Brassing up an antique

[bearskinner]

postimg.cc/gallery/Y9wgLcp
Here’s a few pics from my second RW Gripframe install. As much as I like the 4 degree bearskinner grip frame for heavy recoil, I wanted a Stock configured brass grip frame, for a beautiful plum blue antique (2 digit) Linebaugh Big 5.
After fitting to the frame, and sanding and polishing the micarta panels, I took some brass black rubbed on two coats, rinsing and rubbing off the normal wear spots, to make it look 30 years old as well. Next the micarta was too shiny, so I scuffed it up some, to make it a little dull.
I like the way it turned out. These grip frames bolt on your gun so seamlessly, it’s a fantastic project for those, like me, that like to do a little, but not too much.
I think I’ve got the picture thing figured out.

[princeout]

Bearskinner's picture

[bearskinner]

Can’t figure out why the pics don’t post, just the link. There all out of order also.

[Fowler]

We are going to need a little more info on that gun, classic piece.

[bearskinner]

A very early example of one of Johns Big 5 conversions, on a Ruger Bisley frame. (2 digit gun, in the teens) before belt mountain base pins, so the center pin is drilled and tapped for a set screw. It does show some wear, a few nicks and scratches, and a beautiful plumb patina. That’s why I wanted to make it look like an earlier version of his super grade guns. The new, stock configuration, of Ronnie’s brass grip frame, in original Ruger Bisley, was too pretty and shiny. Thus started the antiquing project. It took two more attempts at wear, to make it look old enough for the look I was going for.
It throws those super heavy chunks of lead nicely, and the smoothness and tight lock up is as good now as it ever was, and still better than many guns.

[Fowler]

Jan 14, 2021 17:00:24 GMT -5 bearskinner said:

A very early example of one of Johns Big 5 conversions, on a Ruger Bisley frame. (2 digit gun, in the teens) before belt mountain base pins, so the center pin is drilled and tapped for a set screw. It does show some wear, a few nicks and scratches, and a beautiful plumb patina. That’s why I wanted to make it look like an earlier version of his super grade guns. The new, stock configuration, of Ronnie’s brass grip frame, in original Ruger Bisley, was too pretty and shiny. Thus started the antiquing project. It took two more attempts at wear, to make it look old enough for the look I was going for.
It throws those super heavy chunks of lead nicely, and the smoothness and tight lock up is as good now as it ever was, and still better than many guns.

Is it a 500 Linebaugh then? I dont think I saw where that was mentioned

[bearskinner]

This is the oldest example,( that I own) it is in .45 Colt, 5 shot cylinder. He calls them big 5, as it’s a bigger longer cylinder than factory, it really fills the window. My 500’s are newer year models. Even one in a lever gun platform.

[Fowler]

Jan 15, 2021 14:35:58 GMT -5 bearskinner said:

This is the oldest example, it is in .45 Colt, 5 shot cylinder. He calls them big 5, as it’s a bigger longer cylinder than factory, it really fills the window. My 500’s are newer year models. Even one in a lever gun platform.

Ah a fantastically practical gun, honestly more so that the 475 and 500 guns. I have always wanted one of his oversized 6 shot cylindered 45 colts set up just like yours. From super mild 200gr swc target loads up to 365gr @ 1450fps in the same gun, there is no more versatile handgun.

[bearskinner]

I do love my 45’s. It could be 454casull ( for anything on earth) or one of my cast .45 Colt bullets, which will go thru anything in the lower 48. I keep an 1874 Shiloh Sharps (.458) for hunting Canada, where I cannot use a handgun.
I do love the .510’s , but casting those 525 grain bricks, sure goes thru lead fast.