Question about modifying an Old S&W

[Deacon KC]

Okay guys, take a deep breath because this is not carved in stone. I want your opinions on the following idea and suggestions, if any [Sipowicz, BEHAVE!]
I love the looks of the 4" S&W that Harrison Ford carried in Raiders of the Lost Ark. It was a 1917 that was chopped to 4" and had a barrel band front sight. I am considering doing this to one of my S&Ws. I have NOT positively decided yet. The candidates are a 1917 built 1917 that still has about 25-30% original bluing and all it's markings, great shooter but ugly as a mud fence with a lot of surface pitting, so that is why i am even considering this one. The other two are M&Ps from the 20's, one is already a 4" parts gun with about 50% finish, and the second is a 5" that has been very nicely reblued at some point.

Now, let's hear your opinions, comments, suggestions, questions, etc. Thanks

 

[Bell Charter Oak Holsters]

I'd vote for the 4 inch parts gun as a candidate. They made a million, no ones gonna shed any tears over that one. Good luck!

Cheers;
Lefty

 

[everReady Rob]

I like the idea of the existing 4". Not saying I wouldn't ever cut a barrel down as I really want a 1940ish Victory snub nose and they made so FEW that the prices are sky-high (better said, heaven-high), never-mind finding one, I would just like to see one in person. The more I read about the history of these great guns the more trouble I have, I mean, they are just tools, hunks of metal, . . . but still . . .

 

[Goony]

The Guns of Indiana Jones

A great webpage on this topic:

IndyGear.com: Guns

 

[galena]

I am guilty of making my guns my guns. That said, I have mellowed and now would never alter a true collector piece. I personally would have no problem with someone "updating" a non collector piece to something they want. The attached picture is of my 1937 Brazilian 1917 (very rough exterior but shoots great), my Post WWII 1917 that was shipped from the factory in 1946 (a previous owner reblued it thereby destroying collector value) and my Lew Horton 1917 Heritage that I had Cylinder and Slide shorten to 4" inches because that is the way I wanted it.......so sue me...............I like it. They are your guns, do what makes you happy. Keep shootin'