dave
.240 Incinerator
Posts: 85
|
Post by dave on Aug 7, 2010 21:44:03 GMT -5
I have this idea for building a 44 Special on a Ruger OM 357 Blackhawk but instead of all the custom features I see on most of the 44 Special conversions, I want it to look like Ruger decided to offer a 44 Special Blackhawk back in 1970. Only want 3 changes: XR-3 grip frame (I have one); a steel ERH (got one of those too); and a 5-1/2" barrel instead of 4-5/8". Other wise just a blued, standard sighted Blackhawk.
Can anyone here recommend a good smith to build such a gun?
Dave
|
|
|
Post by kings6 on Aug 8, 2010 0:41:02 GMT -5
John Gallagher or Allan Harton.
|
|
|
Post by 2 Dogs on Aug 8, 2010 0:44:42 GMT -5
Harton or Horvath. Clements is first class as well.
|
|
aciera
.375 Atomic
Posts: 2,087
|
Post by aciera on Aug 8, 2010 6:50:52 GMT -5
Bowen's handiwork isn't hateful........
|
|
tommyt
.30 Stingray
Posts: 100
|
Post by tommyt on Aug 8, 2010 7:21:18 GMT -5
Get out the Hammer and Pipe wrench and Give it a Go
|
|
carl
.327 Meteor
Posts: 546
|
Post by carl on Aug 8, 2010 8:41:37 GMT -5
I opted for a 4-5/8" and I'm utilizing one of the new, steel XR-3 grip frames. (Sans lock mechanism, of course.) I'm also trying one of Bowen's elegant front sight assemblies. I'm almost ready to test fire prior to refinishing.......
I'll post images when I have a completed assembly to show off.....
Carl
PS Yes, hammers were used but no pipe wrenches. At least not yet anyway.....
|
|
dave
.240 Incinerator
Posts: 85
|
Post by dave on Aug 8, 2010 9:19:00 GMT -5
Carl,
I didn't know the new model steel grip frames could be used on an OM. Was there any fitting or adjustments than needed to be made? I would think the OM trigger would rattle around in the opening for the NM trigger.
Dave
|
|
carl
.327 Meteor
Posts: 546
|
Post by carl on Aug 8, 2010 14:58:47 GMT -5
Dave, Oh, one has to have a well stocked parts box...... I use wide triggers, either from the Old Model Supers or late production Old Armys or conversion kit triggers for OM Supers. I use a simple adaptor that carries the OM trigger spring and plunger assembly within the NM's trigger slot. Fitting is straight forward. The screws line up just fine. The new XR-3's ears are too tall and the back of the hammer well profile, i.e. the ears, don't match the OM hammer's lower so some fitting is needed. I've also figured out how to use the OM design mainspring and strut assembly, effectively eliminating a certain 2005 designed item that resides within the recently produced steel XR-3 grip frame. One can adapt OM grips by drilling a new grip dowel hole in the grip panel or, simply contact one of the many excellent grip makers found on the "good" gun forums on the 'net. If it was easy it wouldn't be as much fun. Carl
|
|