is installed you have height adjustment adjusted by loosening the "fifth" screw replacement and windage adjusted by a larger screw head that is the one piece of the entire contraption that could lead to a problem snagging on clothing, etc. I did find that even with the large adjustment screw head installed the revolver fit into a slightly modified Victory shoulder holster I have set up for this piece, it also fits another older Lawrence 4" holster.
Which brings me eventually to what I have to say about its overall value. I like them and actually plan on installing another one on a Triplelock that I recently acquired mainly because I cannot regulate the sights to my eyes without the use of some sort of adjustable sight. If all I had to work with was the factory non adjustable sights I would eventually get used to holding low and to the right on everything I shot at just like my GI issue 1911 back in the day. Given an opportunity to remedy the situation and shoot to point of aim like I can with every adjustable sighted firearm I own I believe I am going to make myself happy in the process.
They are still available and the same guy also sells screw assortements in just about every size and shape for guns available, he claims to have bought the rights from the second owner...try Evan's Precision Tooling.
DevilDog72
US Veteran
Hey Les,
I like the idea of cut'n that old 1917. I have lusted after a chopped down version ever since I saw Iggy's. Now you come along.... I can hardly wait to see the finished... dressed up ole girl.
Another one I have wanted was a cut down 38/44 and Dave just showed how nice they can be in a previous post.
I like the idea of cut'n that old 1917. I have lusted after a chopped down version ever since I saw Iggy's. Now you come along.... I can hardly wait to see the finished... dressed up ole girl.
Another one I have wanted was a cut down 38/44 and Dave just showed how nice they can be in a previous post.
DevilDog72
US Veteran
hey Pard..
That is as fine a rig, from top to bottom, as a man could ever want. A real beauty. Nice job.... really nice job.
Les,
Them snub'd N frame are..............A-Okay in my book.
.
That is as fine a rig, from top to bottom, as a man could ever want. A real beauty. Nice job.... really nice job.
S.B.
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DevilDog72, just what pistol smith would you get to do this work? My go to guy used to be Clements
but, he told me he no longer does these things nor Bowen or anyone else I've talked to in some time?
Not many around who will and have you priced either a Brazilian or 1917
used barrel lately or seen any for sale? I do like the looks of an Indy short barreled 1917/37
but, couldn't bring myself to have the cutting done.
Steve
but, he told me he no longer does these things nor Bowen or anyone else I've talked to in some time?
Not many around who will and have you priced either a Brazilian or 1917
used barrel lately or seen any for sale? I do like the looks of an Indy short barreled 1917/37
but, couldn't bring myself to have the cutting done.
Steve
DevilDog72
US Veteran
S.B.
I do not know of one for sure, however, maybe Pinnacle High Performance. No, I have not priced one lately.... that said, I could not afford such a gun. I can only think, dream and wish for one. Maybe, if I win the lottery......
For now all I can do is look at fellow forum members guns.
I do not know of one for sure, however, maybe Pinnacle High Performance. No, I have not priced one lately.... that said, I could not afford such a gun. I can only think, dream and wish for one. Maybe, if I win the lottery......
For now all I can do is look at fellow forum members guns.
jw mathews
Member
Interesting project, Les, and I wish you the best of luck with it. Post new pix after you finish it so we can all see how it turned out. I admire your idea of using a separate barrel that is not "collectable" for alteration and keeping the original matching # barrel with the gun.
Re yr post dated 9-29, back in 2005 I purchased new Model 21-4 (44 Spl) from CDNN Sports in Abilene TX. This gun has a 4" bbl and is just like the Thunder Ranch model except without that logo. As to the "safety lock" on the left side, all one has to do is leave it in the "unlocked" position--or if the appearance is so bothersome, I presume it can be welded up! (That would require the gun to be refinished, of course.)
In the mid-'90s I purchased a 1950 Target Model 44 Special made ca 1955 that had been treated hard. It had a very worn bright blue finish, was a little loose & needed a new firing pin bushing & upper sideplate screw. I had the S&W warranty gunsmith in my area cut the barrel to 5" & replace the bushing. I got the needed screw, installed a new front latch pin & new S&W smooth combat trigger. The original front sight had been carved into a half-moon shaped like a fixed-sight revolver has, so the gunsmith made a ramp front and a Patridge-type blade with gold-color lines spaced 1/8" apart for long-range shooting (per Elmer Keith). He also made an extra blade that I can carve up to a different style should I wish to do so. I had the gun Parkerized for field carry though I don't get outdoors that much any more. But I will offer the opinion that a high-polish blue finish is not desirable on a gun that is to be carried frequently in a holster because the finish will rapidly wear off.
Re yr post dated 9-29, back in 2005 I purchased new Model 21-4 (44 Spl) from CDNN Sports in Abilene TX. This gun has a 4" bbl and is just like the Thunder Ranch model except without that logo. As to the "safety lock" on the left side, all one has to do is leave it in the "unlocked" position--or if the appearance is so bothersome, I presume it can be welded up! (That would require the gun to be refinished, of course.)
In the mid-'90s I purchased a 1950 Target Model 44 Special made ca 1955 that had been treated hard. It had a very worn bright blue finish, was a little loose & needed a new firing pin bushing & upper sideplate screw. I had the S&W warranty gunsmith in my area cut the barrel to 5" & replace the bushing. I got the needed screw, installed a new front latch pin & new S&W smooth combat trigger. The original front sight had been carved into a half-moon shaped like a fixed-sight revolver has, so the gunsmith made a ramp front and a Patridge-type blade with gold-color lines spaced 1/8" apart for long-range shooting (per Elmer Keith). He also made an extra blade that I can carve up to a different style should I wish to do so. I had the gun Parkerized for field carry though I don't get outdoors that much any more. But I will offer the opinion that a high-polish blue finish is not desirable on a gun that is to be carried frequently in a holster because the finish will rapidly wear off.
OP
Well, some of you may have seen what I found at that gun show... Here's a link to my separate thread on the subject: Gun Show Finds. October 7th, 2017 In general, there was light turnout, and some empty tables, but I found a couple of gems, and came home with one of those.
Best Regards, Les
Just think, every old N-frame that gets modified, makes your collection more valuable. Also lots of cut up guns are available for sale.
Les,
I hope you see this and can give us a progress report.
Below is the 1917-10 (1917 with 625-10 barrel) that's been at refinishers.
I'm also including pic of a chopped commercial (no, I didn't do it) that needed a lil mechanical TLC.
Sorry for poor pics. A photog, I'm not.
I hope you see this and can give us a progress report.
Below is the 1917-10 (1917 with 625-10 barrel) that's been at refinishers.
I'm also including pic of a chopped commercial (no, I didn't do it) that needed a lil mechanical TLC.
Sorry for poor pics. A photog, I'm not.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Thanks all for the pics and great discussion. I have collected S&Ws for my adult life and enjoy shorty HE/17s 45s as much as anything. They donor even require great finishes as I plan to shoot them a lot with lead reloads. I can also add that you can find them if you keep looking. Tommy.
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OP
Update, May 23rd, 2018!!
Well, I'll bet you guys had forgotten all about this thread!!
Thanks to a heads up from Iggy earlier this evening, I am one step closer to completing my big bore snubby project. He was astute and quick enough to let me know about a perfect barrel for the project, and I have been in contact with the seller, and it will be on the way tomorrow!!
Here's the seller's photo:
I think it will go really well with my original concept, which, if you remember was based on Iggy's own snubby crafted by our own maestro, Dave Keith. While I certainly can't aspire to produce the sort of masterpieces that Dave does, I hope to have a functional snubby when I'm finished.
I'll be sure to keep everyone in the loop!!
Best Regards, Les
Well, I'll bet you guys had forgotten all about this thread!!
Thanks to a heads up from Iggy earlier this evening, I am one step closer to completing my big bore snubby project. He was astute and quick enough to let me know about a perfect barrel for the project, and I have been in contact with the seller, and it will be on the way tomorrow!!
Here's the seller's photo:
I think it will go really well with my original concept, which, if you remember was based on Iggy's own snubby crafted by our own maestro, Dave Keith. While I certainly can't aspire to produce the sort of masterpieces that Dave does, I hope to have a functional snubby when I'm finished.
I'll be sure to keep everyone in the loop!!
Best Regards, Les
