What would you do? Create a pinto or not?

[two-bit cowboy]

Recently I obtained a nickel Chiefs Special Model 36 parts kit, including the cut-up frame, barrel, cylinder, nickel screws, and all the internal parts. I didn't get the side plate or the thumbpiece.

Since the grip frame was cut off, I don't have the serial number (I can't read the one on the back of the extractor star), but the hammer stirrup has the old style socket. According to Roy Jinks' History of Smith & Wesson, that change occurred in late 1962 around serial number 295000.

As soon as I received the kit I envisioned using the barrel and cylinder to build a pinto. I've always liked pintos, but I've never had one, and have you seen the prices on them lately? I began scouring the auctions for a sacrificial lamb: either a 36, 37, 38, or 49. There were lots of candidates, but the nickel on the barrel and cylinder is in very nice condition, and I didn't want to install them on a junkyard dog. Prices on the nicer J-frames are off the chart right now, but I went along undeterred.

Well, as many of us do, I was sharing my plan with a forum friend via email. He wrote back saying he had a '60s era Model 49 he'd be willing to sell if I was interested. I don't have a 49 so, yes, I was. Photos came, and the deal was done.

Another friend -- a purist -- is aghast at my plan to tart up the pretty 49.

Long story to get to the question. I'm not asking you to tell me what I should do, but rather "what would you do"?

 

[1911haulic]

I agree with your "Purist" friend. I wouldn't dare hurt the 49.

 

[colt_saa]

If you want a Pinto, then make a Pinto

It is your gun, enjoy it the way you want to

Personally, I would not have bought a Model 49, I am not a fan of bodyguards even though my Avatar is a Bodyguard (the only one I own)

I do have plenty of Model 36s and would not hesitate to make one of them into a pinto if a clean cylinder and barrels were to drop into my lap. I would probably use this square butt

Now if a model 40 were to pop up, that would be my donor to make a carry pinto

 

[dusty3030]

Well if a pinto is what you want I think if you had someone good to do the work go for it. All I would swap would be the barrel and cylinder assembly.

You could always swap the original barrel and cylinder back in so as long as the person doing the work is good no harm no foul - nothing on the 49 would be permanently altered so go for it!

 

[wheelgun28]

I had this done more that a decade ago. I had an M38 that had an ugly cylinder but other wise nice gun.

The picture shows smears its just wax. I did change the thumb piece too.

 

[Club Gun Fan]

Do it. I dare you! I double dog dare you!!!
Just make sure you post pictures.

 

[Richard Simmons]

That M49 is awfully nice looking but it's not like there aren't more of them out there. As others have stated, if you want a Pinto then go for it.

 

[mtgianni]

I would find an uglier candidate.

 

[NavySCPO]

To Pinto or not to Pinto?

Well you already know my opinion, but I'll chime in anyway.

As was already stated, 1) 49's are hardly rare, and 2) it would be a simple matter to change it back with no harm to the 49 should you decide you don't like it (kinda like a 22/22 Mag conversion), okay, not at all like that, but it sounded good, and most important, 3) it's your gun, do with it as you wish!

With the barrel, cylinder and a nickel cylinder release, it should be a real beauty, enjoy!

 

[rbmac52]

It makes a lot more sense to me to find a more appropriate candidate to do the swap with. The Model 49 you show looks to be in terrific shape and, in my opinion, it would be unfortunate to take it apart.

There must be better "donor" j frames out there to construct your pinto. I would look for one that needs "freshening" and would benefit from your plan, rather than using a perfectly beautiful example as the basis for your pinto.

As others have said, the decision is ultimately yours to do what you want to do. Just offering what I would do if I were in your shoes.

 

[Green Frog]

Whar's The big whoop? The build you propose is totally reversible, and the end product you are expecting will be an attractive mainstream sort of gun. If it were mine, I'd be using a Model 36 donor just because I prefer a hammer, but if you want a hammerless Jframe pinto, I'd vote "Yay."

Froggie

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I have to ask: what is a "more appropriate donor"?

I don't want the nice nickel finish to contrast with scratches and pits.

If I fall out of love with the pinto I can always reverse the alteration, as several others have said. It's not like I'm going to throw away the blue barrel and cylinder.

I do have plenty of Model 36s and would not hesitate to make one of them into a pinto if a clean cylinder and barrels were to drop into my lap. I would probably use this square butt

Now if a model 40 were to pop up, that would be my donor to make a carry pinto

That's a nice looking Chiefs, it appears to be every bit as nice as my new 49.

Ah, well, a 40! Yes, me, too, but even I would have a problem altering one of them. Maybe if I had a blue one and a nickel one I could make two two-tone Centennials!

 

[rbmac52]

I offered my opinion, as you asked in your original post.

 

[kscharlie]

You know, one of the most "interesting" things about gun owners with guns is that we all have our own opinions. I was going to write a lengthy response just chock full of wisdom, but decided it was not really necessary.

Bob, it is your gun to do with as you please. I, personally, see no downside to your plan. Swap out a few parts and enjoy it. You still have the original parts and it can be put back if desired. Even if the original parts somehow get misplaced or lost in the future, the "value" of the gun might decrease by what? $100, $200, $0? What is the "value" of the pleasure you will get from creating your Pinto?

