Magnumwheelman is a Bad Influence...
Sept 7, 2019 0:23:38 GMT -5
awp101, win1894s, and 7 more like this
Post by tinkerpearce on Sept 7, 2019 0:23:38 GMT -5
...in the best possible way!
I've long admire the S&W in Magnumwheelman's avatar, and a very kind member of this forum remembered this when he happened across a S&W .38 Single Action 2nd Model at a good price in a local gun store and got in touch with me. I sent money and he very kindly purchased the gun and sent it on to me (observing all legal niceties.) Very much above and beyond the call, and deeply appreciated. I'll not reveal my benefactor's name in the interest of preserving his privacy, but should he choose to step forward and take a bow he is welcome to on this thread.
The gun is in very good mechanical condition, and lacked only a hammer-stud screw. The old one had broken off in the stud, and since these screw are proprietary they are rather hard to come by even if I repaired or replaced the stud. I carefully drilled out the old screw- the metal was quite soft- and forced in a 2-56 hardened allen-head cap screw. This cut it's own threads in the soft steel of the hammer-stud, and suitably modified it works a treat for securing the sideplate. That being done I was ready to start the conversion.
First off I shortened the barrel and re-crowned it. I don't know the exact length of Magnumwheelman's gun, but I cut this one to 1-5/8" to match my 'Steampunk Snubby.' Next i made and mounted a bronze front sight (also to match my other gun.) Lastly I made a set of antler grips for it. The new grips are slightly fatter than the originals it came with and fit my hand very well. The gun now points very naturally for me. Of course I need to test-fire it to insure the sights are at least close to where they need to be.
Later this month supplies will be arriving to strip the nickel and rust-blue the gun. I have considered a London Gray finish, but I am dubious about it's durability on a pocket gun. Yes, I fully intend this to be a discreet carry-gun, and am planning to use it for that purpose. It's even smaller than my .38 Double Action, which is a bit smaller than a J-frame. My HKS j-frame speedloaders work just fine for this gun, and of course speed-strips also work.
Couldn't be happier with this project, and many thanks to the thoughtful forum member that was so generous with his time and energy to put this in my hands.
I've long admire the S&W in Magnumwheelman's avatar, and a very kind member of this forum remembered this when he happened across a S&W .38 Single Action 2nd Model at a good price in a local gun store and got in touch with me. I sent money and he very kindly purchased the gun and sent it on to me (observing all legal niceties.) Very much above and beyond the call, and deeply appreciated. I'll not reveal my benefactor's name in the interest of preserving his privacy, but should he choose to step forward and take a bow he is welcome to on this thread.
The gun is in very good mechanical condition, and lacked only a hammer-stud screw. The old one had broken off in the stud, and since these screw are proprietary they are rather hard to come by even if I repaired or replaced the stud. I carefully drilled out the old screw- the metal was quite soft- and forced in a 2-56 hardened allen-head cap screw. This cut it's own threads in the soft steel of the hammer-stud, and suitably modified it works a treat for securing the sideplate. That being done I was ready to start the conversion.
First off I shortened the barrel and re-crowned it. I don't know the exact length of Magnumwheelman's gun, but I cut this one to 1-5/8" to match my 'Steampunk Snubby.' Next i made and mounted a bronze front sight (also to match my other gun.) Lastly I made a set of antler grips for it. The new grips are slightly fatter than the originals it came with and fit my hand very well. The gun now points very naturally for me. Of course I need to test-fire it to insure the sights are at least close to where they need to be.
Later this month supplies will be arriving to strip the nickel and rust-blue the gun. I have considered a London Gray finish, but I am dubious about it's durability on a pocket gun. Yes, I fully intend this to be a discreet carry-gun, and am planning to use it for that purpose. It's even smaller than my .38 Double Action, which is a bit smaller than a J-frame. My HKS j-frame speedloaders work just fine for this gun, and of course speed-strips also work.
Couldn't be happier with this project, and many thanks to the thoughtful forum member that was so generous with his time and energy to put this in my hands.
