Want to build custom 9mm revolver. any suggestions on what shop to work with?

Venom1956 · June 30, 2012, 09:03 AM

First off let me apologize for the post via phone. It limits my ability to type i'll correct it after work. So long have I wanted some sort of 'pure' comp/target revolver. I was hoping my DW15 would suffice but sadly it leaves me wanting. =(

I've decided to go ahead and build my own revolver! well pay someone to anyway...

Here is what i'd like: s&w frame no lock (K, L, possibly N?)

blued but stainless could work
Square butt
Heavy Slab side barrel like my dw15. length 5" or 6"
adj sights
I want to have it be a smooth DAO setup. hammer flush to the frame. from what I've read DAO can be made even smoother the a DA/SA? lastly I'd like it in 9mm... =(

I recently looked @ all the calibers i use... much more then I thought. .38s cost more then 9mm. it's kind of a pain bring all kinds of different ammo to the range. So what do you think? What custom smiths or shops do you recommend? I don't have much money but I can save up if its worth it.

Venom1956 · June 30, 2012, 09:09 AM

I want my barrel to be the correct tighter 9mm rather then the regular .38/.357 diameter. Basically I'd like a gun that reminds me of a PPC revolver. all business but a very clean look. no logos, writing, etc.

Jim Watson · June 30, 2012, 10:03 AM

I hate to see these posts about one-off total custom custom guns on the cheap. You will have to do a LOT of saving up for a gun of that description.

You might contact Mark at Pinnacle:
http://www.pinnacle-guns.com/revolver.asp

If he agrees to the project, a pretty big IF, I think what would be required is to buy and send him a sound second hand S&W K frame revolver, a .355" barrel blank, and a Bowen cylinder blank. Pick and purchase sights to suit.

He would then:
Turn, thread, and fit the 9mm bull barrel.
Fit, chamber, and mill the cylinder for clips.
Perform an action job and bob the hammer.
Mount the sights.
Do whatever cosmetic work to suit your taste.

That is a lot of work to be able to simplify your ammunition supply situation.
If you want a good shooting revolver, watch the sale sites for a real PPC gun. They turn up every once in a while when a shooter dies or retires from the sport.

Venom1956 · June 30, 2012, 11:11 AM

oh no i didnt expect it to be cheap @ all!
I'm just saying its not a right now kinda thing. I gotta save but I wanna formulate a plan prior to doing it, so I'm not struggling to recall what I'll need in the moment.

Its just .38s are pretty pricey here. Within a dollar of .45s actually, per 100 bulk. I lack the space to reload also. =( mainly I want a tuned smith I can shoot alot. I have a worked over S&W 28 which I love. I want something similar in a K frame that'll feel great and really shoot.

Plus not break the bank come range day i can get 200 9mm for the price of 100 .38s =( moonclips will make speedloaders unnessecary. jim could u pm me perhaps what i should expect price wise for the work? do u think a model 10 would be good enough? or should i try find a model 19?

johnwilliamson062 · June 30, 2012, 02:54 PM

I think you are looking at a premium of $1000 for the gun at least. Probably more and maybe a lot more.

gunloony · June 30, 2012, 03:02 PM

Venom1956, have you looked at the Smiths that are available in 9mm as a starting point, or do you prefer the full custom route? I don't believe there are any in current production there were some K (and maybe L ? ) frames in the last century.
FWIW

Venom1956 · June 30, 2012, 03:15 PM

1000 isn't a problem. I was thinking budgeting 2k 2.5ish with materials.

tekarra · June 30, 2012, 03:37 PM

May I suggest you do a search on the Smith and Wesson forum for similar projects. Good luck with your project and keep us posted.

lee n. field · June 30, 2012, 04:15 PM

Quote:

.38s cost more then 9mm.

For what you're likely to spend you can buy a pretty nice reloading setup.

WC145 · June 30, 2012, 04:24 PM

+1 for Pinnacle. Mark turned a S&W 360J scandium frame .38 snubby into a 9mm for me and did a terrific job. Give him a call and let him know what you want and he'll tell you if he can do it.

warningshot · June 30, 2012, 05:32 PM

I can't even count-up all the money, time, endless phone calls and disgust with trying to improve a stock 4 inch Python or top-end K or N frame S&W.

Keep the dream alive and good luck.

midlandwalther · July 2, 2012, 10:24 PM

Try Gemini Custom.

