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Post by Encore64 on Jul 16, 2016 16:58:17 GMT -5
As I posted a couple weeks ago, I grabbed a few 44 Special Flattop Rugers for project guns.
One was a 5 1/2" standard model built to incredible tolerances.
Digging thru my parts box I found a few items that got me thinking. An aluminum grip frame and ERH to be specific.
The gun weighed 42.2 oz from the factory. With the aluminum parts installed, 36.1 oz. That's lighter than FA lists for a 97 in 44 Special with the same barrel length.
So I've decided to fit the grip frame, which won't take much. Have both the aluminum parts blasted and cerakoted to match, then roll with it.
I found a set of grips that fit the frame perfectly. The hole is in the wrong place for the retainer pin, but JB Weld and a drill will fix that.
Looking for input, both pros and cons, on this idea.
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cmh
.401 Bobcat
Posts: 3,745
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Post by cmh on Jul 16, 2016 17:19:58 GMT -5
Sounds like a really neat project  |
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Post by dougader on Jul 16, 2016 17:41:03 GMT -5
I was thinking of the same thing. If I had the parts, tools, and skills, I'd go for it.
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Post by BigBore44 on Jul 16, 2016 17:50:47 GMT -5
My only input is, Get'er Done Sounds like it's gonna be nice... BigBore44 |
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ryan
.30 Stingray
Posts: 402 
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Post by ryan on Jul 16, 2016 18:20:41 GMT -5
Love those Ruger FT .44 Specials! Had a Bisley version converted to a 5-shot .480 by JRH, with a second soon to follow for a .327/.32-20. Kept one in it's original form and it's one of my favorites. I'm thinking your LW project is a great idea and look forward to seeing the final product.
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Post by Encore64 on Jul 16, 2016 19:55:39 GMT -5
I'm sending a Bisley Flattop to Jack this week for a 480 Ruger conversion.
Will still leave me four in 44 Special.
Another one will go to Jack after the 480 is completed.
Also have Flattops in 45 Colt/ acp and 357 Mag/ 9mm.
I really like these guns.
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cmh
.401 Bobcat
Posts: 3,745
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Post by cmh on Jul 16, 2016 20:13:33 GMT -5
Its hard to tell |
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Post by Encore64 on Jul 16, 2016 20:19:18 GMT -5
Its hard to tell I know. They are the best Rugers I've found. Just all around useful guns. I hope to see Lipseys introduce them in more calibers. |
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Post by ddixie884 on Jul 16, 2016 20:32:19 GMT -5
Your project sounds like a good deal. I too, am looking forward to new offerings.
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cmh
.401 Bobcat
Posts: 3,745
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Post by cmh on Jul 16, 2016 20:38:54 GMT -5
Its hard to tell I know. They are the best Rugers I've found. Just all around useful guns. I hope to see Lipseys introduce them in more calibers. I have one old model three screw flattop that ive planned to build a half dozen ways but has yet to get started..... find nyself constantly thinking "what if".....  |
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Joe S.
.401 Bobcat
Posts: 2,517
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Post by Joe S. on Jul 16, 2016 21:46:22 GMT -5
The NM flattop frame and OM 357 are my favorite frame size.
I have three 3-screw 357s with hopes to convert one to 44 spl, have one CCH'd and blued and leave one as the work horse it is.
I also have a flattop 45 and want a couple more. That lightweight project will be nice. I did that to another flattop 45 i had a while back. Also did it to a 357 Vaquero i had once. Now THAT was an improvement!
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Post by mbaneacp on Jul 17, 2016 3:01:07 GMT -5
One of my all-time favorite packing guns here at the Bunker is an old Super Backhawk with the barrel lopped off to 4 3/4 inch ( no, as a matter of fact, I can't remember why I picked that length) and fitted with an aluminium frame and colorado elk stag grips. Remember many long hikes with that gun in Kirkpatrick leather and my old beagle Alf at my side...sigh...
Michael B
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ryan
.30 Stingray
Posts: 402
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Post by ryan on Jul 17, 2016 5:11:12 GMT -5
I'm sending a Bisley Flattop to Jack this week for a 480 Ruger conversion. Will still leave me four in 44 Special. Another one will go to Jack after the 480 is completed. Also have Flattops in 45 Colt/ acp and 357 Mag/ 9mm. I really like these guns. You'll really like the .480, Jack and Jason do excellent work. My FT .45 is there now, they're turning it into a 5-shot 45 with a grip mod and banded barrel. So yes, I agree. The Ruger Flattops are definitely my favorite! |
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edk
.375 Atomic
Posts: 1,118
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Post by edk on Jul 17, 2016 6:40:44 GMT -5
Looking for input, both pros and cons, on this idea. Same thoughts toward a 45 COlt Flat top as (1) it is favorite cal and (2) should be even lighter. Interesting that you are retaining the 5-1/2. Mostly only see this on a 4-5/8" (or shorter). Yes, that makes them handy but as shooters most all of us probably do better with 6"+/- class working guns than with the shorter ones. |
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jgt
.327 Meteor
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Posts: 782
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Post by jgt on Jul 17, 2016 8:01:28 GMT -5
I could see using a three screw shooter grade gun or one of the 357's for custom builds, but to use a Lipsey's 44 special is pure heresy. It is just wrong to destroy the 44's. They made and still make a boat load of the 357's and 45's. Using one of them would not make much impact on the numbers available. But to use a 44 special is sacrilege. To cleanse yourself go say three Hail Elmers and read a chapter from "The Book of The 44's".
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