dhd
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Post by dhd on Apr 16, 2017 10:03:08 GMT -5
I've always wanted one of these type pistols. The Witness Limited specifically, though I'm not sure of any real differences besides the shape of the trigger guard and adjustable sights on the Witness.
Whenever you or he gets time, how about give me an idea of the accuracy of the piece. Thanks for posting the picture, but I must resist the temptation........ or maybe not.
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dhd
.327 Meteor
Posts: 941
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Post by dhd on Apr 14, 2017 15:57:36 GMT -5
I'll admit to not being the best bargainer, so I'd probably have taken it for the price asked. One way or the other, it would have gone home with me. Probably not shoot it much, but I haven't shot my Lew Horton 624 in more than 30 years....
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dhd
.327 Meteor
Posts: 941
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Post by dhd on Apr 14, 2017 15:48:34 GMT -5
This thread has been both informing and entertaining. For decades the Blackhawk frame has been used to build 5-Shot 45 Colts loaded to 50,000 psi. Countless 475 Linebaugh, 500 Linebaugh, and even more 454 Casulls loaded to 65,000 psi. While I'm not even sure this project is a go, I'm fairly sure the gun could handle the 357 Magnum loaded hot. Of course, brass would be a limiting factor. But, isn't this true with a lot of rounds? Your point is a good one. I don't have any knowledge on the relative strength between the Blackhawk frame and a Freedom Arms frame, but considering some of the pressures run in the 5 shot cylinders, I suspect a Blackhawk is strong. As you know, brass will be the limiting factor here. Anyway, the whole idea sounds fun. If you start this I bet you won't be the only one.....
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dhd
.327 Meteor
Posts: 941
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Post by dhd on Apr 13, 2017 20:14:01 GMT -5
I've had dies with light rust and always do the same thing. I chuck up the largest bore brush that will fit, wrap some 0000 steel wool around said brush, and give it a whirl. No more rust inside and polished to boot.
As for the rust not coming back, one product I've used that works better than all the rest. It's called Eezox. I keep the big spray can and at least a pint of the liquid on hand at all times. I've bought just about all of the rust protectants available, and for me Eezox beats them all. Your mileage may vary, but try it sometime, especially considering the environment you live in.
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dhd
.327 Meteor
Posts: 941
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Post by dhd on Apr 13, 2017 19:54:40 GMT -5
I have to ask a question or two about this revolver as I just sent one just like it to Clements: Is this one of his Conversion packages or one you just had some "stuff" done? To my eye the barrel looks a little heavier than the factory barrel but I could easily be mistaken. & Mesquite burl grips? I have asked for the exact same profile front sight and Mesquite burl grips. That is an extremely nice Vaquero and hope mine turns out as nice. Thanks for the compliment. That 45 Colt Vaquero was one of a "group buy" many years ago when David Clements was just starting to become well known. The deal was put together by Scott from SK Grips who also made the mesquite burl grips. The barrel is factory & had the warning removed. At this time I can no longer recall what all was done to it. Typical stuff like chambers made uniform, forcing cone hone, action job, dovetail front sight, Belt Mountain #5 base-pin, etc. I requested the bead-blast finish. I'm sure you will be pleased with David's work. Thanks for the information. I believe CraigC has/had one like yours as I asked him about the front sight. Just so happens that I also have a Bisley grip frame with Scott right now for a set of Mesquite burl grips being made. The Vaquero that is now with Clements will also have Mesquite burl grips but will have his round butt frame modification. I guess it's safe to say I love the look of the Mesquite on a stainless steel Blackhawk.
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dhd
.327 Meteor
Posts: 941
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Post by dhd on Apr 13, 2017 5:13:41 GMT -5
Like previously stated, a paint brush, old tooth brushes, and paper towels stay on my loading bench. I will pull my powder measure down from time to time for a good wipe down and my Sartorius scale gets wiped down with a paper towel dampened with anti static spray.
Every reloading tool is kept clean and lubed. I spend too much money on good equipment to not take care of it. I suspect most feel the same way.
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dhd
.327 Meteor
Posts: 941
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Post by dhd on Apr 13, 2017 5:00:46 GMT -5
I've read this thread with interest as I completely understand seeing what can be done. I'll also admit eyeballing my 357 Blackhawk wondering what I could be if as much attention was paid to it as my larger bores (emphasis on "paid" here).
My trouble is I haven't spent enough time with it in it's current configuration. A 357 magnum was my first revolver so nostalgia comes into play.
While I can offer no advise or experience with your quest, I say do it and let us know. This is coming from someone who has gone to smaller calibers in rifles. I started with a Robert Gradous 308, then to a 6.5 Creedmoor, then to a 6×47 Lapua, and now my baby doll is a Long Rifles Inc 223 Ackley Improved. There is something fascinating about being able to watch your own trace.
