Need some suggestions

[Dagga Boy]

I have one of my "grail's" enroute to me. An Armaloy'd S&W 520 (a real one, not the new one that the naming dork at S&W came up with) for some wondrous 1980 love. I need to justify this purchase by doing an article (I am a gun writer simply to fund the addiction). One of the things I thought about while Googling things to buy for it, is that we are really in the golden age of some really cool revolver stuff (as much as THEY have tried to make the guns themselves as soulless as polymer pistols). So I thought an article looking at modernizing the revolver would be applicable, especially with a lot of States thinking that making "assault clips" totally illegal will make the Unicorns come back to drink from the rivers of chocolate under beautiful rainbows.

So far, I am looking at the new VZ revolver grips,and 5 Star speed-loaders and loading trays. Along with Buffalo Bore specialty loads, can you guys think of any other really innovative mid to full size revolver accessories I should be looking for?

Thanks ahead of time.

P.S. For the purists.......I will probably have a set of stag or ivory grips and a Tyler T-grip in a bag with custom leather, just in case I need to take a trip back to the glory days:cool:.

[1slow]

Whats your recipe for BBQ Unicorn brisket followed by Chocolate mousse ?

[Robinson]

Personally if I owned a 520 (which would be great) I would add a Tyler grip adapter and call it good. And even though they are somewhat rare and pricey I would shoot it and maybe carry it. To me the value of that gun comes directly from its old-school characteristics.

Now if I wanted something to represent the latest in revolver design I would go with the new Model 66.

[LittleLebowski]

A WML :D

[BN]

P.S. For the purists.......I will probably have a set of stag or ivory grips and a Tyler T-grip in a bag with custom leather, just in case I need to take a trip back to the glory days:cool:.

Yes to the above. :)

What would Elmer or Skeeter do? ;)

Load up some hard cast 358156 over a bunch of 2400 and you will be good to go. :)

[LSP972]

Armalloy... holy cow, they are still in business? I had them do a 686 in 1982. Knowledgeable PPC shooters would get their match bull gun timed just right, with the proper width hand, and then send it to Armalloy to get the hand and extractor star done. The gun would be good for many tens of thousands of rounds after that; the stuff was HARD.

A real 520... this is my jealous face. I suppose you are looking for suggestions for bolt-on goodies, as opposed to custom work? If so, you got it covered... stocks, leather, and speedloaders are about all you can do to a fixed-sight N frame.

The fact that it is Armalloyed demands some thought on the stocks... a pair of Hurst customs made to your hand tracing would be the shizzz. Too bad he's out of that game; he was a true master of the craft.

If it was blued... an older Tyler and some magnas, a Don Hume River Holster, and you're good to go.

Here's a thought... apply all that po-lice experience and training to finding out the low-down skinny on what, exactly, is up with the Tyler enterprise. They have been on-again/off-again since the old man passed. The last time I ordered one, I got the son's (or nephew... whoever ended up with the rights) wife, with two squalling infants in her ear (and mine)... while she was driving. That was an... interesting... order experience. I did get the adapter... eventually.

Also, there was some guy doing resin facsimilies of the old Roper/Pachmyar adapter (think I saw that on the S&W Forum). While not the genuine article, they appeared to be viable.

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[LSP972]

A WML :D

Heresy! Burn him at the stake, I say!!!!

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[Dagga Boy]

The fact that the gun was Armalloy'd is what made it affordable as the collector value is gone, but it ranks high in my 80's coolness factor value. I know how to do all the old school neat stuff...I lived it. I am looking for new school cool stuff.......you know, like stuff Caleb would do;).

[Chuck Whitlock]

Kydex holsters? You shouldn't have to worry about finish issues.

[Malamute]

Pictures would help us make better suggestions,.....



Or at least help us appreciate the coolness of it.

[Lester Polfus]

You are taking this Retro Action Pistol shooting thing pretty seriously, ain't you?

[Tamara]

VZ? NO! CTC!

[Tamara]

PS: Jelly? Yeah, I'm jelly.

