I know kind of a LAME title but here goes:
I chose not to remove the barrel on this 5 1/2" Pietta NMA so ya'll could see that it's really not necessary.
![](http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c91/buckoff123/conversions/100_0722.jpg)
The previous owner had ported the frame (I don't like the fact that he ground into the grip shoulder) and bounced a carbide burr on the lower portion of the frame. So I sanded this out with the file wrapped in various grits of sandpaper.
![](http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c91/buckoff123/conversions/100_0720.jpg)
I draw filed the markings off both sides of the barrel and the forward portion of the frame (this is where the proofs were).
![](http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c91/buckoff123/conversions/100_0719.jpg)
I also removed the serial number (I left the grips on and filed them and the frame). All of the above pics are after sanding (1st drawfile, then sand). I have had extensive talks with Walt Kirst and read the codes and since I am making a firearm here out of a non-firearm, I have the right to do this.
![](http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c91/buckoff123/conversions/100_0724.jpg)
Also there is a 4 digit number on the inside of the grip frame. I liked this number so I stamped it on the underneath of the barrel, in the correct position.
![](http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c91/buckoff123/conversions/100_0725.jpg)
Here are some pics with cold blue on the pistol.
![](http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c91/buckoff123/conversions/100_0726.jpg)
![](http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c91/buckoff123/conversions/100_0727.jpg)
In this shot you can see my reshape of the rammer web. I spent some time looking at Police models and except for the sight I think I'll call this an "Army Police".
![](http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c91/buckoff123/conversions/100_0730.jpg)
![](http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c91/buckoff123/conversions/100_0728.jpg)
A couple more:
![](http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c91/buckoff123/conversions/100_0727.jpg)
![](http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c91/buckoff123/conversions/100_0729.jpg)
Ok, so I now need to decide which conversion cylinder I want to use and then smooth it up some, Slight reshape of the hammer and rechecker. I have already silver plated the trigger guard and aged it a bit. Then stamp conversion numbers on the barrel and cylinder and rust blue!