Parts Guns and Gun Parts

[markedup]

I see ads for S&W complete revolver parts
kits:everything but the frame.Then I looked
around at several part suppliers,such as Numrich. None of them sell frames.Are frames
legally sold? I was daydreaming of assembling
a revolver from parts,much like a personal
computer or 57 Chevy.

Thanks

Mark

 

[markedup]

I see ads for S&W complete revolver parts
kits:everything but the frame.Then I looked
around at several part suppliers,such as Numrich. None of them sell frames.Are frames
legally sold? I was daydreaming of assembling
a revolver from parts,much like a personal
computer or 57 Chevy.

Thanks

Mark

 

[NFrameFred]

According to the law, the frame IS the "gun". There are a couple of types of semi-auto frames available (mostly 1911 styles), but I personally know of no retail or wholesale outlets for revolver frames. You may find a gunsmith or such that has a salvaged frame or a "parts" gun that could be used for the project, but otherwise . . .

 

[Springfield Bob]

THE FRAME HAS THE SERIAL NUMBER ON IT AND AS SUCH IS CONTROLED BY THE ATF.

Originally posted by markedup:
I see ads for S&W complete revolver parts
kits:everything but the frame.Then I looked
around at several part suppliers,such as Numrich. None of them sell frames.Are frames
legally sold? I was daydreaming of assembling
a revolver from parts,much like a personal
computer or 57 Chevy.

Thanks

Mark

 

[walnutred]

At one time an FFL holder could order stripped frames from Gun Parts. Same paperwork had to be filled out of course.

 

[Grayfox]

To the best of my knowledge there is no regular source for S&W frames. If you watch the auction sites, once in a very great while someone may offer a used, stripped frame. As already mentioned, the frame is the gun. It'll have to be shipped and transfered through an FFL just the same as a complete firearm.
Several years back I stumbled across two stripped frames (a 28-2 & 29-4) that I snatched up with the intention of building my own guns.
I built a .45 Colt snubbie on the Model 28 frame. It was a fun project and an excellent way to hone my hobbist gunsmithing skills. I learned a great deal building that gun.
The biggest thing I learned was that its easier and much more cost effective to buy a complete revolver and modify it into what you want rather than to build one from scratch. The time and money involved in finding and purchasing the rest of the parts just ain't worth it. You end up with more money in the gun than its worth.

Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the project and was extremely pleased with the results. Any fledgling gunsmith who's interested should do it once. But only once.
BTW: I sold the Model 29 frame to another member of this board.



Here's my built from scratch Model 28-2 in .45 Colt.