[41magfan]

If you don't go the full custom route, some Ahrends Boot Grips in nicely figured Cocobolo would probably be nice. If you could find it, some old Gordon Davis leather would be a nice addition as well.

[Dagga Boy]

If you don't go the full custom route, some Ahrends Boot Grips in nicely figured Cocobolo would probably be nice. If you could find it, some old Gordon Davis leather would be a nice addition as well.

I was actually looking hard at the extended Spegal Boot Grips. I actually have a wonderful custom rig from Gordon (I have a lot of bad ass leather from Gordon as he was my "leather mentor") that would fit, but the dang belt shrank!

Like I said, the neat thing is that I can do something like the VZ's (I think the grey and black ones would look sick on this thing) and kydex for training and still swap them out for "the good stuff" if I need to for the "Retro Match". I figure if I show up in full "Rick Hunter" mode with the 520 or the Hebrew Hammer in a Gordon Davis "speed duty rig", I will definitely be getting "SoCal style points".

[LSP972]

VZ? NO! CTC!

On a real 520??? Even one that has an after-market finish???

Good Lord, woman; that's as bad as LL's blasphemy!

.

[Tamara]

I didn't say to weld 'em on.

He asked for ideas for new-fangled gizmos for an article, not pointers for taking Best Display at the next SWCA show. :p

[Totem Polar]

I think you've just about got it covered with the BB, new fangled 5-stars, the VZs and some killer N-frame Kydex, eg:

http://www.sidearmor.com/images/categories/nframe.jpg

I have to admit, a fixed sight N is a joy to behold. Color me greener than that kydex.

Oh, and just because it came up, here is a pic from a friend of mine that I totally dig:

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab79/Sidheguitarist/mbros/unicornasskicking_zpsad09d7ec.jpg (http://s851.photobucket.com/user/Sidheguitarist/media/mbros/unicornasskicking_zpsad09d7ec.jpg.html)

[sheriffoconee]

2 pages and no pics of this 520 yet.....really?????

[LSP972]

He asked for ideas for new-fangled gizmos for an article, not pointers for taking Best Display at the next SWCA show. :p

Granted.

But laser stocks on a semi-classic N frame?

Might as well slap some Goodyears on there… "shudder"…

.

[Dagga Boy]

2 pages and no pics of this 520 yet.....really?????

I'm so fricking retro that I have no idea how to post pictures on this site. You guys couldn't handle my pictures;).

The biggest issues I have with the laser grips is that the beam is on the wrong side. When my finger is in register it covers the thing, so they end up being sort of useless for me.

Anybody have any experience with the 5 Star speed loaders? I have always used the HKS's with the guns I couldn't get Safarilands for, so I thought these might make a cool addition, and I love the loading trays.

[1slow]

5 Stars I Have for my 4'' S&W .500 work well. Kind of a niche item.
See if you can find any of the old gold color aluminum HKS loaders circa 1970s.

[Seven_Sicks_Two]

I'd be really interested in seeing a performance comparison of a new-school VZ/Kydex/5 Star setup versus an old-school T-Grip/leather/HKS setup running various drills.

[Rosco Benson]

Back in the 1970's I had a 4" S&W 19, a 4" S&W 57, and a Colt Govt Model with S&W K sights all Armoloyed, at the original Ft. Worth plant. They wore about like any sort of hard chrome (which is very well). I wish I still had them.

As to stocks for the 520, the VZ's would add a lot of weight. A set of big ergonomic N-frame stocks are lots bigger 1911 slabs. The Spegel Boot Grip Plus stocks might be a better choice. More retro as well, being wood.

Rosco

[JonInWA]

I think you've just about got it covered with the BB, new fangled 5-stars, the VZs and some killer N-frame Kydex, eg:

http://www.sidearmor.com/images/categories/nframe.jpg

I have to admit, a fixed sight N is a joy to behold. Color me greener than that kydex.

