Considering a hacksaw

Roosterman · January 12, 2015, 10:46:49 AM

I've been thinking of cutting down one of my extra '60 armys back to where the ratchet holes are so I can still attach the loading lever when I need to reload. This gun already has navy grips and a fluted cylinder so it will be pretty much a one off with a barrel trim. Pros? Cons? Suggestions?
I'm thinking it will be easier to just use the loading lever to load than to knock the wedge out and take the gun apart to reload. Am I nutz?

Grenadier · January 12, 2015, 11:36:09 AM

I used a pipe cutter to cut the barrel down on my '49 Colt. Took awhile but it was nice and even.

Blair · January 12, 2015, 12:36:10 PM

Just a suggestion on my part, but I would keep the long barrel that fits the gun and try to find a short or shorter barrel that will fit to hack off.
My best,
Blair

Coffinmaker · January 12, 2015, 08:50:25 PM

Yup. Stark raving. A loon fer sure. Consider this.
What you describe is known as an Avenging Angel or a Snubbie. They are a real fun gun to play with. I have several sets and shoot em Gunfighter. The most common barrel length is 3 to 3 1/2 inches. It's fun to fit a front sight. This barrel length leaves the rack holes in the barrel ..... but ...... to use the loading lever, you will have to reassemble the ram and lever with the pivot screw, then load, then take the lever and ram apart to shoot.
With Snubbies, for CAS use, the way to go is with a cylinder loading stand. Pop out the wedge and the gun is apart. Wipe the cylinder face, barrel breach, reload the cylinder, push the wedge back in. It takes longer to type than it does to do.

Coffinmaker

Montana Slim · January 25, 2015, 11:10:58 PM

Rooster.....I Like your thinking. Considered this myself, but couldn't bear to cut even one of my (numerous) 1860's. But, I did "bob" my Remington 15-20 ys ago).
One of my thoughts on a cut-down 1860 is the convenience to continue using the loading lever. You can save the full-length lever, keeping it safe in your possibles bag & attach it to load, then remove it. For convenience, make yourself a screw having a large knurled head. This way you have a "speed screw" to attach and remove the lever. Much better than trying to load with one of those stubby levers like I have on my Remington.

Regards,
Slim

Forty Rod · January 26, 2015, 02:23:15 AM

Quote from: Grenadier on January 12, 2015, 11:36:09 AM
I used a pipe cutter to cut the barrel down on my '49 Colt. Took awhile but it was nice and even.

Did that with an 1860. Never put a new front sight on it and at defense distances it was accurate enough.

Major 2 · January 26, 2015, 05:26:58 AM

coarse with this one, no need for the rammer

I should also point out it's a 61 donor , and has Blair's suggestion of a second barrel except the 51 barrel was the spare part.
(BTW. this one has been lined for .357 and does shoot a might high I need to dovetail in a higher sight )

The OEM 61 barrel gets heeled bullets

Roosterman · January 26, 2015, 07:41:58 AM

Quote from: Montana Slim on January 25, 2015, 11:10:58 PM
Rooster.....I Like your thinking. Considered this myself, but couldn't bear to cut even one of my (numerous) 1860's. But, I did "bob" my Remington 15-20 ys ago).
One of my thoughts on a cut-down 1860 is the convenience to continue using the loading lever. You can save the full-length lever, keeping it safe in your possibles bag & attach it to load, then remove it. For convenience, make yourself a screw having a large knurled head. This way you have a "speed screw" to attach and remove the lever. Much better than trying to load with one of those stubby levers like I have on my Remington.

Regards,
Slim

Great minds think alike Slim. I have had the same loading techniques in mind, but I didn't think about a knurly bolt head for the rammer.....it will be done for sure. The gun has made it from the gun safe to the coffee table now. Just has to go from the coffee table to the shop now to meet the saw.

Roosterman · January 26, 2015, 07:43:13 AM

Hey there Major 2, that top pistol in your picture is just what I hope to end up with, except startin with a '60 army.

Major 2 · January 26, 2015, 04:18:35 PM

then here is some inspiration...this is another one by Hoof Harted...

Reverend P. Babcock Chase · January 26, 2015, 10:34:18 PM

Howdy Snubsters,

If you're considering snubifying an 1860, you can continue to use the full length lever by grinding off the first "Teat". That is the one that is engaged when the lever is up and latched. By removing that one nub, you can slide the full sized assembly into place and rotate the lever down and engage the rest of the ratchet teeth while loading. Then, lift the lever up and the assembly slides right out. Since it doesn't stay on the gun you can keep it full length. Just find someplace safe to keep the lever assemble, maybe in it's own custom holster.

Lefty Dude · January 27, 2015, 03:15:37 PM

Interesting thread, I am about to clip one of my 60's. Would like to find a Birds head grip frame when I do the snub job.

Will Penny · January 29, 2015, 09:03:53 PM

Quote from: Roosterman on January 26, 2015, 07:43:13 AM
Hey there Major 2, that top pistol in your picture is just what I hope to end up with, except startin with a '60 army.

I second the use of a pipecutter to cut the barrel, try not to drop anything on your shop floor

Qball · February 03, 2015, 08:46:33 AM

I used a hacksaw and a friend with a lathe. Cut just under 3" and i was able to use the original loader.