PPC revolvers, used and converting

Model 10 based PPC revolvers are a staple of "previously sold" listings on the internet search engines.  Yet alot of the people still doing PPC conversions, will ONLY work on a revolver that had factory adjustable sights.  Anyone explain why?

On a PPC revolver, is the crane detent modification CRITICAL for accuracy? 

On most of the shooting forums, even the smith and wesson branded ones.. the common statement is that you can go online and find a used PPC revolver for 5-800$. Always negating the need to spend 1500 for a Tanaka conversion and 3 year waiting period.  

Why is it that no one actually wants to sell one for that 5-800$ Im just curious.

Model 10’s got bull barrels and Aristocrat sight ribs.
Crane lock not essential but contributes to cylinder/bore alignment.
$5-800 seems reasonable for a lot of the mod 10 PPC guns.

Now my MOJO, will cost you a bit more!

Most PPC guns started as fixed sight guns, and many were milled for Aristocrat sight.

But the only two PPC guns ive found this year, one is at a la vista cabelas, a 19-3 bill davis. And a gun international listing for a no name maker 6" slab with aristcrat rib. sold gun, grips, holster, belt, speed loaders. Pretty much everything the guy had when the buzzer went off.. for 800$. 

Its just that on the forums.. everyone is like my father..  and suffer the 

"i bought it, so it has more value then anyother person selling it"

I want a nicer and accurate 38 caliber revolver.   I am about to hunt down various polymer coated bullets for my current 357,and do some real accuracy testing with it. 
  and test for cleanliness,  shooting 100 rounds of rem umc 130 fmj, and 24 -30 remington 110 grain sjhp through it, left it about as dirty as 3 cylinders of lead bullets did the other day.

james r chapman wrote:Model 10’s got bull barrels and Aristocrat sight ribs.
Crane lock not essential but contributes to cylinder/bore alignment.

Jim,

I always understood the main reason for the crane detent on the bull barrel smith PPC guns was because very few pistolsmiths used an front ejector rod lock and without it, they tended to shave lead and have a somewhat variable DA pull because of the misalignment? 

I picked up a 5" 625 a while back that needed a detent badly, even with the front lock engaged, slight finger pressure on the forward right side of the cylinder would open the gap between the frame and crane to .012 by a feeler gauge.

Yep, and why the lock. Aristocrat also offered an underlug that engaged the front of the crane.

Some even used a double detention system that held the cylinder open for loading. Many creative smiths out there.

Course now it’s autos . 

I’ve also seen a few with the short cylinders .

So who build's PPC guns these days ?

Skid wrote:So who build's PPC guns these days ?

Alan Tanaka, but he supposedly has a 3 year wait list.

Clark Custom, but they only seem to want to do it on adjustable site models

Bayside custom, though the website says "not taking orders"

Skid wrote:So who build's PPC guns these days ?

I think the auto has pretty much replaced it on most levels.

But, a good used PPC revolver at $800-1200 vs. a $3000-4000 auto is something to consider.

Back in the day, it was the Revolver Championships.

Unfortunately, Joe Leinenger, MOJO guns, has retired, but, he might have a line on some guns.

Eindecker wrote:

Skid wrote:So who build's PPC guns these days ?

Alan Tanaka, but he supposedly has a 3 year wait list.

Clark Custom, but they only seem to want to do it on adjustable site models

Bayside custom, though the website says "not taking orders"

Clark gave  my $500 deposit back after a year for a SSR, and NO I didn't call everyday

Just a heads up. I have a model 14 PPC that I will be selling shortly. Need to get a few pictures.
6 inch heavy Douglas barrel with Bo-mar rib.

Northern Virginia Gun Works in Springfield VA still builds PPC guns. Sandy Garrett, one of the best. 703 644-6504

~ Martin

I’m glad Joe got to retire and wish him well but his work will be missed.   I have a 586 that Joe performed his magic on and everyone that has shot it was impressed with how smooth the action was.  I was going to send him another wheelgun to work his magic on but waited to long.

Allgoodhits wrote:Northern Virginia Gun Works in Springfield VA still builds PPC guns. Sandy Garrett, one of the best. 703 644-6504

~ Martin

is that the NORGON.com website? only talks about a magazine catch for ar rifles.

Northern Virginia Gun Works
(703) 644-6504

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