KyJim · July 3, 2012, 10:32 PM

Alternately, you might try to find a SW Model 547 revolver which is a 9mm designed to shoot without using moon clips. It was built on the SW K-frame. I have a three inch round butt model but SW also made a four inch square butt model which might better suit your needs. I'm not sure if the barrel is going to be heavy enough for you, however. They are not cheap but are certainly much less than having a custom built 9mm revolver.

Here's a photo of the extractor system:

The extra pin helps prevent the primer from backing out:

Venom1956 · July 3, 2012, 11:01 PM

Yeah but it would be a shame to customize that gun I think.

I want a custom revolver just because I do?

I want something thats just mine!

dnsharpshooter · July 4, 2012, 12:21 AM

sounds like a cool project, ill be following

BillM · July 4, 2012, 08:16 AM

Pick up a S&W 627 in 38 super. Have Pinnacle convert to 9mm.

If you aren't in a huge hurry, start watching the forums that attract
ICORE shooters. You might just find a good used gun that's got
all the bells and whistles you are looking for.

Venom1956 · July 4, 2012, 01:31 PM

Will do. Thanks for the heads up!

Venom1956 · July 4, 2012, 01:33 PM

Is this the 627 you are referring to? or is there another?

Venom1956 · July 4, 2012, 09:41 PM

well I found a S&W i might like 686 Competitor!

tekarra · July 5, 2012, 04:50 PM

If you look closely, you can see the extractor engaging the groove of the cartridge case.

The second pin, the limit pin, is prevent the case from setting back to the breech face upon firing and binding cylinder preventing rotation. Look closely at the fired casing and note the indentation of the limit pin on the case head. The 9x19 case is tapered, not cylindrical like other revolver cartridges.

Venom1956 · July 5, 2012, 08:14 PM

tekarra what model smith is that?

WC145 · July 6, 2012, 08:10 AM

That's a 547. IIRC from tekarra's old posts it's hard chomed.

tekarra · July 6, 2012, 04:59 PM

Correct WC145, my chromed round butt 547. The blued extractors show up quite well against the chromed star.

verdun59 · July 9, 2012, 06:42 PM

I love it when money is no concern ..... sweeeet

June 30, 2012, 09:03 AM	#1
Venom1956 Senior Member Join Date: October 4, 2008 Location: WI Posts: 3,656	Want to build custom 9mm revolver. any suggestions on what shop to work with? First off let me apologize for the post via phone. It limits my ability to type i'll correct it after work. So long have I wanted some sort of 'pure' comp/target revolver. I was hoping my DW15 would suffice but sadly it leaves me wanting. =( I've decided to go ahead and build my own revolver! well pay someone to anyway... Here is what i'd like: s&w frame no lock (K, L, possibly N?) blued but stainless could work Square butt Heavy Slab side barrel like my dw15. length 5" or 6" adj sights I want to have it be a smooth DAO setup. hammer flush to the frame. from what I've read DAO can be made even smoother the a DA/SA? lastly I'd like it in 9mm... =( I recently looked @ all the calibers i use... much more then I thought. .38s cost more then 9mm. it's kind of a pain bring all kinds of different ammo to the range. So what do you think? What custom smiths or shops do you recommend? I don't have much money but I can save up if its worth it. __________________ E-Shock rounds are engineered to expend maximum energy into soft targets, turning the density mass into an expanding rotational cone of NyTrilium matrix particles, causing neurological collapse to the central nervous system.- Yeah I can do that. I guarantee you will know it if a bicyclist hits your house going 1000 mph. -Smaug Last edited by Venom1956; June 30, 2012 at 05:28 PM.

June 30, 2012, 09:09 AM	#2
Venom1956 Senior Member Join Date: October 4, 2008 Location: WI Posts: 3,656	I want my barrel to be the correct tighter 9mm rather then the regular .38/.357 diameter. Basically I'd like a gun that reminds me of a PPC revolver. all business but a very clean look. no logos, writing, etc. __________________ E-Shock rounds are engineered to expend maximum energy into soft targets, turning the density mass into an expanding rotational cone of NyTrilium matrix particles, causing neurological collapse to the central nervous system.- Yeah I can do that. I guarantee you will know it if a bicyclist hits your house going 1000 mph. -Smaug

