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Post by CraigC on Sept 2, 2013 11:35:25 GMT -5
Mostly I agree with Fowler but also stipulate that it must have the Bisley hammer. The original had a custom trigger and I think that's a nice touch as well. They don't look quite right to me with a standard Colt or Ruger trigger. I think it should also have a Flat-top Target style front sight with the stepped muzzle. The basepin latch system is one of the distinctive features that makes the #5 so mystical but I honestly think it's an unnecessary extravagance. I think it should have "white" grips though, be it ivory, micarta or sheephorn. Axehandle's hard chromed Clements #5 above is one of my favorites of all that I've seen. A Bisley ain't a #5. If it doesn't have a #5 grip frame, I have a real hard time even making a #5 reference. That said, a custom #5 should be what you want it to be. However, Elmer Keith had small hands and I do not. I probably won't be going to the expense of building a #5 in the foreseeable future. I'd love to have an Old Model Ruger Super Blackhawk converted to a Bisley and I think that's a better conversion for me. I think Bowen's rendition is one of the finest custom guns extant and I would rather have this than the actual original. But there is only one true #5 but I think it should be preserved for future generations.
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Fowler
.401 Bobcat
Posts: 3,566
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Post by Fowler on Sept 2, 2013 13:04:13 GMT -5
Craig I absolutely agree I forgot the Bisley hammer...
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shadow
.30 Stingray
Posts: 135
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Post by shadow on Sept 2, 2013 21:46:24 GMT -5
Interesting post! In my opinion, I believe any rendition of Keith's #5 should have a minimum of 5 (five) requirements as follows:
Keith #5 grip frame (Powers or Custom). Flat-top configuration. Bisley hammer. Keith #5 base pin. Carved genuine Ivory grips.
Bowen's superb rendition of the $5 is as close to the original as possible, but I also think Fowler's piece, implementing most of the original elements is also quite exceptional. Now on the other hand, I personally think Robb's rendition of the #5 in .41 cal and an octagon bbl was an outstanding choice, and features all 5 of the required elements listed above.
Without question, and from what I've seen, I believe these to be 3 of the finest revolvers ever built!
Shadow
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Post by kings6 on Sept 2, 2013 22:19:23 GMT -5
Thank you sir for the kind words. I know I veered from the original gun in many ways but knowing I could never duplicate the original #5 I felt like I had the freedom to honor the original in my own style and way.
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shorty500
.327 Meteor
too many dirty harry movies created me!
Posts: 912
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Post by shorty500 on Sept 3, 2013 5:55:52 GMT -5
Thank you sir for the kind words. I know I veered from the original gun in many ways but knowing I could never duplicate the original #5 I felt like I had the freedom to honor the original in my own style and way. and i wholeheartily agree, Keith was a pioneer and an experienced sixgunner but the #5 was still a "concept gun". the concept being the best of the best that Elmer had available to him at the time frame in platform, cartridge, and custom smiths etc. but more importantly it was "THE LAST WORD". the total concept and be faithfully honored in two entirely different ways- #1 being to recreate elmers original as closely as possible or by taking the "CONCEPT" and building your own personnal "LAST WORD"
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groo
.327 Meteor
I yet live!!!!
Posts: 855
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Post by groo on Sept 3, 2013 8:43:55 GMT -5
Groo here When I made mine , I took the idea and said "how would EK do it to day?" I started with a New Model Bisley Vaquero in SS and in 357.. Had Andy Horvath do the convesion [he will do the pin latch but I didn't] Andy installed a S&W rear sight on the round top [old school style] and chambered it for 41mag [ another EK round!] The gun is light and small enough to carry , will stand the weather, and is powderful enough to do the job. And is it Accurate!!!!!!!!!!!
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