Ideas for old Single-Six

[ScottZ]

I have a 1958 Single-Six. It's been converted, I don't have the original parts and the finish is only about 40-50%. So, in other words, no real collector value. I was wondering if anyone had any neat ideas on what I could do with it other than leave it as it is. I had thought about putting a birdshead grip frame on it, but the grip frames aren't very cheap. I'm not aware of any conversions that would be possible with it. I guess I will most likely leave it as it is but thought I would see if anyone had any ideas.

 

[dougader]

There are guys over at the Single Actions site that have had their Single Sixes converted to 327 Federal, 38 Special and even 41 Special. The 41 Special conversion can only be done on the Old Model Single Six. Its amazing, though, what can be done.

 

[dougader]

check this out:

http://singleactions.proboards.com/inde ... read=1783#

http://singleactions.proboards.com/inde ... hread=1712

http://singleactions.proboards.com/inde ... hread=1820

 

[Aggie01]

I'm one of the guys having one done. .38 special in a 5 shot able to handle the original 38/44 loads. (13.5 2400 and a 170 Keith at a bit over 1300 fps)

I'm also using a conversion action so I don't have to turn my 5 shot into a 4 shot.
If the cost of grip frame makes you think twice, a caliber conversion may not be for you...

I spent more on my power custom steel XR3 gripframe than I did on the base gun...and those two items together are only 25% of the cost of the whole project.

 

[ScottZ]

Wow, those are nice. I would be happy with .32 H&R. What would be a ballpark figure for a .327 conversion?

 

[KWYJIBO]

I've been wondering the same thing about an old Smith and Wesson I've had for a while. It's a pre-WWI Military and Police/Model 10. The finish is less than 50%, grips are pretty grungy, and there's some serious pitting in places. The bore is in fair-to-good condition, but it's mechanically flawless, with a very crisp trigger.

Having it restored would cost far more than it's worth, but leaving it as-is seems a shame. I wish I were more skilled and could clean it up better myself.

Didn't mean to hijack the thread, but your situation reminded me of this, and it's something I've been thinking about lately.

 

[Aggie01]

Wow, those are nice. I would be happy with .32 H&R. What would be a ballpark figure for a .327 conversion?

I can't imagine anyone capable of doing the job would do it for under 1K.
balllpark:
new cylinder $300
rebore barrel $200 new barrel $300
remark and reblue $200-$300
convert to centerfire $100 -$200
Other stuff you might as well do to make it perfect for you :$X

Now if you stay with the .32 H & R and limit yourself on cartridge OAL, you can knock the new cylinder down to a rechamber.

"You take the blue pill, the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill, you stay in Wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes."
Morpheus, The Matrix

I took the red pill as far as single actions go about a year and half ago....

 

[contender]

Well, I'll bring up something else.
BEFORE you decide to do ANYTHING, you should make SURE it has no collcetor value. Just because it's got a poor finish, and is missing the correct parts, it could POSSIBILY have things about it that make it rare. A posting of the serial number, (or most of it,) and more detailed description can allow us to see if it does have any collector value.
Most likely not,, but you never know,,,!

 

[I_Like_Pie]

Shoot the snot out of it....nothing better than having a "beater" gun. They were made to be rugged and always nice to have one to prove it. Builds character and a story.

See how long you can shoot it without a good cleaning. Try your hand at parkerizing or bluing. Put a birdshead one it and a .22 magnum cylinder and you have a classy truck gun. Would be great for a tackle box or kit also.


/ Oh yeah...and what contender said!!!!

 

[ScottZ]

That's definitely a lot to think about. Is the .22 Hornet too long for the cylinder? That would be an interesting Single-Six.

 

[ScottZ]

Well, I'll bring up something else.
BEFORE you decide to do ANYTHING, you should make SURE it has no collcetor value. Just because it's got a poor finish, and is missing the correct parts, it could POSSIBILY have things about it that make it rare. A posting of the serial number, (or most of it,) and more detailed description can allow us to see if it does have any collector value.
Most likely not,, but you never know,,,!

#1169**
Steel frame and cylinder, alloy grip frame, black rubber grips