Oh, and just because it came up, here is a pic from a friend of mine that I totally dig:

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab79/Sidheguitarist/mbros/unicornasskicking_zpsad09d7ec.jpg (http://s851.photobucket.com/user/Sidheguitarist/media/mbros/unicornasskicking_zpsad09d7ec.jpg.html)

Hmmm-has Tam realized that you swiped her shirt yet??

Best, Jon

[Tamara]

As to stocks for the 520, the VZ's would add a lot of weight.

I've got a set of micarta square-butt N stocks on my .38-44 HD. They are indeed pretty substantial.

[ffhounddog]

I am thinking you need an AIWB rig for it.....

A nice rig for BBQ is all you need. You already have awesome, now it needs an awesome suit.

[Dagga Boy]

I am thinking you need an AIWB rig for it.....

A nice rig for BBQ is all you need. You already have awesome, now it needs an awesome suit.

Trust me, I have enough BBQ rigs to last a lifetime. AIWB and N-frame don't mesh well, although I have several AOWB set ups. I am looking at this thing as a shooter, and gearing everything to that role. I picked up a Horton 629 recently that will probably get engraved at some point to serve in BBQ capacity.

[Al T.]

If I read your original question right, I'm thinking that a WML and a RDS would be required. Granted that I'm looking at my AR-15 and cross-referencing, so that explains the horror. Might also go talk to the folks at XS (local to you IIRC) and see what sight options are out there.

[JM Campbell]

I'm so fricking retro that I have no idea how to post pictures on this site. You guys couldn't handle my pictures;).


HTFU with the pic posting sir.


Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk

[Tamara]

Might also go talk to the folks at XS (local to you IIRC) and see what sight options are out there.

I'm not sure we can be friends anymore.

[Dagga Boy]

If I read your original question right, I'm thinking that a WML and a RDS would be required. Granted that I'm looking at my AR-15 and cross-referencing, so that explains the horror. Might also go talk to the folks at XS (local to you IIRC) and see what sight options are out there.

Why don't you just throw up some child porn while you are at it....;). No lights, no red dots (I have all that stuff on other things), no X/S sights (on several guns that they work on for me-329 Nightguard set up is nice, work on several P7's, a 3" GP100, and my Ruger LCR for the GF. Otherwise, I like other stuff. I will probably color the sight as needed old school with nail polish. Keep in mind.....this is a S&W 520.....I drill, dremal, or tool will not go near it. It will simply be shot with bad intent in its designed form. What I am looking for is the simple modern bolt on accessory stuff like grips, loaders, and carry gear. It may end up being a compromise, or as stated earlier....two full outfits, one modern, one retro.

[Tamara]

re: Spegel stocks.

I've heard it said that you can tell the difference between a real sword and a decorative wall-hanger just by picking it up. When you hold a real live steel fighting blade, the heft and balance makes you want to cut something with it; it just begs to be swung.

Similarly, when Shootin' Buddy gave me that set of K-square Spegels and I put 'em on my pre-18 K-22, I immediately wanted to go shoot some tin cans or little metal chickens and pigs the very first time I hefted that wheelgun with those stocks. It just begged to be fired.

[Dagga Boy]

Right now I am leaning to Panamanian Cocobolo Spegals and some nice leather, and the VZ's and kydex.

[LtDave]

You really need a Safety Speed Clamshell...or maybe a Hoyt Swivel holster.

[Dagga Boy]

You really need a Safety Speed Clamshell...or maybe a Hoyt Swivel holster.

I hated those when they were in. I pretty much used a Rogers (Safariland) SSIII most of my career.

The article just got approved by a major magazine, so we are a go......!

[LtDave]

My first duty holster was a high ride Hoyt for a 5" Model 27. Came to like the Clamshell quite a bit, and still have mine. Sold the Hoyt alas, but kept the M27. A lot of people bad mouth the clamshell, but I bet most never used one.

[Malamute]

Here are some pics of Nyeti's 520,

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/Malamute/Odds%20and%20ends%20online/nyetis520_zpsc39832e6.jpg


And with the Gordon Davis holster,

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/Malamute/Odds%20and%20ends%20online/nyetis520withholster_zps788164a0.jpg

[sheriffoconee]

NICE!!!!!