Go for it, friend. Life is short.

 

[Old_Cop]

rbmac52, I agree, find a model 36 that's been used for your pinto.

 

[quikdraw67]

It makes a lot more sense to me to find a more appropriate candidate to do the swap with. The Model 49 you show looks to be in terrific shape and, in my opinion, it would be unfortunate to take it apart.

There must be better "donor" j frames out there to construct your pinto. I would look for one that needs "freshening" and would benefit from your plan, rather than using a perfectly beautiful example as the basis for your pinto.

As others have said, the decision is ultimately yours to do what you want to do. Just offering what I would do if I were in your shoes.

Plus infinity

That 49 is just too nice to mess with IMHO

 

[Injunbro]

It depends on what you want. I prefer shrouded hammers for carry but exposed hammers for shooting. As far as value neither a 36 or 49 is particularly valuable to collectors. I've made up several guns the factories never offered despite the screams of anguish but my guns outshoot theirs. Some folks paid me to modify theirs to be like mine. Your gun, make what you want.

 

[mtgianni]

Ask yourself if you owned this 49 if you would seek out a nickle barrel and cylinder to make it a pinto.

 

[BillBond]

I had never heard of Pinto until reading this thread.
After looking at the pictures,
I would not want one because IMO they are ugly.

 

[reccpd101]

I'd make the Pinto exactly as you proposed. I like unique firearms and it's completely reversible.

 

[PeterJ]

It's just a gun.

 

[2152hq]

It's your gun, do as you wish. There's always someone that's not going to like the results or agree with the project to begin with.


One thing to keep in mind. A bbl and cylinder swap on this will have as many potential problems to work through as with any other bbl & cyl switch no matter the frame size or caliber.

Bbl not clocking the front sight up to 12, Cylinder gap being too large/too small,, Bbl shoulder needing to be cut back and the bbl turned in one extra turn,, Forcing cone needing to be recut.
Cylinder end float correction as it's switched to the 'new' yoke.
Timing problems as you are working with a new ratchet on the nickel cyl..

Of course none of these things may come to be and I hope it goes smoothly should you go ahead with the work.
But be ready for them.
Doing the work yourself it's just your own labor & time.
Having to pay someone to do it can really add up and spoil a nice project.

Modifying any of the blued parts so the nickel parts fit will negate the orig bbl and cylinder going back in place and fitting correctly if you decide you don't care for the new pinto look.

I personally like the contrast of different metal finishes on the same gun. I use it quite often on projects.
Blued bbl, French Gray frame and trigger guard. Polished in the white trigger and bolt,,Small pins and screws Nitre blued,,things like that.
Not a 'Pinto' look but still the use of contrasting finishes.

 

[Rpg]

I'd stick the nickel parts in a drawer and carry the 49 when I need a pocket pistol.

 

[Erich]

I made an ugly when I had to; some idiot messed up the gun, so it was a rescue.

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[ken158]

A barrel swap is a big deal and most certainly will require some metal work. Swapping cylinders is a big deal if the ratchets need cut to work with the hand. The extractor rod may need fitting. A new yoke may need fitted to the frame. The cylinder may not fit the frame window. Unless you have the tools, skill and knowledge, I think this is a bad idea.

 

[6string]

I'd be looking for a different donor. Recently, I saw a M36 with some holster wear on the right side of the muzzle and some pitting on the cylinder exterior. The frame was nice. Not perfect, but the bluing was intact.
A pinto conversion with your parts would've been perfect!

Jim

 

[steelslaver]

As many guns as there are with cosmetic flaws I would keep looking. I just made my first pinto using a nickel recessed 13/19 cylinder and 13 barrel on a blue 10-7 J&G gunsmith special frame. It does shoot about 6" low at 25 yds though.

Wish they would get some cheap J frames

 

[CZU]

I've been thinking of doing the same thing. I have a couple Baby Chiefs that are really finish challenged. They both are the most common variations, serrated front sight, so it wouldn't be like ruining a couple collectibles. One I would like to turn into a pinto, the other I would like to have engraved.

 

[A10]

I'mma get all philosophical here....

As far as we know (though lots of folks feel differently) we have one trip on this big ol' mudball circling Sol. It's your gun, its your life, and do as you wish. Don't take any person's (including mine) internet advice. Life is shorter than anyone here thinks.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I appreciate all the replies. Here are a few that really made me think.

Ask yourself if you owned this 49 if you would seek out a nickle barrel and cylinder to make it a pinto.

Great question.

I wouldn't, but the nickel parts seemed to fall from the sky.

One thing to keep in mind. A bbl and cylinder swap on this will have as many potential problems to work through as with any other bbl & cyl switch no matter the frame size or caliber.

Great food for thought with all the intricate details you described. I'm not a "smith." Haven't found a smith to get a quote, yet. We'll see. It's not one of those "at any cost" type projects.

Unless you have the tools, skill and knowledge, I think this is a bad idea.

Similar to 2152hq's thoughts. Thank you, too.

Life is shorter than anyone here thinks.

My Lady has a sign in her bathroom: "Life is too short to be serious all the time."