June 30, 2012, 11:11 AM	#4
Venom1956 Senior Member Join Date: October 4, 2008 Location: WI Posts: 3,656	oh no i didnt expect it to be cheap @ all! I'm just saying its not a right now kinda thing. I gotta save but I wanna formulate a plan prior to doing it, so I'm not struggling to recall what I'll need in the moment. Its just .38s are pretty pricey here. Within a dollar of .45s actually, per 100 bulk. I lack the space to reload also. =( mainly I want a tuned smith I can shoot alot. I have a worked over S&W 28 which I love. I want something similar in a K frame that'll feel great and really shoot. Plus not break the bank come range day i can get 200 9mm for the price of 100 .38s =( moonclips will make speedloaders unnessecary. jim could u pm me perhaps what i should expect price wise for the work? do u think a model 10 would be good enough? or should i try find a model 19? __________________ E-Shock rounds are engineered to expend maximum energy into soft targets, turning the density mass into an expanding rotational cone of NyTrilium matrix particles, causing neurological collapse to the central nervous system.- Yeah I can do that. I guarantee you will know it if a bicyclist hits your house going 1000 mph. -Smaug Last edited by Venom1956; June 30, 2012 at 05:30 PM.

June 30, 2012, 03:15 PM	#7
Venom1956 Senior Member Join Date: October 4, 2008 Location: WI Posts: 3,656	1000 isn't a problem. I was thinking budgeting 2k 2.5ish with materials. __________________ E-Shock rounds are engineered to expend maximum energy into soft targets, turning the density mass into an expanding rotational cone of NyTrilium matrix particles, causing neurological collapse to the central nervous system.- Yeah I can do that. I guarantee you will know it if a bicyclist hits your house going 1000 mph. -Smaug

June 30, 2012, 04:24 PM	#10
WC145 Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2008 Location: Downeast Maine Posts: 1,836	+1 for Pinnacle. Mark turned a S&W 360J scandium frame .38 snubby into a 9mm for me and did a terrific job. Give him a call and let him know what you want and he'll tell you if he can do it. __________________ "If violent crime is to be curbed, it is only the intended victim who can do it. The felon does not fear the police, and he fears neither judge or jury. Therefore what he must be taught to fear is his victim." - LtCol Jeff Cooper Last edited by WC145; June 30, 2012 at 06:04 PM.

June 30, 2012, 10:03 AM	#3
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,539	I hate to see these posts about one-off total custom custom guns on the cheap. You will have to do a LOT of saving up for a gun of that description. You might contact Mark at Pinnacle: http://www.pinnacle-guns.com/revolver.asp If he agrees to the project, a pretty big IF, I think what would be required is to buy and send him a sound second hand S&W K frame revolver, a .355" barrel blank, and a Bowen cylinder blank. Pick and purchase sights to suit. He would then: Turn, thread, and fit the 9mm bull barrel. Fit, chamber, and mill the cylinder for clips. Perform an action job and bob the hammer. Mount the sights. Do whatever cosmetic work to suit your taste. That is a lot of work to be able to simplify your ammunition supply situation. If you want a good shooting revolver, watch the sale sites for a real PPC gun. They turn up every once in a while when a shooter dies or retires from the sport.

June 30, 2012, 02:54 PM	#5
johnwilliamson062 Junior member Join Date: May 16, 2008 Posts: 9,995	I think you are looking at a premium of $1000 for the gun at least. Probably more and maybe a lot more.

June 30, 2012, 03:02 PM	#6
gunloony Member Join Date: April 6, 2012 Posts: 97	Venom1956, have you looked at the Smiths that are available in 9mm as a starting point, or do you prefer the full custom route? I don't believe there are any in current production there were some K (and maybe L ? ) frames in the last century. FWIW

June 30, 2012, 03:37 PM	#8
tekarra Senior Member Join Date: May 26, 2007 Posts: 1,164	May I suggest you do a search on the Smith and Wesson forum for similar projects. Good luck with your project and keep us posted.

June 30, 2012, 05:32 PM	#11
warningshot Senior Member Join Date: October 7, 2009 Posts: 995	I can't even count-up all the money, time, endless phone calls and disgust with trying to improve a stock 4 inch Python or top-end K or N frame S&W. Keep the dream alive and good luck.

July 2, 2012, 10:24 PM	#12
midlandwalther Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2005 Posts: 263	Try Gemini Custom.

