Thunderer/SAA Grip-frames

89diesel

89diesel

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
23   0   0
Location
SK
Disclaimer-I know this may devalue the gun, but its not going to go up for sale. To me its just a gun, and I have no problems with modifying it for my own preference. I also cant justify spending $2-3000.00 for an SAA...Yet!
Is it possible to replace the grip-frame on a Colt Thunderer with that of an SAA? By what I can tell from pics, They look interchangeable.
I'm not saying theres anything wrong with the Thunderer setup, but I feel more comfortable with the SAA style.
 
Thanks fellas. As soon as I can locate a decent milling machine (can only get chinese crap around this country) then I plan on doing a fair amount of work to a few.
 
I have seen one done and for sale on the internet looks like a small SAA so it is possible and looked very nice.
 
Saw a fair number of replacement grip frames for the "western" style pistols, in the latest Brownell's catalog. With all the interest in cowboy action shooting, there is probably at least one outfit that makes the one you want.

Don't hold off buying a mill just because you cannot get one from where you want. If you do that, all it gets you is a few years further down the road, before you get started on anything.
Besides. The cardinal rule of machine tools is that all you need to do to have them falling from the trees all around you (figuratively speaking) is to buy one. Gotta prime the pump, as it were! :)
Some of the lower end Asian tooling is pretty nasty, but usable. Much of it is pretty good value for the buck, too. If not for the Chinese lathes and mills, few hobby metal guys could even consider getting started.

Cheers
Trev
 
trevj said:
Saw a fair number of replacement grip frames for the "western" style pistols, in the latest Brownell's catalog. With all the interest in cowboy action shooting, there is probably at least one outfit that makes the one you want.

Don't hold off buying a mill just because you cannot get one from where you want. If you do that, all it gets you is a few years further down the road, before you get started on anything.
Besides. The cardinal rule of machine tools is that all you need to do to have them falling from the trees all around you (figuratively speaking) is to buy one. Gotta prime the pump, as it were! :)
Some of the lower end Asian tooling is pretty nasty, but usable. Much of it is pretty good value for the buck, too. If not for the Chinese lathes and mills, few hobby metal guys could even consider getting started.

Cheers
Trev
Click to expand...


Ya, it would be great to buy one now, but, the closest Bridgeport I can find is 1500 miles away! I do a lil more than just hobby stuff with my equipment. For what I need and whant to spend, the chinese stuff just aint gonna cut it. I wouldnt mind paying $3-5000 for a mill, but in that price range, even a clapped out BP is better. To get decent chinese machines, we're looking at $15,000. Anything under that is not going to perform very well.
 
Yeah.

I know that particular problem pretty well.

You should look into trucking costs. Shop around. A lot.

The price of buying a machine, and trucking it across Canada, is still cheaper than buying one from the dealers in Edmonton, for me.

If I have a truck that can haul the weight, the price of fuel still makes the trip worthwhile, if I am willing to account for the "vacation" time.

Where you at? What kind of capabilities are you looking for? How much room do you have?
There are a lot of decent used, larger-than-hobby sized machines around, that can be found with some looking. Stuff like Victoria's or K&T's. Think like triple the weight of a Bridgeport, at half the price.
I have used several First mills, and a couple Excellos. Don't count out the "off" brands. A Bridgeport in good shape is OK, but for the same money, you can find better if you shop for the "other" brands.

Cheers
Trev
 
I've been looking for a couple years and cant find exactly what I want, I do know "what" I want though. I've run lots of different makes and models and a nice BP 9x42 fits my bill. Unfortunately, 99% of them are in the states. At the moment, I dont really have the time (imagine that, being retired at 40!) to go get one, so, I'll just be patient and something will come along. Hell, it took me 4 yrs to find my South Bend lathe!
 
Ive seen only one that had an SAA style frame on it but the guy didnt do a great job making the backstrap. It was kinda squished looking and didnt have the right proportions...but...if a person took their time and did a good job you could get a really nice (scaled down) SAA look outa that thunderer.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom