Something like this would an interesting custom project.
The article on the Croft/Keith Slipgun.
https://gunsmagazine.com/guns/handgu...eith-slip-gun/
Something like this would an interesting custom project.
The article on the Croft/Keith Slipgun.
https://gunsmagazine.com/guns/handgu...eith-slip-gun/
Well, I spent close to the same but went this route!
Im not positive, but think .003" is the target gap size for ideal balance of function and velocity, and works with S&W DAs. I think John Linebaugh set his up at that or perhaps .0025", but its been a very long times since I heard the specifics from him. @Outpost75 knows this stuff I believe.
The old school Blackhawk 45s on the large frame with regular alloy grip frame weigh 36 oz if memory serves. 2 oz difference and adjustable sights (a plus feature to many).
Its a nice gun, Im sure the craftsmanship is very good, but its not really a big change in any significant way compared to other available Rugers that I can tell, besides perhaps being an alloy Bisley grip frame, a combination one would have to specifically desire. I dont happen to be a fan of Bisley grip frames, so my opinion is not of much merit to those that prefer them and want an alloy grip frame. As mentioned, custom base pins and free spin pawls are available, though ive never used either. A kitchen table action slicking up is relatively simple and produces a very nice feel for those that are handy with tools.
Like many custom things, its nice, but is it significantly better in some ways to justify the cost, or is it justified by simply admiring the overall effect of the work and liking that its a little different than most? Thats the question any prospective buyer has to ask themselves.
If I had $2800 in the gun budget for something fun it would probably be an engraved Colt or Smith. I can do any action work needed.
Last edited by Malamute; 05-04-2023 at 02:24 PM.
“Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.”
― Theodore Roosevelt
I don't think the price is excessive, particularly now that we've entered the age of $2k and up 2011's. That said, the design is derivative of Bowen's light weight Vaqueros from 25-years ago and the particular details are nothing new if you've been watching the custom single action market for the last couple of decades. To put it in 1911 terms, this sixgun is like a well done imitation of a Pachmayr Combat Special--a fine reproduction of a once innovative concept.
What warmed my heart was to see a well executed custom sixgun made by someone who is not rapidly approaching (or already beyond) retirement age I'm already pondering which of my single actions needs a trip to Tyler Gun Works.
A 0.003" Pass dimension for B-C gap is generally minimum. Tighter than that fouling and heat expansion may bind cylinder rotation.
I agree with your thoughts on tradition. Bowen's work borrows heavily from sixguns that Elmer Keith had built by Sedgley, Neal Houchins, and Harold Croft just after WWI, and it's good to see those ideas kept alive.
I balked at the price until I remembered that New Vaqueros now are pushing $1k. I'm not sure that some of the work in this package makes a meaningful difference, but I could definitely see sending a couple of pieces to Tyler's for upgrades that I've been putting off for too long.
Okie John
“The reliability of the 30-06 on most of the world’s non-dangerous game is so well established as to be beyond intelligent dispute.” Finn Aagaard
"Don't fuck with it" seems to prevent the vast majority of reported issues." BehindBlueI's