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Post by Encore64 on Sept 26, 2021 14:46:53 GMT -5
It's hard to even post about this gun. It has had a hard life, but has turned out to be pretty good.
The base gun was purchased off GB minus the cylinders and base pin. I'm not sure how that happens, but apparently it does.
Sent the frame to Reeder for a five shot 38-40 Cylinder. At the time, I didn't know how the old bottleneck cartridge would do with really hot loads.
It worked fine, but definitely had some issues with the gun. So, off it went to Dave Clements.
Dave overhauled the gun completely. Along with installing a Bisley Hammer, the gun got an action job.
1) Bisley Hammer
2) Action Job
3) Endshake set to Zero
4) Barrel Gap at .002"
5) Forcing Cone Polished
6) V-Crown
7) TLA Style Front Sight
8) Crescent Ejector Rod
9) #5 Base Pin and Hardened Latch
10) Oversized Cylinder Latch
11) Engraved "Buckeye Special" on top of the barrel
Once back home, I added Invitation Ivory Grips and Slotted Pivot Pins. I just thought the Screw Heads looked more nostalgic.
Tim will be posting pictures soon...
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Post by tdbarton on Sept 26, 2021 14:56:45 GMT -5
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Post by Encore64 on Sept 26, 2021 15:11:58 GMT -5
A few notes about the cylinder...
It allows for a loaded OAL of 1.8". The ratchet was cut leaving a solid ring of steel around the base pin. This accomplishes the same thing as an added bushing.
The cylinder has an outside diameter of 1.736". That's .011" larger in diameter than Clements made my 44-40 Cylinder on the Midframe Flattop.
BUT, the outside wall thickness of the 38-40 is .016" less (.092") than the 44-40. This is due to the bore axis being closer to the centerline on the Midframe.
This is why I believe it's incorrect to assume the Midframe Flattops aren't good for 5-Shot Conversions. They may be smaller, but have an advantage in strength in some areas.
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Post by bigbore475 on Sept 26, 2021 16:37:59 GMT -5
It's been a long time in the making, but I think it's a ultimate 38-40. Looking forward to how it shoots
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Post by Encore64 on Sept 26, 2021 18:01:19 GMT -5
John Linebaugh said this about the 38-40 WCF. I have to agree with him...
"The .38-40 is another "old" cartridge much misunderstood - like the .45 Colt - that can be "woken up" in a strong and modern gun. We had Dave Manson grind properly dimensioned minimum reamers to cut properly sized tight chambers for additional strength and safety. Oversized six shot cylinders are fitted behind a properly dimensioned barrel. Bisley parts are recommended for best shooting control along with Linebaugh Custom Grips.
Many will claim, as they did with the .45 Colt, that the case is weak and will not handle the high pressures. More than twenty years of steady use in our custom revolvers has proven the .45 Colt is amply safe to any reasonable pressure. The 38-40 is an excellent choice for a light game cartridge without the heavy recoil."
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Post by flyingzebra on Sept 26, 2021 18:35:48 GMT -5
Did Clements set the ratchet back and fit a new gas ring up front before he set the barrel/cylinder gap?
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Post by Encore64 on Sept 26, 2021 18:38:09 GMT -5
Did Clements set the ratchet back and fit a new gas ring up front before he set the barrel/cylinder gap? Yes Sir and recut the ratchet for perfect timing... |
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Post by powderkernel on Sept 26, 2021 18:53:38 GMT -5
Whats a gas ring?
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Post by Encore64 on Sept 26, 2021 18:55:55 GMT -5
The stub that sticks off the front of the cylinder.. It has to be offset from the barrel stub inside the cylinder window. If not, the blow by from the barrel gap locks up the cylinder rotation... |
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Post by powderkernel on Sept 26, 2021 19:06:33 GMT -5
Ah jeez...makes sense, us green horns would be lost without you grayhairs!
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Post by Encore64 on Sept 26, 2021 19:08:16 GMT -5
Ah jeez...makes sense, us green horns would be lost without you grayhairs! Kyle, I'd deny that gray hair if we hadn't met in person. I still learn something about revolvers every day... |
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Post by Encore64 on Sept 26, 2021 19:30:14 GMT -5
I've gotten some questions on why a stainless steel cylinder on a classic caliber.
I didn't want the cylinder window opened for an oversized cylinder, so I requested 17-4 Stainless be used for strength.
I'm an old grandpa type loader and use +P Loads at best. But, feel better experimenting with a really strong gun...
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Post by leadhound on Sept 26, 2021 19:40:23 GMT -5
Yeah but that “classic” caliber is outdoin’ most and runnin’ with the rest! LOL!
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Post by Encore64 on Sept 26, 2021 20:12:29 GMT -5
This gun will push a 200 grn to 1600 fps. But, I prefer a more subdued load for my needs.
Using 2400 Powder, I push a 200 grn GT HP Bullet at 1320 fps. This is about equivalent to the old Keith 44 Special load with a better trajectory.
It's hard to be definite about this, but my 38-40s seem to produce more energy with less recoil than any of my revolvers...
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Post by tdbarton on Sept 26, 2021 21:02:52 GMT -5
This gun will push a 200 grn to 1600 fps. But, I prefer a more subdued load for my needs. Using 2400 Powder, I push a 200 grn GT HP Bullet at 1320 fps. This is about equivalent to the old Keith 44 Special load with a better trajectory. It's hard to be definite about this, but my 38-40s seem to produce more energy with less recoil than any of my revolvers... This kind of info is why I like hanging around with you good folks |
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