But will it be more accurate???

[Odin]

I’m considering (dreaming about?) a custom build and I want to sort a couple things out before I get too far down the road…

Basically the build would be a simple rechamber on an existing gun. Say, a Ruger 357 Blackhawk rechambered to a tight chambered 45 Colt (plus action tuning and new barrel and whatever other fun touches one can dream up).

So the question’s already been posted. Is there going to be a marked increase in accuracy over a box-stock Ruger? (and please disregard the chambering for a minute, it could just as well be a 41mag or 44mag, or whatever)

FWIW, Huntington is at the top of my list right now because said build may include his grip mod and an octagon barrel (although I’m not sure how spendy the octagon will be, maybe too much). But in general, if a top smith does the work, are the groups from the gun gonna make a guy smile… a lot?

[CraigC]

As a rule, yes. Correct, minimum spec chambers, cut with a good, sharp reamer and with proper alignment. A new premium barrel. All adds up to greater accuracy but more importantly, greater consistency.

Although .357 cylinders tend to be a little short. A .41 would be better.

[bradshaw]

"I’m considering... a custom build and I want to sort a couple things... Is there going to be a marked increase in accuracy over a box-stock Ruger?”----Odin

*****

Not necessarily. During the early revolver battles in IHMSA silhouette, we proved numerous S&W .357, .41, and .44 Mag, and Ruger .44 Mags could print 5-rounds in 6-inches @ 200 meters. These were stock revolvers with the factory iron sights. Problem is, many revolvers were incapable of this accuracy. In my experience the Smith & Wesson M-29 and M-57 were consistently more accurate, sample-to-sample, than the Ruger Super Blackhawk. I shot revolvers which could not carry a top shot to the winners circle, as well as revolvers any champion would take.

The custom revolver is an opportunity to get things right. We have listed those dimensions and relationships in other discussions. All you have to do is learn what works----and what doesn’t----in the heat of competition. The Firing Line does not dispel mystery altogether.

the Accurate Revoler:
* Excellent bore & groove dimensions.
* Short, smooth, concentric forcing cone.
* Straight frame/bore axis.
* Chamber/bore alignment, the closer to .000” the better, although some revolvers with .006-inch chamber-to-bore runout group under 6-inches @ 200 meters. Note that many vintage S&W .357, .41, and .44s measure as tight as .002” chamber/bore runout. Proving it can be done with a swingout cylinder in production----without Line Boring. Note also, the Lee Martins Senior & Junior achieve dead-nuts chamber/bore alignment without line-boring. (More than one way to skin a cat.)
* Close, yet not necessarily firm diameter chamber exits, with smooth leade between chamber wall and exit hole.

Beyond the specification package, accuracy is a product of relationships. The smith has an opportunity to tune dimensional relationships which make accuracy more predictable.

A proper custom removes the accuracy gamble you take when buying factory. (Freedom Arms and Magnum Research BFR are exceptions, as accuracy is serious focus of production.) I have factory revolvers which have been to the top of the mountain, and for which there is no desire or need to trade for a custom.

A proper custom represents getting what you want, and getting it right the first time. There is a reason the smith works on certain guns, while avoiding others. The chosen manufacturer has made a foundation for greatness. Sometimes the revolver departs the factory great enough as is to perform in the National Symphony.
David Bradshaw

[jayhawker]

Well said David.

[2 Dogs]

I’m considering (dreaming about?) a custom build and I want to sort a couple things out before I get too far down the road…

Basically the build would be a simple rechamber on an existing gun. YOU NEED TO MAKE SURE YOUR DONOR CYLINDER IS LONG ENOUGH. Say, a Ruger 357 Blackhawk rechambered to a tight chambered 45 Colt .357 CYLINDER WILL BE SOME SHORT. RECOMMEND A 44 SBH OR 357 MAXIMUM CYLINDER FOR THIS JOB. (plus action tuning TUNING IS A GIVEN and new barrel THE BARREL QUALITY IS REALLY THE RUB and whatever other fun touches one can dream up). WE COULD GIVE A REALLY LONG LIST....

So the question’s already been posted. Is there going to be a marked increase in accuracy over a box-stock Ruger? THE POSSIBLITY IS INCREASED WHERE A CUSTOM SIXGUN HAS BETTER TOLERANCES AND CORRECT CHAMBER MOUTHS IT MAY OFTEN SHOOT A VARIETY OF LOADS BETTER THAN A STOCK ONE. ON THE OTHER HAND, A RUGER WITH GOOD DIMENSIONS CAN RUN RIGHT WITH A CUSTOM. REMEMBER, CUSTOM SIXGUNSMITHS ARE NOT BARREL MAKERS AND HAVE LITTLE CONTROL OVER THE QUALITY OF THE BARREL. I HAVE SEEN CUSTOMS FROM SEVERAL HOUSES WITH BARREL RESTRICTION THAT NEEDED CORRECTION. (and please disregard the chambering for a minute, it could just as well be a 41mag or 44mag, or whatever)

FWIW, Huntington is at the top of my list right now because said build may include his grip mod and an octagon barrel (although I’m not sure how spendy the octagon FIGURE 500 BUCKS PLUS will be, maybe too much). But in general, if a top smith does the work, are the groups from the gun gonna make a guy smile… a lot? AGAIN, YOUR CHANCES ARE MUCH BETTER HOWEVER MANY OF US HAVE SEEN BOX STOCK RUGERS PERFORM QUITE WELL. MOST OF THE RUGERS I HAVE SEEN LATELY HAVE QUITE GOOD DIMENSIONS.

READ THIS: www.gunblast.com/FerminGarza-Firelapping.htm

Good Luck Rod and feel free to ask, some of us have done quite a few customs as well as had quite accurate stock sixguns. The real key is correct tolerances.

[2 Dogs]

A few more thoughts Rod,

singleactions.proboards.com/thread/18895/reading-sixgun-sign

[Odin]

Thank you, gentlemen, for your thoughts. Your responses are as I expected.

David touched on one of the issues with stock revolvers, in that you may end up with one where the chorus is a bit off-key. While certain chamberings absolutely require contracting a skilled smith to concoct, choosing a more standard cartridge hints at a different set of underlying motivations. For myself, it's the chance to see my personal vision come to life, along with insuring that the final product can most certainly SING.

And Fermin, thanks for the extra reading. Good reminders for sure.

-Rod

[2 Dogs]

My pleasure. Best of luck.