A few issues ago, Shotgun News ran an article about a highly modified Colt 1908 pistol in .380 ACP. The author had combat sights replace the small original arrangement; he fitted a 1911-style magazine release (which entailed cutting a slot in the magazine body); and he had the pistol dehorned. The changes weren’t just for the sake of cosmetics, although the pistol looked great. The modifications made for a better handling, more useful gun. Price for the work was steep.
In a less drastic modification, I had an acquaintance who owned two armaloyed Remington 51s, also in 9mm short. The hard chrome was a satin gray that added a definite touch of class to those seldom seen weapons. I tried to buy one from her, but she wouldn’t sell for love or money. And believe me, I really tried.
I remember Colt and S&W 1917 revolvers in .45 ACP/AR with sawn barrels and cut away trigger guards, making humongous fast handling belly guns. There’s a gunsmith on the web who’ll trim barrels and butts of P-38/1s to make smaller versions. And how about the fellow some years back who took mismatched Lugers, cut the frames, and rewelded them to accommodate .45 ACP cartridges?
I have a 75 year old Woodsman that is in a bit better shape than just a shooter, yet not nice enough to interest a collector. In the back of my mind is the question, “What would I do with it if I had the money?” In 1937, Col. Charles Askins had a Match Target converted to .221 Askins. (For those interested, this cartridge was an attenuated 5.5 VeloDog centerfire and he used it to win at Camp Perry.) That’s certainly out of my league. You get the general idea, though.
I’m curious if any of you out there have taken a “classic” old piece and had it modified or modernized, something beyond red ramps on old revolvers, fancy grips, or engraving for a family heirloom.
In a less drastic modification, I had an acquaintance who owned two armaloyed Remington 51s, also in 9mm short. The hard chrome was a satin gray that added a definite touch of class to those seldom seen weapons. I tried to buy one from her, but she wouldn’t sell for love or money. And believe me, I really tried.
I remember Colt and S&W 1917 revolvers in .45 ACP/AR with sawn barrels and cut away trigger guards, making humongous fast handling belly guns. There’s a gunsmith on the web who’ll trim barrels and butts of P-38/1s to make smaller versions. And how about the fellow some years back who took mismatched Lugers, cut the frames, and rewelded them to accommodate .45 ACP cartridges?
I have a 75 year old Woodsman that is in a bit better shape than just a shooter, yet not nice enough to interest a collector. In the back of my mind is the question, “What would I do with it if I had the money?” In 1937, Col. Charles Askins had a Match Target converted to .221 Askins. (For those interested, this cartridge was an attenuated 5.5 VeloDog centerfire and he used it to win at Camp Perry.) That’s certainly out of my league. You get the general idea, though.
I’m curious if any of you out there have taken a “classic” old piece and had it modified or modernized, something beyond red ramps on old revolvers, fancy grips, or engraving for a family heirloom.
