"Suffolk Special" Model 442

[Filbird]

I need to have a little work done on my Colt Diamondback, and a generous gentleman over on the Colt forum suggested a gunshop in Suffolk Virginia. Looking at their site, I found a link to one of their custom firearms, a tuned up S&W 442 that they call their "Suffolk Special."

For $575, you get a new S&W 442 with the following listed modifications:

Lamo-Camo boot grip
Tuned action
Chamfered Cylinder Throats
Polished cylinders
Radiused and polished Mainspring Stirrup
Radiused and polished Trigger Rebound Slide
Cylinder & Slide extra length firing pin installed
Walter Wolff Hammer Spring
Walter Wolff Return Spring

I like the idea of someone working on the 442 before I get my hands on it, though I am not sure I could explain all of the modifications that they make to this pistol. Those of you who know more about the guts of an S&W snubbie than I do, what do you think? Are these good modifications? Does the price seem right?

http://www.revolverarmorer.com..._Suffolk_Special.php

 

[elcruisr]

You might want to also look at Gemini Customs revolver work.

http://www.geminicustoms.com/R...s%20&%20Services.htm

Check out the "Pocket Protector" package. I'm saving up to have a 638 done along with a Black T finish.

 

[Filbird]

Originally posted by elcruisr:
You might want to also look at Gemini Customs revolver work.

http://www.geminicustoms.com/R...s%20&%20Services.htm

Check out the "Pocket Protector" package. I'm saving up to have a 638 done along with a Black T finish.

Wow. Amazing work. Beyond my budget, but a lot of fun to look at. Never thought much about getting a custom package before I stumbled on that first site, but I'm thinking I may do some more research. Thanks for the link, and I hope you'll post photos of your customized 638.

 

[photoman]

Locally purchased 442: $450 plus tax = $490

Suffolk Special 442: $575 + $25 shipping + $25 transfer = $625

So...for $135 you're getting a nice Hogue grip, quality Wolff springs, a C&S firing pin, action job, cylinder chamfer, etc.

I'd say it's a good deal for $135.

 

[Filbird]

Yes, Photoman, I think you are right. I poked around the site in question, and saw that many of the items in that package are offered separately, and it does seem like a very good deal.

I just may be posting a photograph of that very good deal in the near future...

 

[yanici]

All looks good except that, even with the long firing pin installed, the main hammer spring has been lightened. So, will it go boom every time? If it's for carry I'd feel better with the factory spring banging that hammer down.

 

[flop-shank]

Originally posted by yanici:
All looks good except that, even with the long firing pin installed, the main hammer spring has been lightened. So, will it go boom every time? If it's for carry I'd feel better with the factory spring banging that hammer down.

A hundred rounds of hard primered ammo will tell you if there's an issue. That doesn't mean you're wrong by any means. We all have to do what we're comfortable with.

 

[GatorFarmer]

A forum friend of mine just had a Colt Lawman worked on by them. He said it was well repaired apparently. He'd mentioned seeing the Suffolk Special in the shop when picking it up. Given the current J frame shortage that exists in some areas, it's not a bad deal at all.

 

[squidsix]

Matt Almeda is a great guy, and has built many fine revolvers. I have sent a few guns to him, and bought a custom 686+ from him a few years back. Always great work, and the nicest people out there. He's got another of my projects in house right now. Can't recommend him highly enough.
Steve

 

[Filbird]

Thanks, squid... that is the sort of recommendation I was looking for... I believe they are going to be at the Richmond gun show tomorrow, and I will do my best to look them up. I have not ever been to one of those gun shows before, but I'm guessing it's going to be a zoo... hope I can find them!

 

[n4zov]

Thanks for those links. It never hurts to know another good pistolsmith and especially if he can repair Colts.

 

[squidsix]

He built a Cobra for me from a bag of parts in the white.
Nice work.
steve