This makes no sense does it? Model 28 Frankengun

[toddimusnimski]

What am I missing here? Someone modified something to make it better for their own uses and needs. Why in the world would that bother you?

At the time they were just a part of their tool that they didn't find comfortable, and were somewhat common. People did whatever was quick and easy to make things work for them. In time those coke stocks were discontinued and are now considered very desirable, and very $pendy, especially a set that hasn't been owner modified. That owner is now likely long gone and his needs are no longer relevant, but the damage remains for the new owner to look at with a frown and a sigh.

Years ago Dad brought me home a set of football targets for my M66 and proceeded to grind the wood down until my speedloaders would clear. I wasn't sold on the idea but he assured me that they weren't anything special. So today I have stocks that were purpose modified and have subsequently lost value. In hindsight I would have insisted on leaving them as-is and simply bought a $10 set of Goodyears.

I wish the prior owner of my cokes hadn't epoxied a pig logo to the right hand panel, but apparently it had some special meaning to him. If he had known their future value he may have treated them with more respect and care.

Todd

 

[SLT223]

Just find. 24-3. He built a .44 SPL because Smith wasn’t making them at the time. Then he got them to do it….the 24-3.

 

[1000island]

Well I really want to follow in the steps of Skeeter and build a 5 inch Model 28 in 44 Special. I have a spare 44 Special barrel and while it isn't a 5 inch it's a 4 inch.

I was looking at Model 28's and it seems they are right around $800-900!!!!! By the time I have the machine work done (another $250) and have it reblued ($510) I will be $1600 in this.

Does it make ANY sense to go down this road?

If you want it, go for it. Doesn’t sound silly at all. Since when do good finance rules apply to any gun project that interests you?

I put $1600 or so into a 1969 2.5 inch Python that I brought back from the dead. I used a matte black finish. It’s beautiful but I will never recoup the $ and candidly do not care.

Please post photos when you’re done. It sounds like a very cool project!

 

[Abbotson]

40+ years ago it made sense to make such conversions. Given the scarcity of parts and the rising value of unmolested Model 28's, it no longer makes any financial sense.

Add the fees for conversion that I can only believe are punitive and the almost total lack of competent gunsmiths who aren't a year or two behind and you start to wonder "why even bother."
One smith I talked to quoted 2300 as a start for a nice old heavy duty i had as a donor gun. I could buy a nice original for that. Just sucks all the fun out of it.

 

[balin]

I have been known to put on a 50 pound pack and walk up and down moutains and live out of it for periods or time. Sense and worthwhile are all in the individuals eye. Others may have a different opinion.

 

[Stopsign32v]

I've abandoned the 24 clone plan.

Now I think I'm going to take a Blackhawk and put a Colt barrel on it.

 

[v8svo]

I have a few revolvers that were modified by Jim Stroh, they are all things I wanted, S&W didn't offer but I love them. It is worth it to me, does it make practical sense...probably not.
Here is what I ended up with
629-3 44 magnum 5" barrel with a tuned action, Stroh front sight on both of the 629s. Optimized for jacketed bullets
629-3 5" modified to 45 Colt (rebored the cylinder and barrel, both of the 629's left the factory as 8-3/8" barrels because Jim felt the end product is better starting with the 8-3/8" instead of 6". This one was optimized for cast lead bullets.
681 fixed sight with a 44 special titanium cylinder, 686 mountain gun barrel, bored and rifled for 44 caliber, cut to about 3", round butt, double ball detents on the yoke and Roy Fishpaw grips. This to me is the perfect 44 special revolver for carrying around my "estate". To me this is the star of my firearms collection but there is a 945 that is a close second.
296 with a stainless steel cylinder (this is where I got the titanium cylinder from) this pistol I thought was "too lightweight". I have since sold this to a fellow that loves it. Nicer to shoot than the stock 296 and Jim really did a nice job on the action and fitting.
By the way I loved working with Jim. He did these near the end of his working career.

Like previously stated, if you have the desire and funds, why not. Be prepared that it will take a long time but in my book it is worth it.
V8SVO (that is a whole story in itself)

 

[-BTM-]

I should probably stay out of this discussion.

 

[RebCop]

I have several converted M28's as when I did them you could get the sun for 200 and the barrel and cylinder for around 50 a piece. Then collectors discovered them and ruined my hobby.

 

[schutz5]

I've abandoned the 24 clone plan.

Now I think I'm going to take a Blackhawk and put a Colt barrel on it.

There ya go! Blaze your own trail and just show us the goods when it's done!