Being a big fan of fixed-sighted, pre-lock S&W revos, I had in my possession a couple of 4" 581 revolvers. One of which was particularly worn and tired-looking when I bought it. I had a re-make in mind when I clicked the Buy button on Gunbroker for the sad looking 4" 581.
I wanted the barrel cut to 3", the square butt frame re-profiled to round-butt, the cylinder edges mitered, chambers chamfered, the action smoothed and refined, and the finish refreshed and reblued. I selected one of the country's most respected Guild revolver-smiths for the work: Mark Hartshorn of Pinnacle.
Mark had the gun for close to a year. By the end of my wait, I was quite anxious. But when I finally received the once worn, tired 581 back from Mark, I was simply amazed at the quality of the work he had done. The detailed work is mind boggling. The work on the gun in indistinguishable, to me anyway, from factory original work. It's that exquisite.
I've posted these images here before, quite some time ago, but some recent requests to see the gun again have prompted this post. Here are some images of the gun...
Thanks to Kim Ahrends for contributing the gorgeous and marvelously crafted grips to this custom.
The once-tired 4" 581 has become my most valued SW revolver. The size, weight, barrel length, and sleek sculpture of the body make this an absolutely superb defensive revolver. It is a joy to shoot and to behold. Thank you, Mark, for your magnificent work on this revolver.
Mark returned the original 1" end piece, cleanly cut from the barrel, with front sight and all. I keep that beautiful 1" 581 barrel end-piece on my desk as an ornamental paper weight to remind me of the great transformation.
I always enjoy your collection and pics.
