Is a 4-inch SAA barrel possible?

[jamesjames]

I am planning a custom build in .44 special. I've got my cylinder frame, cylinder, back strap, and trigger guard. I've just lined up my hammer...

I want to build a 4-inch barrel with dove-tailed front sight and an ejector assembly. Why? Because nobydody else has one. Can a 4-inch barrel and ejector assembly be done? Has anybody ever had a custom length barrel done? By a custom shop or gunsmith? Could you recommend somebody in or near Oregon?

[Lil Dudey]

I am curious too! Waiting on what Mr. Taffin's response will be.

[Mark Terry]

Without doing any work whatsoever to take measurements, it would seem that it would be possible however the ejector might not be functional and might not be long enough to push the casings clear of the cylinder. Colts with 4 1/2 inch barrels and Rugers with 4 5/8 barrels have ejectors after all....

[kings6]

It isn't a Colt SA but this Om 41 Special has a 4 inch barrel and ER. It works fine.

[taffin]

Sept 15, 2010 17:53:47 GMT -5 jamesjames said:

I am planning a custom build in .44 special. I've got my cylinder frame, cylinder, back strap, and trigger guard. I've just lined up my hammer...

I want to build a 4-inch barrel with dove-tailed front sight and an ejector assembly. Why? Because nobydody else has one. WHY DO YOU THINK NO ON EELSE HAS ONE? BUT OF COURSE OTHERS HAVE THEM!! COLT EVEN OFFERS CUSTOM 4" SAAs WITH EJECTOR RODS,

Can a 4-inch barrel and ejector assembly be done? Has anybody ever had a custom length barrel done? By a custom shop or gunsmith? AGAIN YES. THERE ARE SEVERAL 4" AND LESS CUSTOM RUGERS WITH EJECTOR RODS PICTURED IN MY .44 BOOK.

[brionic]

Sept 15, 2010 19:57:35 GMT -5 kings6 said:

It isn't a Colt SA but this Om 41 Special has a 4 inch barrel and ER. It works fine.

Yowsa!

[jamesjames]

I know its hard dealing with newbies like me. I hope to not annoy you guys and appreciate the response. I'll work with the Colt Custon Shop to get the barrel/ejector assembly of my dreams built. This project will probably take a year, but I'll be back from time to time to up-date on the progress.

Here's what I've got:
U.S. Frame Specialists frame, triggerguard, and backstrap.
Colt .44 special cylinder
Milt Sparks HSR, basket stamped, for 4-inch SAA (cart before the horse? it just worked out that way!)

Here's the rest of the dream:
USFA birdshead hammer
4-inch barrel with dovetailed front sight and ejector assembly from Colt Custom Shop.

It'll take a while assemble all the pieces and parts and to work out the details of finishes. I'll keep you posted. Thanks to John Taffin for being a great resource. When he types his responses in all caps, its like the voice of God in its power and authority. This is so cool!

[taffin]

Sept 16, 2010 13:47:09 GMT -5 jamesjames said:

I know its hard dealing with newbies like me. I hope to not annoy you guys and appreciate the response. I'll work with the Colt Custon Shop to get the barrel/ejector assembly of my dreams built. This project will probably take a year, but I'll be back from time to time to up-date on the progress.

Here's what I've got:
U.S. Frame Specialists frame, triggerguard, and backstrap.
Colt .44 special cylinder
Milt Sparks HSR, basket stamped, for 4-inch SAA (cart before the horse? it just worked out that way!)

Here's the rest of the dream:
USFA birdshead hammer
4-inch barrel with dovetailed front sight and ejector assembly from Colt Custom Shop.

It'll take a while assemble all the pieces and parts and to work out the details of finishes. I'll keep you posted. Thanks to John Taffin for being a great resource. When he types his responses in all caps, its like the voice of God in its power and authority. This is so cool!


I DON'T BELIEVE COLT'S CUSTOM SHOP WILL BUILD YOU A SIXGUN USING PARTS YOU PROVIDE AND ESPECIALLY NOT A USFA HAMMER. IF THEY BUILD IT THEY WILLSTART WITH THEIR NEW IN-HOUSE PARTS.

[jamesjames]

My intention is to get the barrel and ejector from Colt, and the hammer from USFA. I will assemble and hand fit the parts myself, try to get it timed (with or with out gunsmith assistance) , and then disassemble and blue and/or CCH myself. I will seek out gunmithing if and when when I really screw up and get into the weeds. I like challenges. Wish me luck. I'll need it.

[Lil Dudey]

Let us know what happens.

Get Mr. Taffin's book Gun Digest Book of The .44. I just received my book a few days ago. Great Book!

[rWt]

www.bowenclassicarms.com/NEW/English_r1_c1.htm

[jamesjames]

Thanks rWt:

That's waaay beyond what I had envisioned, but all the pieces are there! What a beautiful set of proportions and forms. Quite a Bar B Q gun! That's the gun of my dream, with the addition of scallops and engraving. Mine will be a shooter and ranch gun, however, but this sure gives me something to guide me.

[rep1954]

USFA claims to be building a first generation clone which means that the barrel threads would be 20TPI. Current barrels being produced by Colt for the 3rd gen SAA are 24 TPI. Colt only does 3rd gen work now. I would contact someone like Alan Harton and discuss your project with him, I'm sure he would be able to to assemble a barrel for you and work with your needs.

[jamesjames]

Thanks rep1954,

It just so happens, I've been spending this entire rainy morning here on the southern Oregon coast, looking at pix of your dove-tailed Colt singleactions.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=sas&action=display&thread=3298. Coyote and i have been furiously emailing back and forth about your 3.5-inch Colt and comparing it (favorably) to the Bowen 4-inch Lightweight.

I love the results you got on your Colt. But I love Bowen's front sight post, with its Steampunk funkiness.

You both have given me much to think about and I appreciate your project and your posts.

[coyote]

hey rep1954, you ready to sell me your 3.5" colt yet? ;-)

sure is purdy!