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Post by 2 Dogs on Apr 10, 2015 15:37:35 GMT -5
I have decided to let you guys in on my new project. This one will be a lightweight 327/32-20 on a Old Model. The frame will be scalloped as well as the recoil shield. The grip frame will be decked and lightened quite a bit. The main problem here is if you look at what I am starting with, the grip frame itself is a rough casting complete with tree "stems" still protruding from the backstrap. The main frame is a typical OM and you can see the main frame "ears" are way too low for a proper fit. Some of these unions can be satisfactorily done by cutting the grip frame to match, but as you can see in this case that would completely ruin the lines. So, in order to make this union work, the main frame ears will have to be carefully welded up and then the whole thing has to be filed to reclaim the correct lines. So, here is the first run at it. Ray did the welding, the file work is mine. I am lucky in that Harton knows my work well enough to let me be a part of this job. No, I am not a machinist, nor a welder. I am a fit and finish guy. An important task to be sure, but one I rather enjoy. Keep in mind, even at this point, this job will still require some remedial welding and fitting. One of the things Ray and I want to accomplish is for the main frame screws to be timed. At this point, we are looking hard at fabricating custom screws for the best fit. We have a long way to go here. The main frame still needs to have all the contours addressed as well as can be done. From there, it will go to Harton, who will build the cylinders and barrel it. I have high hopes for this one. Ray is currently building a jig to hold the Bisley grip frame so that we can deck and lighten it. More to follow....
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Post by foxtrapper on Apr 10, 2015 15:54:29 GMT -5
Very nice work! Who knew you wrenched on SA's . Gonna be a beauty!
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princeout
.375 Atomic
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Posts: 2,015
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Post by princeout on Apr 10, 2015 16:23:56 GMT -5
Really nice! Looking forward to more pictures as things progress. Tim
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Post by 2 Dogs on Apr 10, 2015 17:57:43 GMT -5
Very nice work! Who knew you wrenched on SA's . Gonna be a beauty! A girl has to have some secrets!!!
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Post by newrugersafan on Apr 10, 2015 19:00:43 GMT -5
Looks good Fermin, I'm doing an early 44 mag flattop with a Bisley NM grip frame. I have the gun,gripframe and Clements Bisley hammer and trigger for that conversion. I'm cheating though as I have no skills I'm sending the whole thing to Alan this month. He said he is busy I said I'm in no hurry work on it when you have time.
Mike
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Post by contender on Apr 10, 2015 22:03:52 GMT -5
NICE!
I did a similar conversion a while back. But I cheated a bit. I just took a stainless NM Bisley g/f & mated it to an OM 44 mag. I just used a trigger return spring block installed in the NM g/f. That kept all the OM parts internally unmolested.
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Post by kings6 on Apr 10, 2015 22:30:42 GMT -5
It would be easy to overlook the importance of the mating of the bisley grip frame to the main frame. Sure, you can use conversion blocks or Clements parts and make things work but often when this is done you see two different contours where the grip frame meets the main frame. This is on both bisley fitted old models as well as well as #5 grip frame fitted guns. Fermin touched on the need to build up the ears of the main frame in order to get a single arc or flow of the two mating surfaces. The picture shown is the result of LOTS of careful work to make that smooth, graceful transition shown in the picture. In my opinion, details such as this are what distinguish a true custom project from the more commonly seen "bolt the parts together" projects. Once again 2 Dogs shows the style and eye for detail that has made him truly one of my custom revolver mentors.
It should turn out to be another one of a kind gun.
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steve
.375 Atomic
Posts: 1,547
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Post by steve on Apr 10, 2015 23:06:17 GMT -5
Beautiful work so far! Regulated/registered screws are a very classy touch. I always thought you couldn't scallop the frame on a Ruger because of the S/N placement. Are you going to CCH or plate the frame? I've seen where sometimes the blueing doesn't "take" the same to the welded area. Keep the pictures coming, I can't wait to see the finished product.
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Shakey
.327 Meteor
Central Arkansas
Posts: 548
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Post by Shakey on Apr 11, 2015 0:17:35 GMT -5
Lookin' good so far, ...Anxious to see how it proceeds. Especially interested in how and how much you are going to lighten the grip frame. Love the bisley shape but makes a lightweight gun kind of butt heavy.
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Post by boxhead on Apr 11, 2015 5:25:00 GMT -5
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Post by 2 Dogs on Apr 14, 2015 8:07:11 GMT -5
Beautiful work so far! Regulated/registered screws are a very classy touch. I always thought you couldn't scallop the frame on a Ruger because of the S/N placement. Are you going to CCH or plate the frame? I've seen where sometimes the blueing doesn't "take" the same to the welded area. Keep the pictures coming, I can't wait to see the finished product. There will be a few hands in this project, not just mine and Rays. Of course a manufacturer will have to be a part of the progress to legally remark the frame. I am probably going to leave this one all blue, but CCH is an option as is leaving it in the white. As to the bluing "not taking" there are any number of details that have to be considered. The type and quality of rod used, the amount of heat, the welding machine itself and the footpedal. It can be done. While it is an uphill climb, sometimes the best things are just that.
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Post by 2 Dogs on Apr 14, 2015 8:07:49 GMT -5
It would be easy to overlook the importance of the mating of the bisley grip frame to the main frame. Sure, you can use conversion blocks or Clements parts and make things work but often when this is done you see two different contours where the grip frame meets the main frame. This is on both bisley fitted old models as well as well as #5 grip frame fitted guns. Fermin touched on the need to build up the ears of the main frame in order to get a single arc or flow of the two mating surfaces. The picture shown is the result of LOTS of careful work to make that smooth, graceful transition shown in the picture. In my opinion, details such as this are what distinguish a true custom project from the more commonly seen "bolt the parts together" projects. Once again 2 Dogs shows the style and eye for detail that has made him truly one of my custom revolver mentors. It should turn out to be another one of a kind gun. Thanks Robb, but you go too far.....
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Post by 2 Dogs on Apr 14, 2015 8:08:39 GMT -5
Looks good Fermin, I'm doing an early 44 mag flattop with a Bisley NM grip frame. I have the gun,gripframe and Clements Bisley hammer and trigger for that conversion. I'm cheating though as I have no skills I'm sending the whole thing to Alan this month. He said he is busy I said I'm in no hurry work on it when you have time. Mike Be sure and update us and that one sounds like it will be indeed special. I cant wait!!
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cmh
.401 Bobcat
Posts: 3,745
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Post by cmh on Apr 14, 2015 16:07:00 GMT -5
Looks great
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snappy
.30 Stingray
Posts: 421
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Post by snappy on Apr 14, 2015 20:06:23 GMT -5
Mr. Harton is rubbing off on you Fermin!
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