Retasking an old M&P .38

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My custom 3" Model 1902 S&W is getting a bit long-in-tooth (and after 110 years who can blame it?) so when I stumbled across a nice of .38 M&P I decided I'd found a suitable replacement. I cut and re-crowned the barrel at 3", fabricated and installed a new front sight, bobbed the hammer and cut away the trigger-guard on the right for faster access for my big, fat trigger-finger. I made a set of custom Pao Ferro grips fitted to my hand, hand-sanded them to 3000-grit then applied 5 coats of lacquer.

I'm very pleased with the result; this gun has an amazing trigger; light, smooth and no stacking but ignition has been 100%. As a bonus it fits all of the 'Old Dog's' leather.


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The front sight is a best-guess based on the original sight, but it might be a bit tall; I tend to err on that side as it's far easier to remove material than it is to add it. I'm looking forward to shooting it in it's new configuration, and after suitable testing it's going to be my new EDC.
 
You, Sir, have talent! Nicely done. :thumbup:

I have a dumb question though, not trying to be critical, but why bob the hammer yet install a Patridge type sight that may snag?

Not at all a dumb question. It's predecessor had a similar sight, but in practice it didn't snag due to the OWB holster and the clothes I tend to wear, so I went with the same style.
 
Can you give some details on how you installed the front sight? I looks like its soldered on. Did you cut a slot for it to fit into?

Yes, I cut a slot with a cut-off wheel in a Dremel tool. Keeping the speed low and being careful has yielded excellent results. Then I used low-temperature silver-bearing solder, which has also worked out well in the past.

I did test-fire the gun today and it's shooting a bit low. About 1/16th" off the top out to set it up proper. :)
 
Careful, round these parts if you don't edc a semi auto with at least 8 rounds and reloads you're ill prepared for what life may throw at you.

I carry a five shooter, might as well switch a single shot spitwad!

Very nice work, I like the grip and tall front site. You can't beat those guns for triggers. We are all likely to wear out before they do !
 
My custom 3" Model 1902 S&W is getting a bit long-in-tooth (and after 110 years who can blame it?) so when I stumbled across a nice of .38 M&P I decided I'd found a suitable replacement. I cut and re-crowned the barrel at 3", fabricated and installed a new front sight, bobbed the hammer and cut away the trigger-guard on the right for faster access for my big, fat trigger-finger. I made a set of custom Pao Ferro grips fitted to my hand, hand-sanded them to 3000-grit then applied 5 coats of lacquer.

I'm very pleased with the result; this gun has an amazing trigger; light, smooth and no stacking but ignition has been 100%. As a bonus it fits all of the 'Old Dog's' leather.


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The front sight is a best-guess based on the original sight, but it might be a bit tall; I tend to err on that side as it's far easier to remove material than it is to add it. I'm looking forward to shooting it in it's new configuration, and after suitable testing it's going to be my new EDC.
You always do the neatest stuff! That pistola is great!
 
I really like it. I'd love to chop my beat up old model 10 into 3" with a round butt conversion but haven't found anyone to help with the work, mostly reinstalling a new sight.
 
Yes, I cut a slot with a cut-off wheel in a Dremel tool. Keeping the speed low and being careful has yielded excellent results. Then I used low-temperature silver-bearing solder, which has also worked out well in the past.

I did test-fire the gun today and it's shooting a bit low. About 1/16th" off the top out to set it up proper. :)

What a simple way to do that. I spent so many years working in my dads machine shop I guessed you had a mill and used a small cutter to cut a groove in the barrel. I like your solution.:thumbup:
 
Neat! You did a great job on the M&P :thumbup:.

It truly amazes me that our computer, information technology and our medical advances race ahead at warp speed, but we are all confidently shooting, collecting and sometimes even trusting our lives to devices using technology that’s basically 100+ years old. :) Those early gun designers were true geniuses :thumbup:.

Stay safe.
 
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