I have yet to make a real "build" thread, and want to start before I get too far ahead.
I am pretty active on a local firearms forums, and knew that Charter Arms revolvers sold really cheap. The plan was find a broken one over a functioning one since I dont have any desire to build a live fire. I put up a WTB and waited.
I ended up finding a .38 bulldog, that had been turned in to police down in CA, and chopped up to de-commission it. The cut was right behind the trigger/hammer at the grip, and another at the top of the frame above the cylinder. I figured between the Steyr and huge grips those areas should be mostly covered and took the gamble, at a whopping $13 for the thing.
Here is what I received:
I welded up the top, removed the barrel, cut the shell ejector rod, and started planning the rear section.
I found a grip frame for $45 shipped, and was able to use that to line up where to weld for mounting points
I opted to just weld little wings om the the rear for the grip frame vs trying to replicate the clean lines of the stock setup. I used an angle grinder to cut and shape so I was having to go pretty caveman. I also cut and installed the front trigger in the middle of this.
Dont mind the bad paint on the wing, I started working again before it dried and it looks pretty bad, but I plan to worry about the final finish once everything is welded up:
I found some used Off-World grip parts for $20 shipped, and also bought a set of grips directly from Off-World for $25 shipped.
Once I got all the wings welded I didnt need the front pin hole from the grip frame anymore to line it all up, so I trimmed that. The OW outer grip frame needed a bit of dremel work to fit the real bulldog grip frame.
During all this I also got a large chunk of the Steyr parts from the classifieds on Prop Summit.
I got as much of them assembled as I can.
I bought a Weaver 29S off ebay, hoping for a un-cast knob, but ended up with one from the 30's with a smaller and slightly incorrect knob.
I also scored a field radio with the correct binding post, but do not currently have it in hand.
After much fitting, messing with hardware, and assembly, here is where I am currently at;
The only real update since these pics from a few days ago is that I got a better screw, that needed to be modified, and attached the trigger guard.
I bought some 3/4 aluminum stock that is currently with a family friend being turned into a mock barrel.
I still need a Coyle Steyr receiver for my bolt, as well as the lower magazine housing and magazine.
The biggest challenge will be the side cylinder covers. Ones for a standard .44 will be too large I think, and all the options I have found so far are too expensive to take the risk they wont fit, or be made to fit.
Unless I can find a cheap option I will try Off-World to see if that's a part that can be bought on its own, and if that fails I will have to attempt to 3d model something that can be printed, and then cast.
I am still trying to track down a sight rod that I can use to scale my covers around, but no luck so far.
I am pretty active on a local firearms forums, and knew that Charter Arms revolvers sold really cheap. The plan was find a broken one over a functioning one since I dont have any desire to build a live fire. I put up a WTB and waited.
I ended up finding a .38 bulldog, that had been turned in to police down in CA, and chopped up to de-commission it. The cut was right behind the trigger/hammer at the grip, and another at the top of the frame above the cylinder. I figured between the Steyr and huge grips those areas should be mostly covered and took the gamble, at a whopping $13 for the thing.
Here is what I received:
I welded up the top, removed the barrel, cut the shell ejector rod, and started planning the rear section.
I found a grip frame for $45 shipped, and was able to use that to line up where to weld for mounting points
I opted to just weld little wings om the the rear for the grip frame vs trying to replicate the clean lines of the stock setup. I used an angle grinder to cut and shape so I was having to go pretty caveman. I also cut and installed the front trigger in the middle of this.
Dont mind the bad paint on the wing, I started working again before it dried and it looks pretty bad, but I plan to worry about the final finish once everything is welded up:
I found some used Off-World grip parts for $20 shipped, and also bought a set of grips directly from Off-World for $25 shipped.
Once I got all the wings welded I didnt need the front pin hole from the grip frame anymore to line it all up, so I trimmed that. The OW outer grip frame needed a bit of dremel work to fit the real bulldog grip frame.
During all this I also got a large chunk of the Steyr parts from the classifieds on Prop Summit.
I got as much of them assembled as I can.
I bought a Weaver 29S off ebay, hoping for a un-cast knob, but ended up with one from the 30's with a smaller and slightly incorrect knob.
I also scored a field radio with the correct binding post, but do not currently have it in hand.
After much fitting, messing with hardware, and assembly, here is where I am currently at;
The only real update since these pics from a few days ago is that I got a better screw, that needed to be modified, and attached the trigger guard.
I bought some 3/4 aluminum stock that is currently with a family friend being turned into a mock barrel.
I still need a Coyle Steyr receiver for my bolt, as well as the lower magazine housing and magazine.
The biggest challenge will be the side cylinder covers. Ones for a standard .44 will be too large I think, and all the options I have found so far are too expensive to take the risk they wont fit, or be made to fit.
Unless I can find a cheap option I will try Off-World to see if that's a part that can be bought on its own, and if that fails I will have to attempt to 3d model something that can be printed, and then cast.
I am still trying to track down a sight rod that I can use to scale my covers around, but no luck so far.