What would you do? Create a pinto or not?
- Thread starter two-bit cowboy
- Start date
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.
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
Member
I’d stick the nickel parts in a drawer and carry the 49 when I need a pocket pistol.
Erich
Member
[/urlA 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.
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
A pinto conversion with your parts would've been perfect!
Jim
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
Wish they would get some cheap J frames
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.
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.
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.
OP
I appreciate all the replies. Here are a few that really made me think.
Great question.
I wouldn't, but the nickel parts seemed to fall from the sky.
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.
Similar to 2152hq's thoughts. Thank you, too.
My Lady has a sign in her bathroom: "Life is too short to be serious all the time."
Great question.
I wouldn't, but the nickel parts seemed to fall from the sky.
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.
Similar to 2152hq's thoughts. Thank you, too.
My Lady has a sign in her bathroom: "Life is too short to be serious all the time."
bmcgilvray
Member
I would not make a fake pinto out of a Smith & Wesson revolver.
Can't stand the look of pintos, but that's just me. They look like some sort of cheap-o bubba'd put-together and are not attractive at all. If I acquired a factory original pinto on a "deal" I'd have to resell it just to keep from tearing it down to replace the offending components. Just can't comprehend the appeal of pinto revolvers.
Can't stand the look of pintos, but that's just me. They look like some sort of cheap-o bubba'd put-together and are not attractive at all. If I acquired a factory original pinto on a "deal" I'd have to resell it just to keep from tearing it down to replace the offending components. Just can't comprehend the appeal of pinto revolvers.
DO IT!! DO IT!! DO IT!! 
Whew. OK, I'm better now.
ABSOLUTELY make your own pinto! I think a basic revolver without any special pedigree is the perfect "canvas" for creating something that is genuinely yours. Put it together and enjoy your masterpiece. And even though this will raise some hackles, I would go so far as to say it will increase the value of your gun, even though it's NOT factory. (Maybe not as much as factory - but more.) You'll thank me later for pushing you over the edge. 
Whew. OK, I'm better now.
ABSOLUTELY make your own pinto! I think a basic revolver without any special pedigree is the perfect "canvas" for creating something that is genuinely yours. Put it together and enjoy your masterpiece. And even though this will raise some hackles, I would go so far as to say it will increase the value of your gun, even though it's NOT factory.
(Maybe not as much as factory - but more.) You'll thank me later for pushing you over the edge. Similar threads