[Dagga Boy]

Thanks to Malamute for posting my pictures. I guess I do suck when Mr. Urban needs to send his pictures to the guy who lives in a log cabin to get posted:confused:.

A couple decisions....Looked at the 5-Star loaders this weekend. Totally awesome...BUT, they release on a counter clockwise turn. I have been using HKS loaders for my N frames for almost 30 years, and I am not interested in learning a new way. I heard they will make them to release the other way, but after I looked at the FAQ's on their site, they really push the other direction for speed and using the primary hand to hold the revolver with the index finger through the window to hold the cylinder in place and the support hand loads. Totally awesome. I get this is the new "faster" way to go......until you try to maintain your grip with an N frame gun and, like a lot of things on my body:rolleyes:, my index finger is too short for this technique. So, I just ordered some new HKS loaders and three packs of A-zoom snap caps, and will continue to do primary hand loading.

Grips-I am going to try the VZ's. If I don't like them on this, there are plenty of N frames in my inventory to put them on.

Holsters-I have a kydex holster company trying to find a comparable N-Frame to make a holster and loader pouch for concealed carry OWB. The Gordon Davis holster and loader pouch are too perfect a match to not use with this gun. I have a local guy I am going to try to have make me a new Ranger type duty belt, as my matching Davis one is about 4 inches to small.

I'll also be using some red sight paint on the front ramp, as the silver notch and front ramp are not agreeing with my eyes.

I am working on get a bunch of modern loadings to to what it shoots the best with.

[Wayne Dobbs]

Darryl,

As for stocks, I'd consider some of the Roper reproduction stocks that are done by Herrett's. Beautiful and very functional. Speedloaders are very personal, but I'd check and see if Safariland still makes the Comp IIs for an N-frame. Very sturdy and simple in use. As for ammo, I have a nice pile of .357 brass and I know we can work up some nice loads with which to clang steel at a manly distance, or even better, to "clang" God's tasty creatures!

[Dagga Boy]

Darryl,

As for stocks, I'd consider some of the Roper reproduction stocks that are done by Herrett's. Beautiful and very functional. Speedloaders are very personal, but I'd check and see if Safariland still makes the Comp IIs for an N-frame. Very sturdy and simple in use. As for ammo, I have a nice pile of .357 brass and I know we can work up some nice loads with which to clang steel at a manly distance, or even better, to "clang" God's tasty creatures!


I prefer the Safarilands.....but, they do not make them for the N frame .357's or .45 Colts, which is why I generally used the Safariland's on my competition guns and HKS for my duty revolvers. Keep all those ideas in your head..........I may have a surprise for you:cool:.

Part of the goal of the article is "what is new" out there for these older guns. Stuff like G10 grips that will stand up to chemicals, dings, impacts, etc. and some of the more recent factory loadings. I will have stuff for you to test on "God's tasty creatures". We will just have to keep your hunting trips a secret so my daughter putting a "hex" on Uncle Wayne so he doesn't kill cute animals will not be as big a factor in your success as it has been lately.

[Drang]

Spotted this at the range last weekend:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nOTqw_hpW2g/UynB760icMI/AAAAAAAAEMg/rVfru_aSpck/w438-h776-no/IMG_20140315_105821_752.jpg
Am told it was found on FleaBay.

[FotoTomas]

I know I am coming in late here but I vote for a set of Jordan Troopers and a Bianchi B27 for the retro LE look. After much swapping out and trying out (holster box anyone :) ) those were my final choices for my Model 19 Combat Magnum.

As for whats new and improved... just does not seem right to muck up a fine old revolver with the equivelent of 24" wheels with chrome spinners on a jacked up frame in a bright flourescent color.

I would look to do the piece on the Classic 520 vs the New 520 and showcase the differences.

[Wayne Dobbs]

Spotted this at the range last weekend:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nOTqw_hpW2g/UynB760icMI/AAAAAAAAEMg/rVfru_aSpck/w438-h776-no/IMG_20140315_105821_752.jpg
Am told it was found on FleaBay.

