How difficult is it for an amateur to remove and then re-solder the sight base onto a stainless barrel?
I am thinking of undertaking a project:
I've been looking at a stainless 45 NM Blackhawk for sale locally. It has a 7.5 inch barrel, which is about 3 inches too long for my taste. I am confident in my ability to cut the barrel down so that it comes right to the front of the ERH (4.63" inches, roughly). I think I can do that myself and have it turn out nicely.
I would also remove the safety billboard on the left side of the barrel, round off the grip, and polish the barrel, cylinder, and grip frame. I know I will probably have to shorten the front sight post or replace it. I'm okay with all of this, and with locating the sight base and getting it straight.
My biggest concern is with soldering the base back on. Can anyone share experiences on this? What special considerations are there? What do I need to know about? I have experience in electronic soldering and sweating copper pipes, but I'm afraid this might be a whole different critter.
The reasons I don't just go out and buy a new gun with the length I want are two: this 7.5 inch model has a really good price, and I want a project.