The Frankensnub Project Model 10-7

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I recently wrapped up a fun project that I'd like to share.

This started as a Model 10-7 frame with sideplate and barrel from Gunbroker.
10-7b1SM.jpg


10-7b10.jpg


Add in a "parts kit" from the same site.
10-7b8.jpg


I was very fortunate in a few ways at this step. The kit was from a 10-6. Since I was using the matching yoke & cylinder I didn't worry about the relocation of the gas ring between the 10-6 and the 10-7. I was surprised to find that it included a polished .500" target trigger and a .500" target hammer. (I really should have examined the pictures more closely.)

Fortunately, the parts only required minor fitting to become a functional whole. It was successfully range tested at this stage.

A few passes of rust blue got things looking pretty uniform.
10-7b2SM.jpg


10-7b3SM.jpg


Having less than $200 in it at this point I figured we might as well keep going. I picked up some cheap diamond files and cut a notch into the front sight. The next day I packed it up and shipped it off to Mahovsky's in PA for their Metalife hard chrome plating. It arrived back at my door just shy of two months later.

That evening I poured a green front sight insert using two part epoxy adhesive and Testors fluorescent green (# 1174) enamel model paint.

10-7b14SM.jpg


10-7b15SM.jpg


Now I have a unique carry piece which I figure will last darn near forever. A 2" model 10 snub with target trigger, target hammer, colored sight insert and an indestructible finish. You can call me Bubba, but I really enjoyed the process and am pleased with the results.

10-7b12SM.jpg


10-7b13SM.jpg
 
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zipty6, Thanks for posting this build sequence. You did a fantastic job on your model 10. I really like it as it just stood out in your earlier post on the sight inserts.
 
Did you send the gun assembled or disassembled in pieces?

I sent it fully assembled, less grips. I added a note requesting that they not plate the hammer or the trigger. They emailed me asking if I wanted them to add the front sight insert for an additional $20.

Mahovsky's was very pleasant to work with. I spoke with Kim once or twice. Ron still disassembles and inspects each item as it comes in. Contrary to what you may read on some forums, they do not hold work until they have enough to do a batch. She said that they do plating for several manufacturers and are constantly busy.
 
A custom revolver as a real working tool. What a concept! ;) While I would have done a couple of the details differently, that's why they call them "custom" guns. :cool: Your excellent photos show how the Metalife covers but doesn't hide details... the "texture" of the barrel and front sight shows right through, doesn't it? I would consider your project to be a great success and one of which you can be justifiably proud. BTW, how does that shade of green do for you in dim light conditions? I know fire departments have discovered that a neon yellow-green shade stands out well for truck color; does your shade work well for that as well?

Thanks for sharing and for the excellent pix.

Froggie
 
A custom revolver as a real working tool. What a concept! ;) While I would have done a couple of the details differently, that's why they call them "custom" guns. :cool: Your excellent photos show how the Metalife covers but doesn't hide details... the "texture" of the barrel and front sight shows right through, doesn't it? I would consider your project to be a great success and one of which you can be justifiably proud. BTW, how does that shade of green do for you in dim light conditions? I know fire departments have discovered that a neon yellow-green shade stands out well for truck color; does your shade work well for that as well?

Thanks for sharing and for the excellent pix.

Froggie

You are absolutely right. The hard chrome, like most finishes, certainly makes flaws in the underlying material stand out. I considered taking a more aggressive approach to the pitting before refinishing but feared that I would make matters worse.

I'm a big fan of the Harry Callahan quote "[a] man's got to know his limitations."

There are several points that could have been better addressed by someone more skilled than myself. The yoke to frame fit is one of that keeps jumping out at me. Overall, I'm pretty pleased with the result. A working tool, as you put it, is exactly what I was after (as well as a way to keep myself busy.)

The green insert stands out much better for me in low light than the factory red does. It's a vast improvement over the sight picture with no insert at all. It really lights up in daylight.
 
"This started as a Model 10-7 frame with sideplate and barrel from Gunbroker", Zipty6, what was your search criteria and category?

I honestly don't remember. I was probably in REVOLVERS and MANUFACTURER = SMITH & WESSON, then looking at used for under $150. There are probably more efficient methods. I look for bare frames pretty often and rarely find anything.
 

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