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dhd
.327 Meteor
Posts: 941
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Post by dhd on Apr 13, 2017 4:14:43 GMT -5
Bead Blast finish by Dave Clements. I have to ask a question or two about this revolver as I just sent one just like it to Clements: Is this one of his Conversion packages or one you just had some "stuff" done? To my eye the barrel looks a little heavier than the factory barrel but I could easily be mistaken. Mesquite burl grips? I have asked for the exact same profile front sight and Mesquite burl grips. That is an extremely nice Vaquero and hope mine turns out as nice.
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dhd
.327 Meteor
Posts: 941
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Post by dhd on Apr 9, 2017 0:12:19 GMT -5
All I can say is "get well soon"! I don't have the pleasure of having any of your grips and I want to!
I thought the black Micarta grips you've done were gorgeous (they are), then I thought your Holly grips were perfect, now you show a picture of the horn. What's next?
I may be being selfish, but seriously, get well soon as I would love to have a set of your grips. Hell, I'll even buy another revolver just for the grips.....
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dhd
.327 Meteor
Posts: 941
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Post by dhd on Apr 5, 2017 11:35:47 GMT -5
Teasing again? The knife handles are nice, but your knives are drop dead gorgeous. I seem to remember on your "walnut" thread someone asked if these are for sale. I don't remember your reply, but I know these would be snapped up.
Those kitchen chef knives are my favorite. I couldn't own them as my wife would use them for what they are designed for. Crazy lady!
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dhd
.327 Meteor
Posts: 941
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Post by dhd on Apr 4, 2017 22:19:41 GMT -5
Oh I will post the porn. I'll have some grip porn pics in the next week or so. Walnut from JRH and Mesquite Burl from Scott Kolar.
As others have lamented, the wait begins. Talking to Clements, I should have it back in a few months. I've been lucky lately so maybe less time than he said.
Crazy thing is, now that this decision has been made, I look at the other Blackhawk's and wonder what's next. My FFL is a very good friend with a taste for good vodka and I just happened to buy a bottle of Belvedere for him. Won't have to deal with FedEx ever.
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dhd
.327 Meteor
Posts: 941
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Post by dhd on Apr 4, 2017 21:48:01 GMT -5
Spent about 30 minutes on the phone with David Clements about my Viquirko, and it's boxed up and off tomorrow.
I kind of lucked up because the Accurized 6 Shot Conversion could not be done with my 45 Colt cylinder (I had a brain fart about the 45 Colt cylinder being used in the conversion). Clements mentioned he had a long blank cylinder that could be used for this revolver and I quickly agreed. It's already fluted and it will easily fill the window with recessed rims.
I had planned to just have a few things done to make it more to my liking, but now there won't be much left of the original Ruger.
He said it will look a lot like a polished stainless version of Alaskan454's revolver described in a thread a week back. His was a 5 shot 500 JRH, mine will be a 6 shot 45 Colt with a 4 5/8" barrel.
Man it's easy to say "yeah, why not" when you're already spending a bunch of $$.
Slippery slope I'm on here, anybody want to give me a hand?
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dhd
.327 Meteor
Posts: 941
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Post by dhd on Apr 2, 2017 20:02:09 GMT -5
You haven't even made a good start... I'm just picking.......not questioning experience or knowledge. Oh I knew you weren't. I wasn't trying to give myself any extra credit here, just saying I am pretty good at spending money on toys that go boom. Where else would I spend my money? Golf? Nope, the Masters are right down the road and I couldn't care less (unless I could get my hands on some pewter or something).
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dhd
.327 Meteor
Posts: 941
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Post by dhd on Apr 2, 2017 18:06:04 GMT -5
You haven't even made a good start... Concerning custom Blackhawk's, no, I'm just getting started. However, I tend to make my rounds with other shooting toys. 600 yard benchrest, Long Range Precision Rifle (paying job), PPC revolvers many years back, 1911's, hate to admit it but Glock's, and the one that cost me the most so far is Black Powder Cartridge Rifle. This ain't a cheap Sport, but I love fine firearms.
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dhd
.327 Meteor
Posts: 941
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Post by dhd on Apr 2, 2017 16:20:32 GMT -5
Re-read my post. I forgot at least 1 thing.
There's a guy named Barranti that you can send money, wait for a while, and he'll send you stuff. My experience with holsters is similar to guns, you need at least 1 per, but I've always ended up with 2 or more per as I'm kind of a holster, belt, magazine pouch whore. I just love fine leather work and I'll admit that Barranti is better than good.
I had the best intentions to buy the Blackhawk's with the same frame and barrel length so I could get by with maybe 1 holster.
Bbwwwwaaaaaa haaaaaa haaaaa.......... What an idiot.
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