Rebuilt Chopper

[bubbajoe45]

I had a hack 'smith work on one of my 1917s years ago, and had nothing but problems since (action bound up, FS fell off, etc.). I finally got my turn at Cylinder & Slide and sent it off. Very happy with the results. Got a blister in the web of my hand right now from yardwork, so I removed the lanyard ring and put some targets on it - think I'll leave it this way.

 

[H Richard]

I have a sort of rough Brazilian that already has a modified front sight that I keep thinking about this every time I see another one cut down. One of these days.

 

[quinn]

Fine looking snubby. I had a Brazilian that I thought of getting the belly gun treatment for. Never quite got to it... kinda wish I had.

 

[Jebus35745]

Cool gun, looks like fun to shoot. I have a finish worn 25-2 at Andy Horvath right now getting the bbl chopped to 3 1/2". Not sure what finish I'll put on it yet. Can't wait. We need a range report on this one, what kind of front sight is on the gun? Larry

 

[bubbajoe45]

Larry,

It's a Patridge FS with Gold bead. I'll work on a target picture, but from 50 ft it shoots to POA.

BBJ

 

[Hondo44]

I have a 1917 with wrong barrel, a 455 stamped barrel. Finally found a 45 Mtn Barrel, stainless, and it arrived today. The rib will be removed and a standard 1/2 round 1917 will go on it, then sent off for bluing it.

 

[Kinman]

Glad to see you managed a decent resurrection for you 1917. I had a nicely reblued Brazilian fall into my hands and decided it needed to be shortened to 4". I put it in the hands of a local gunsmith that is well known for not ruining anything he works on and gave him a description of what I wanted done, I believe he went above and beyond and therefore had no complaint with his bill for services rendered. All I wanted him to do was cut it to 4" and install a Baughman style front sight. I had previously installed the Wondersight, when I picked it up I was pleased to see the excellent work he had done, actually milling a new front sight, reblueing the barrel to closely match the rest of the revolver, he even went to the trouble of setting the top of the front sight to the Wondersight so much so that it was completely on target when I went to the range, he also mentioned that he tweaked the yoke assembly slightly as it was off and opened up the forcing cone a scosche. It works terrific and is the pistol I shoot the most and carry more than anything else.

 

[old bear]

This has NOTHING to do with the O/P's post, except it gives me ANOTHER chance to show off my "cut down" 38/44. Again thanks Alec.

 

[BUFF]

I have two 1917 and 1937 S&W revolvers I am thinking about having chopped to four inches. The Brazilian 1937 is like most everyone else's 1937, great shape mechanically but scratched up finish. My newest 1917 looks nice but was refinished and badly needs some action work, it's heavy and stacks badly and I can't find out from my own looking why it is.

I don't have a local gunsmith I would trust to do the work correctly in under six to nine months.

How long did Cylinder & Slide take to do your work, BubbaJoe45?

Who did yours, Kinman? Was he timely?

 

[Muley Gil]

At one time, my PD would issue out confiscated handguns to the officers. I got my hands on a S&W 1917 that had been nickeled. I cut the barrel down to 4" and fitted an extra N frame rear sight that I had. I had a Ruger Blackhawk ramp front sight added and then round butted it.

This was my duty gun for a couple of years, loaded with Federal Hydra Shocks in full moon clips.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Buff, if you are going to send it off, consider using ACCURATE PLATING AND WEAPONRY 2016 | APWCOGAN. Bob Cogan can do pretty much anything with firearms. His custom guns are called "Cogan Customs." Google that and you'll see some beautiful work.

 

[Iggy]

I carry this "modified" .455 HE MKII everyday.

It's loaded with 45 Win Mag brass loaded to 45 Colt specs in moon clips.

Shoots pretty well too.

 

[The Gila Bender]

The OP's chopper looks much nicer than this old beast. Serial numbers dates to ~1919. It's a fun shooter though, tight and surprisingly accurate on paper at short range. Came to me wearing a big ol' Hogue rubber monogrip. The gun show K frame round butt magnas fit well. Just add a T-grip and we're off to do whatever people do with a chopped 1917.

 

[bubbajoe45]

Called them in (I believe) 2014. I described the work generally and put some money down. They said they would call me when they were ready for it. I had all but given up and thought I'd never hear anything back, so I touched base with them and in January they said they were ready. I shipped it to them late in Jan, they looked it over, we discussed things in Mar and I had it back in April. But total time was something on the order of a year and a half - once my turn came up, they got right on it. For me it was worth it - I am definitely upside down on the gun, but it just pissed me off sitting around not being functional. I am satisfied now that it is back in action and that I can rely on it to work (good mowing gun in case I see a cougar or something).

 

[Muddyboot]

If it's getting cut down, make it short as possible...