Modding a Pietta New Model Army .44

[1066]

Acetone - About £7.50 a litre delivered on ebay.

[Dark Skies]

I used a combination of fine surgical scalpel blade, nail polish remover, and a nicely worn scotch pad to polish up. Turned out alright I reckon. Lovely sight picture and very swift target acquisition. Looking forward to trying it out.

I'm happy with it as is but might be minded to put a slight taper on the edges of the inverted T section to blend it in with the barrel. But let's see how she shoots first.

[1066]

That looks a neat job - what do you use as a cylinder press?

[Dark Skies]

That looks a neat job - what do you use as a cylinder press?

I bought a couple of those simple hand presses last time I was in Washington state - .36 and .44 for about £30.
They work well for what they are and I can easily reload all six chambers in about a minute or so.

I think Kranks sell the same version (bit pricier though).

[bradaz11]

the quick six, or the normal press one in at a time jobbie?

I have the normal type, the old style with the little wooden handle and metal base, but I modded mine to have a longer, beefier handle and depth stop

[1066]

These are odd ones I've made:

[Dark Skies]

the quick six, or the normal press one in at a time jobbie?

I have the normal type, the old style with the little wooden handle and metal base, but I modded mine to have a longer, beefier handle and depth stop

Nice.

I have the simple one at a time models.

[Dark Skies]

To her to the range yesterday and accuracy was pretty good despite the uncomfortable issue with my finger jammed against the back of the trigger guard. That and the grip being a tad too small for me.

So today set about re configuring the grip frame and panels.
As I can't make the grip bigger I went the other way, cutting off the heel where it jams into my palm, reduced the grip frame and contoured it for comfort. Now the grip fits in my hand - and is easier to wrap my fingers around.

I also reduced the area of the frame behind the trigger guard to open it out for my finger to be free of the guard.

I sanded the grips until they felt nice and comfortable in my mitt. I'm waiting on some walnut stain and some polishing bits and bobs to finish off.

[ovenpaa]

Have you considered going all the way and giving it the rounded corner birds head treatment.

[Dark Skies]

Have you considered going all the way and giving it the rounded corner birds head treatment.

I considered it but unfortunately the only serial number on the gun is right where I'd need to remove metal.