That looks like a Hoyt rig to me. Nyeti can likely confirm or correct that guess.

[Dagga Boy]

I am going to venture that its a Safety Speed..............a swivel and a clamshell.........two of my biggest peeves all in one:(.

The best speed duty holster I ever had was a custom made Hoyt with the longest shank and hardest forward cant they made. Didn't work for me once I went to the Rogers/Safariland SSIII as my primary right out of the gate (totally opposite draw), so I sold it to one of the toughest, brutalist cops I was ever around who was a feared Sheriff's Dept. Tac Officer (went to the academy to recover after getting shot during a shoot out in a McDonalds) in the academy and then lateraled to my agency right when I graduated. I sold him that Hoyt, which he used to win (flat dominate) a middle of the main street fast draw face to face gunfight right out of an old west novel (dropped the guy with a single round of .45 Colt). Only case I can remember where pure draw speed was a major factor, and that was the holster to have. I was proud to have the same guy marry me (part time preacher) a decade later. Something cool about having a true gunfighting ass whooping legend marry you :cool:.

[Drang]

I was proud to have the same guy marry me (part time preacher) a decade later. Something cool about having a true gunfighting ass whooping legend marry you :cool:.

Phrasing!

[Dagga Boy]

Phrasing!

Is that from a cartoon?......HTFU

Update-Shot the gun yesterday. It has a little tight spot on the cylinder that needs to be kept clean as lead build up will lock it up. Otherwise, it is a good shooter. I am looking forward to spending a lot more time with Wayne in the future keeping up on our revolver skills, as I find that it really helps on my shooting my semi autos (actually, I need the work time on the revolver....Wayne just shoots little holes in things with them).

I have decided that "Tamara wins" on the 520. It will be getting the extended Spegal Boot grips in Madagascar Ebony. The 3" 629 that will be in the article is getting the VZ's, and the Hebrew Hammer is already wearing composite coyote Godzilla Grips.

Overall, I am really enjoying ordering and really putting thought into doing revolver stuff.

[Wayne Dobbs]

I should just put up a picture of that beater 64-5 DAO that shot so well this week with its accessories: a junk box reclaimed Hogue Monogrip. That's all it has and ask Nyeti how it shoots.

Revolvers have soul.

[Dagga Boy]

I should just put up a picture of that beater 64-5 DAO that shot so well this week with its accessories: a junk box reclaimed Hogue Monogrip. That's all it has and ask Nyeti how it shoots.

Revolvers have soul.

I m gonna put it up on Facebook later. Nothing like getting proven every week that "it's the Indian not the arrow".

[LSP552]

You guys are going to make me do a revolver range day. :)

Will have to break out the 4" 66 bought while in the LSP Academy in 1978 and the 3" 65 packed for many years in in Detectives/Criminal Intelligence and off-duty. There is just something about a fine revolver.........nothing else quite like it.

Ken

[SeriousStudent]

I should just put up a picture of that beater 64-5 DAO that shot so well this week with its accessories: a junk box reclaimed Hogue Monogrip. That's all it has and ask Nyeti how it shoots.

Revolvers have soul.

I kick myself for not picking one of those up, when J&G Sales was unloading them a few years back. I think they were PD trade-ins, with a lot of holster wear but supposedly solid internals.

[Clyde from Carolina]

You guys are going to make me do a revolver range day. :)



Me, too. :)

[Dagga Boy]

Here's a link to our Facebook page that has some pictures of our last range day with the revolver stuff added in the mix.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hardwired-Tactical-Shooting/289679681133490?hc_location=timeline

[LSP972]

You guys are going to make me do a revolver range day. :)



Let me know when; I'll bring the M-242.

Its quite an interesting piece...

.

[LSP552]

Let me know when; I'll bring the M-242.

Its quite an interesting piece...

.

Will do. It's been nuts at work, which is why I missed retiree qual day.

Ken

[LSP972]

Lots of missing "regulars" this year; let's hope it was simple conflicts like yours.

.