The Snubbie

[mnw42]

I have Buffalo Bore's standard pressure 158gr LSWC-HP loaded and normally some JHPs on the speed loader. The BB loads are gas checked so leading is kept to a minimum. Brassfetcher has shot them and I'd say they would be effective.

 

[Texas Colt]

Here's another snubbie. This S&W model 60 (no dash) belongs to one of my coworkers. He asked me to do a little work on it, so now that it's finished, I thought I'd add it to the thread.

The action was smoothed and polished. A set of Wilson Combat springs installed. The trigger face was originally grooved, so it has been radiused and polished. The difference in the trigger feel is amazing. The bore and chambers were polished with JB's Bore Paste. The hammer was bobbed and bead blasted. Finally, the exterior was polished with Simichrome.

 

[ak-kev]

Man, you do some good work!! You need to open your own business!!

 

[Texas Colt]

Thanks Kevin. I would like to do professional gunsmithing someday. Maybe as a retirement side line.

 

[ak-kev]

You really should pal. So you like the semichrome the best. I've always used Flitz, but was wondering if there were reasons to change.

 

[Texas Colt]

I've used both Simichrome and Flitz. Simichrome happens to be what I have on my bench right now. They both work great, although I think Simichrome is a slightly finer compound.

 

[SwampWolf]

Some responders on this thread seem to know a lot about Colt revolvers. My 1966 Cobra has fine cross hatch/checkering on each side of the top strap and I saw a shrouded variant that had the same type markings. Do all Cobras (Detective Specials) have this cross hatching or did Colt eliminate the process on later revolvers?

 

[lindermant]

Here's a question for all of you guys that have and shoot the snubbie Colts. What ammo do you use? I know that many of the guys that shoot the Airweight j-frame Smiths prefer the Gold Dot 135gr .38 +P or the standard pressure Buffalo Bore. What is the type of ammo that you prefer for range time and for carry?

Phydeaux, in my Colt Agent I use Winchester 130gr FMJ 38spcl (W-M value pack) for the range, and Hornady 125gr JHP XTP (non +P) for carry.

This is my first revolver, and freely admit that I don't know what I don't know. I'm still experimenting with carry ammo to see what she likes best, so take my answer with a grain of salt

 

[Texas Colt]

SwampWolf, as far as I know, the only Colt snubbies that don't have the top strap serrations are the late model DS-II and the 357 Magnum Carry.

 

[Texas Colt]

Phydeaux, I use Speer Short Barrel Gold Dot HP +Ps in my Colts. Even my alloy framed Cobra. I practice with standard pressure reloads, but carry the +P ammo.

Colt says that the alloy framed guns should be inspected for frame stretch after every 1000 rounds of +P. At most, I shoot 20 rounds of +P per year through my Cobra. That means I'll need to get it inspected in about 45 years!

For carry ammo, shoot what works best. If that means +P in an alloy gun, just keep it to a reasonable amount.

 

[lindermant]

SwampWolf, my '85 Colt Agent has a plain top strap.

 

[Texas Colt]

Interesting... so the matte finished Agents (and maybe Commando Special too) didn't have the serrations. That would make sense since both guns were designed to be "entry level" guns without the fit and finish of the DS and Cobra.

 

[ak-kev]

Hey Ed, I used an old sock and some flitz this afternoon on my DS, and it really came out good. It was so bad when I got it, I had to resort to the dremel to polish it, but now, Im hitting it by hand and it sure looks purdy




I still want to try semichrome, or Mothers.

 

[Texas Colt]

Dang that's purty Kevin! It looks like new. I'm drooling again.

I just gotta get me a nickel plated BBQ snubbie... uh, besides my Lawman that is

 

[ak-kev]

Im going to be hunting a Lawman hard Saturday!! The picture of yours has burned an image in my brain. I gotta get one. 4 days and counting....

 

[Lightsped]

TexasColt, that S&W is awesome! Nice work! Wow. I am certainly impressed.

 

[Texas Colt]

Thanks for the compliment Lightsped.

Kevin, good luck on your search. I'll be hitting the local show this weekend for either a nickel Cobra or a parkerized Agent - maybe both.

 

[Phydeaux642]

Thanks for all the ammo info guys.

I haven't had a lot of luck looking for a nice Colt snubbie in my neck-of-the-woods, so, I was almost on the brink of buying another 1911 since I have saved a little money to play with. Well, after going back and looking at the pics in this thread I've decided to hang tough and have been looking on Gunbroker in earnest. I've bid on two this week (not the high bidder, though) and will continue to do so until I bring one home.

Texas Colt, really nice job on the hammer bobbing. I know you bobbed the hammer on one of your recent Colt purchases, so, I have a question for you. Was that a common option that you could get from the factory?

___________________

"Phydeaux, bad dog....no biscuit!"

 

[Old Fuff]

Bobbing off a hammer spur and tuning the double-action has been an special order option at Colt since 1877 when they introduced their first D.A. revolvers. I believe they still do it today on customer's guns, (recent ones of course, not models from the 19th century). De-spurred hammers were also standard on their custom made Fitzgerald Specials starting during the 1930's.

However I wouldn't call the alteration "common," as orders were few and far between. But those that did order the modification were usually an interesting set of individuals - I wouldn't call them "common," either...

 

[collector14]

My latest Snubbie. I've been monitoring the auctions for just the right one for two years and the opportunity finally came! It's a 1965 2 1/2" Python with mother of pearl grips.

 

[Texas Colt]

Now that's a beautiful snubbie collector14! I'd say your patience definitely paid off. Congratulations on an awesome Colt!

 

[collector14]

Thanks!

 

[bhp9mm]

smith 640 smith 15 and taurus 85.

 

[Texas Colt]

I should have two more snubbies on the way later this afternoon. I found a deal on a nickel Cobra and a blued Detective Special... from the same dealer.

Also, my set of special order Badger grips came in yesterday. Man are they nice! Rosewood with silver Colt medallions. They are also slightly narrower at the top than the standard configuration, making them even better for pocket carry. They will go on the nickel Cobra. I'll post pics when I get the guns in.

 

[ATW525]

Some of my snubs:

Smith & Wesson Model 442 and Model 638


Airweight Bodyguard vs Airsoft Bodyguard trainer


Smith & Wesson Model 25 in .45 ACP