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Post by Lee Martin on Feb 17, 2023 9:44:07 GMT -5
I'm in the same boat. Years ago I bought a flattop .357 with plans to convert it to .41. Checked the serial number and it turned out to be a first year gun. Upon real close inspection, I found it was likely never fired. It came from a collection and the gun store knew the previous owner. They said he almost never shot his guns. He was a pure collector. So that one has stayed as purchased: If I ever do one, it'll likely be in .41 Magnum. The frame can safely handle it, plus I can still shoot Specials in it. -Lee www.singleactions.com"Chasing perfection five shots at a time"
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Post by Encore64 on Feb 17, 2023 10:03:59 GMT -5
Sadly, I joined this club a while back too.
Had a 3-Screw converted to 41 Special by Clements.
Decided to do a second one in 38-40. Bought a second 3-Screw sight unseen.
Owner said it was "broken". Turned out, it was missing the Ejector Rod Latch Spring.
I put in a Belt Mountain Hardened Latch, Extra Power Spring and #5 Base Pin.
Gun is pristine with unbelievably good tolerances. I decided to just leave it as is.
I need to get Trent to build me some good grip panels and shoot it.
Bob, I hope you get your gun built!!!
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Post by rjm52 on Feb 17, 2023 18:00:54 GMT -5
...have about decided not to shoot it...just going to start making some calls next week and ship it out asap.
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Post by rjm52 on Feb 17, 2023 21:30:15 GMT -5
Very interesting... Was looking at the sights tonight and noticed that the sight picture was totally black when usually the front sight grays out...
In looking at the front ramp the blade doesn't have horizontal serration across the blade like all ramps do but it is a vertical wave pattern on both the base and the ramp...this apparently breaks up the light that hits and turns the ramp black...
Have never seen that pattern before...
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Post by kings6 on Feb 17, 2023 21:44:04 GMT -5
That wavey pattern is one of the unique features of the Type 1 early flat tops. It is one of my favorite things about the early guns.
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Post by rjm52 on Feb 17, 2023 21:55:24 GMT -5
...I am starting to vacillate....already turned one rare gun, a USFA Shooting Master, into a .41 Special...now I am having doubts... Maybe I'll take it to Connecticut next week and shoot it...
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Post by Lee Martin on Feb 18, 2023 7:22:17 GMT -5
Maybe get a New Model flattop? Either a 50th .357 or a .44 Special? They're rising in price, but that way you could keep the Old Model original. Then again, if you're really into 3-clicks.... Keep us posted. Sounds like a neat project. -Lee www.singleactions.com"Chasing perfection five shots at a time"
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Post by rjm52 on Feb 18, 2023 7:46:54 GMT -5
Thank you for the suggestions Lee....same thoughts have been going through my mind as this piece of history is just a little valuable to ruin...but..
If when I shoot it that front sight blade, with the rear right bottomed out, is too short to zero the gun then it will get chopped or sold...
If anyone has or knows where a set of original plastic grips for this gun might be, please send me a PM...
Bob
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Post by rjm52 on Feb 22, 2023 10:05:03 GMT -5
...well sometimes things don't go as planned... No conversion planned for this piece of Ruger history...
Should be shooting it this week but regardless of the outcome it isn't going to be converted...
Now looking at some NM FT candidates but if the right OM FT comes along that is still a possibility...
Thanks to all who have helped so far....
Bob
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Post by x101airborne on Feb 22, 2023 23:26:56 GMT -5
I am no help except for moral encouragement. I wish you good luck getting your next custom and applaud you for appreciating the weapon you have. Good luck buddy. Many happy wishes from South Texas.
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Post by rjm52 on Feb 23, 2023 17:11:39 GMT -5
Thank you my friend...
Well I went and shot the FT and there is mixed feelings...
1) Trigger is wonderful...
2) Very accurate and easy to shoot even with full .357 loads
3) Stocks are wonderful...nice and hand filling.. Little to no movement under recoil.
...unfortunately...
1) Front sight blade is way too low. With the rear sight bottomed out...about 6" high at 20 yards. Shot it at 10 and it was 2.5-3" for both me and a friend... And that was with 146 and 160 grain bullets.
2)The wavy front sight pattern...I now know why it was not on Ruger guns very long...turns WHITE outside. It is almost impossible to keep things lined up as one can't see any light on the sides of the rear blade. Keeping the elevation correct is also very hard... My friend also found it to be the same...
So for now the project is on hold. Want to shoot it along side the FA 97s in .41 and .357 and evaluate from there... From there it will either go down the road or have the conversion with sight replacement.
Bob
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