July 3, 2012, 10:32 PM	#13
KyJim Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2005 Location: The Bluegrass Posts: 9,142	Alternately, you might try to find a SW Model 547 revolver which is a 9mm designed to shoot without using moon clips. It was built on the SW K-frame. I have a three inch round butt model but SW also made a four inch square butt model which might better suit your needs. I'm not sure if the barrel is going to be heavy enough for you, however. They are not cheap but are certainly much less than having a custom built 9mm revolver. Here's a photo of the extractor system: The extra pin helps prevent the primer from backing out:

July 3, 2012, 11:01 PM	#14
Venom1956 Senior Member Join Date: October 4, 2008 Location: WI Posts: 3,656	Yeah but it would be a shame to customize that gun I think. I want a custom revolver just because I do? I want something thats just mine! __________________ E-Shock rounds are engineered to expend maximum energy into soft targets, turning the density mass into an expanding rotational cone of NyTrilium matrix particles, causing neurological collapse to the central nervous system.- Yeah I can do that. I guarantee you will know it if a bicyclist hits your house going 1000 mph. -Smaug

July 4, 2012, 12:21 AM	#15
dnsharpshooter Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2011 Location: Ahwatukee, AZ Posts: 212	sounds like a cool project, ill be following

July 4, 2012, 08:16 AM	#16
BillM Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2009 Location: Amity Oregon Posts: 791	Pick up a S&W 627 in 38 super. Have Pinnacle convert to 9mm. If you aren't in a huge hurry, start watching the forums that attract ICORE shooters. You might just find a good used gun that's got all the bells and whistles you are looking for.

July 4, 2012, 01:31 PM	#17
Venom1956 Senior Member Join Date: October 4, 2008 Location: WI Posts: 3,656	Will do. Thanks for the heads up! __________________ E-Shock rounds are engineered to expend maximum energy into soft targets, turning the density mass into an expanding rotational cone of NyTrilium matrix particles, causing neurological collapse to the central nervous system.- Yeah I can do that. I guarantee you will know it if a bicyclist hits your house going 1000 mph. -Smaug

July 4, 2012, 01:33 PM	#18
Venom1956 Senior Member Join Date: October 4, 2008 Location: WI Posts: 3,656	Is this the 627 you are referring to? or is there another? __________________ E-Shock rounds are engineered to expend maximum energy into soft targets, turning the density mass into an expanding rotational cone of NyTrilium matrix particles, causing neurological collapse to the central nervous system.- Yeah I can do that. I guarantee you will know it if a bicyclist hits your house going 1000 mph. -Smaug

July 4, 2012, 09:41 PM	#19
Venom1956 Senior Member Join Date: October 4, 2008 Location: WI Posts: 3,656	well I found a S&W i might like 686 Competitor! __________________ E-Shock rounds are engineered to expend maximum energy into soft targets, turning the density mass into an expanding rotational cone of NyTrilium matrix particles, causing neurological collapse to the central nervous system.- Yeah I can do that. I guarantee you will know it if a bicyclist hits your house going 1000 mph. -Smaug

July 5, 2012, 04:50 PM	#20
tekarra Senior Member Join Date: May 26, 2007 Posts: 1,164	If you look closely, you can see the extractor engaging the groove of the cartridge case. The second pin, the limit pin, is prevent the case from setting back to the breech face upon firing and binding cylinder preventing rotation. Look closely at the fired casing and note the indentation of the limit pin on the case head. The 9x19 case is tapered, not cylindrical like other revolver cartridges.

July 5, 2012, 08:14 PM	#21
Venom1956 Senior Member Join Date: October 4, 2008 Location: WI Posts: 3,656	tekarra what model smith is that? __________________ E-Shock rounds are engineered to expend maximum energy into soft targets, turning the density mass into an expanding rotational cone of NyTrilium matrix particles, causing neurological collapse to the central nervous system.- Yeah I can do that. I guarantee you will know it if a bicyclist hits your house going 1000 mph. -Smaug

July 6, 2012, 08:10 AM	#22
WC145 Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2008 Location: Downeast Maine Posts: 1,836	That's a 547. IIRC from tekarra's old posts it's hard chomed. __________________ "If violent crime is to be curbed, it is only the intended victim who can do it. The felon does not fear the police, and he fears neither judge or jury. Therefore what he must be taught to fear is his victim." - LtCol Jeff Cooper

July 6, 2012, 04:59 PM	#23
tekarra Senior Member Join Date: May 26, 2007 Posts: 1,164	Correct WC145, my chromed round butt 547. The blued extractors show up quite well against the chromed star.

July 9, 2012, 06:42 PM	#24
verdun59 Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2009 Posts: 138	I love it when money is no concern ..... sweeeet