Post by redcanoe on Mar 6, 2018 1:02:36 GMT -5
It’s been over a decade since my fascination with the writings of Keith, Taffin and Skelton led me to purchase my first 44 magnum revolver, a 50th Anniversary Blackhawk. I picked up and traded my way into two more .44s over the next few years, but there was one .44 that that grabbed my attention from the first moment I saw it and became the gold standard for what I wanted in a custom sixgun… a barrel-banded Old Model Bisley from Alan Harton. The trigger nestled back into the triggerguard, the plum frame, the figured stocks… it was sublime!
Recently, I was blessed with the opportunity to become the new caretaker of the revolver that I had admired for so long, and it exceeded my expectations in every way. The delicate “snick” of the action, the imperceptible break of the trigger that almost allows one to “think” it into firing, a perfect sight picture, and stocks that slide into my palm like a handshake of an old friend.
But the most welcome surprise was the call I received from Fermin detailing his vision for what he hoped this precise piece of machinery could one day become, and the encouragement that he offered to become more active participant with the people who enjoy our sport. Who would have expected such a warm welcome from a man who has the cool, calculating stare of a inconvenienced badger? My hangun education has consisted of reading and experimenting on my own, and my participation in the forum was simply the passive act of reading what everyone else had contributed. Time to make an effort to remedy that, I guess.
I’ve got about 150 rounds of mid-range loads through it so far (250 Keiths over 11.5g HS-6) and fired my first 50 rounds of heavy loads this weekend (23.0g of H110 with the same bullet.) Bullets were 60/40 and 80/20 WW/lead alloy, and there were no signs of leading with either load. Need to work on my performance a bit, however…
I just hope I can live up to this sixgun's expectations!
Kevin
Recently, I was blessed with the opportunity to become the new caretaker of the revolver that I had admired for so long, and it exceeded my expectations in every way. The delicate “snick” of the action, the imperceptible break of the trigger that almost allows one to “think” it into firing, a perfect sight picture, and stocks that slide into my palm like a handshake of an old friend.
But the most welcome surprise was the call I received from Fermin detailing his vision for what he hoped this precise piece of machinery could one day become, and the encouragement that he offered to become more active participant with the people who enjoy our sport. Who would have expected such a warm welcome from a man who has the cool, calculating stare of a inconvenienced badger? My hangun education has consisted of reading and experimenting on my own, and my participation in the forum was simply the passive act of reading what everyone else had contributed. Time to make an effort to remedy that, I guess.
I’ve got about 150 rounds of mid-range loads through it so far (250 Keiths over 11.5g HS-6) and fired my first 50 rounds of heavy loads this weekend (23.0g of H110 with the same bullet.) Bullets were 60/40 and 80/20 WW/lead alloy, and there were no signs of leading with either load. Need to work on my performance a bit, however…
I just hope I can live up to this sixgun's expectations!
Kevin
