An "economy" custom?

[threescrewheekma]

Howdy folks,

As of late my financials have left me on a beer budget with champagne tastes, so I've been kicking around the idea of an "economy" custom:

1. Start with a NM SS Blackhawk

2. Re-use existing barrel

3. Line-bored cylinder

4. Action/trigger job

Has anyone done something similar? Do any of the well-known smiths offer a similar "package" of sorts? Would some where in the $800 range, plus the cost of the gun seem like a reasonable estimate?

Thanks for humoring me,

Threescrewheekma

 

[Chuckbuster]

http://bowenclassicarms.com/NEW/RugSAbasic.htm

Check here, one of the best at your type project and has packages in your budget.

 

[c.r.]

usually the only practical time that i can think of to "line bore" an existing cylinder would be during a caliber conversion. Thee is also a bit more fitting of other internal parts that actually help lineboring accomplish what it's suppose to.

so a caliber conversion will require a new barrel. not saying you cannot use a factory take-off barrel. or depending on the cartridge, you could find a factory cylinder chambered for a smaller cartridge and have it converted to the current chamber......as long as the length works.

I had David Clements do his "basic tune up package" along with the reducing the BC gap, shortening the factory barrel and a few other items to a 44 mag bisley. I couldn't ask for a better shooting gun. Your $800 will cover this and the shipping.

If i could only keep one revolver, this would be the one. it's just so practical and i shoot it just as poorly as i shoot my other customs.

Bowen, harton, Gallagher, Stroh (to name a few) offer similar packages.

 

[EDK]

IF it was me, I'd send it to Jim Stroh at ALPHA PRECISION for the following.

1. Trigger job...$125?

2. POSSIBLY tighten it up with his package of custom base pin. eliminate end shake, tighten headspace and barrel cylinder gap...about $300. I had it done on a well-worn 44.

3. POSSIBLY re-crown barrel and re-cut forcing cone/Taylor throat...$100+ total.

4. I prefer SUPER BLACKHAWK hammers and HUNTER grip frames...you might not. I'd suggest some nice grips...EAGLE GRIPS Gunfighter model in smooth or checkered water buffalo horn.

5. BOWEN Target rear sight.

Since your suggested project gun is stainless, you save the price of color case hardening and other custom finishes. I'd get Mr. Stroh's advice on what he would do with the gun you provide AFTER he examines it. You might have enough left from your $800 to buy a high end holster for it. Bob Mernickle does excellent work.

 

[flatgate]

"economy" custom:

1. Start with a NM SS Blackhawk

2. Re-use existing barrel

3. Line-bored cylinder

4. Action/trigger job

Threescrewheekma

I agree with your plan. As long as your barrel is "good". Sure, a high dollar barrel is nice, but, in many cases the original Factory barrel will be just fine.

As mentioned..... tightening up the cylinder lock is "derigueur" prior to line boring a cylinder.

Of course, we gotta see pics.....

flatgate

 

[COR]

Gary Reeder did the all the work below and I am very pleased with it, CUSTOM is YOUR CUSTOM, don't get caught up in high dollar value as a measure, get an accurate and smooth gun that is yours done YOUR WAY within your limits. Most 'smiths do a payment plan too...it's easier to hide from the CFO.

Action Job- 150
Micarta Grips- 100
"Gunfighter" Grip frame- 125
Vapor Honed Finish- 150
Interchangeable Front sight base- 100
#5 Style Base Pin- 35

EST. $660 plus shipping . Gary has a quick turnaround too, usually a month or so has been my experience

It shoots groups that willl touch at 35yds if I do my part. A 260grWFNGC at about 1250fps. This is the "Perfect 44 for Hunting Anywhere" as seen by me. Enjoy

 

[Boxhead]

Alan Harton would be the one I would choose for this work.

 

[DanChamberlain]

I once started with a 7.5" Super Blackhawk. Shortened the Barrel to the front of the ejector housing and had it electroless nickel plated. Everything for less than 200. Great gun.

Dan

 

[mindustrial]

I bought a .45 Colt NM Blackhawk from John Gallagher that had:
-Maxi cylinder cut to frame opening length & line bored
-5.5" bbl with warnings removed
-oversize Base pin
-Stainless Super Blackhawk Hammer & Trigger
-Bowen sights
-Reblue

It was under $800. Alot less than if I supplied a gun & requested that work done.

Let's see, donor gun $350, Maximum cylinder $125, sights $80, pin $23, s/h both ways $80... and that's just parts cost - now add labor....makes that $800 seem pretty reasonable.

Check with these guys, see what they have available already made.