Whatcha think I should do?

[50 target]

I have wanted a 2nd model HE target model for many years and am frustrated that I can't find a decent shooter for shooter money. It's amazing what some people would rather have than money from what is being paid for shooters. Anyways, I have a standard 2nd. model HE and I have been giving some thoughts to obtaining the appropriate sights to make it a target. The standard is in really nice shape but still a shooter. Bowen should be able to machine everything correctly and set it up properly. I would have less money in it than a shooter target in half the condition of my standard so converted. What say ye all??

 

[50 target]

I have wanted a 2nd model HE target model for many years and am frustrated that I can't find a decent shooter for shooter money. It's amazing what some people would rather have than money from what is being paid for shooters. Anyways, I have a standard 2nd. model HE and I have been giving some thoughts to obtaining the appropriate sights to make it a target. The standard is in really nice shape but still a shooter. Bowen should be able to machine everything correctly and set it up properly. I would have less money in it than a shooter target in half the condition of my standard so converted. What say ye all??

 

[mtb1bkr]

If you have the money to have Ham Bow do it I would say go for it. If the 2nd HE isn't a collector grade gun, then you aren't hurting collector value any way. You would probably get many more opinions on this if it were in the pre-1961 revo forum. I suspect that most of those opinions would be "don't do it." If it were a highly sought after gun, I would be in that camp, but I don't think it is.

Bill

 

[Muley Gil]

Go for it! Mike Priwer built a revolver that he wanted; why can't you?

And the next time I come to Alabamy, we can go shoot it!

 

[Nightowl]

I have little use for most fixed sighted guns. I say its ok to at least research the project, comparing costs. A lot of fixed sight guns were fit with adjustable sights in the past. Why not now?

 

[Smithfan]

I would say it depends on the arm. I've been asked about whether to have a Bowen conversion of a 38/44 HD to .45 Colt. They are really nifty arms, when finished. My answer is, yes, if it were a well-used later-model postwar arm. But my early '47 transition model HD? No way. There weren't all that many transition guns (because the factory obviously ran out of pre-war parts), and every one that is converted is one that is taken out of circulation forever.

Also remember that regardless of model, when it's altered in any way, that will affect the ultimate value of the arm.

Bill

 

[feralmerril]

Here is a triplelock that someone sent back to smith and had the target sights added in 1949.
I also had a good gunsmith once add S&W target sights to a S&W 1917 along with fitting up a extra clyinder and crane in .455 to .45 colt, giveing me a convertable .45 acp and .45 colt. It looked like the factory done it, was 35 years ago and didnt cost a fraction of what it would now. If I was to try it again today I would look at all cost possibilitys and maybe just go buy what I want. You need to consider what your gun would bring now, add the cost of the work, then realisticly figure what it would bring if sold after the work. Might be cheaper to buy a original?