Earlier this year, I sent a four-inch heavy barrel Model 64 Smith & Wesson to Tiger McKee’s Shootrite for him to render into one of his “chopper” configurations. Tiger’s been working at custom knives and at customizing revolvers – yeah, I know; he was Mr. 1911/AR-15, though a close observer has seen his work on other types of firearms over time.
It was time I availed myself of his services. I’m a great fan of the DA revolver, especially no-nonsense fixed sight guns. The “Military & Police” (the original) was nothing less than a fighting handgun. It has a considerable history in that regard. Making it more sleek, more easily handled is a good chore for a top flight revolver smith.
For those who came in late, the “chopper” (taken from the custom motorcycle world) has the barrel trimmed to 3” (if the gun is a four-inch or longer revolver as it arrives) and the muzzle crowned, the butt is rounded and PCS stocks fitted and roughened, a crane lock is added to the crane, an action job and refinish is done and, generally, an XS Dot front sight is mounted.
This makes a fast-handling, light 38 revolver that’s easy to shoot well.
My gun, Chopper #75 (indicating the number of guns done to that point), was “the first square-butt Chopper” according to Tiger. I elected to keep the butt squared – as too few are these days – and the original Hogue Monogrips were reinstalled. Under the Monogrip stock, where it sadly can’t be seen, is Tiger’s Shootrite logo. Ahead of that, you find my initials.
A bit of personalization doesn’t hurt.
The gun worked fine before I sent it along. I couldn’t make out the front sight unless I was using a dark target – so the sights were the critical part of the customization.
The barrel was “chopped” to three-inches. The sides were milled with a two-step slot and the muzzle was nicely crowned. The frame was “melted” – removing any sharp edges – and the front of the cylinder was radiused. The exposed backstrap was stippled for grip and the trigger guard was narrowed. The lock up is solid; the crane lock is the third locking point on the gun (a la the Triple Lock). The frame was blasted with the cylinder and small parts brushed. The cylinder latch is radiused, minimizing “bite” when firing.
A document was sent along showing the appropriate sight picture when using the XS front sight with a C&S rear sight. It shows placing “half the ball in the bucket” centering the tritium center dot at the top of the rear sight notch. The form also notes that you must confirm that sight picture with your gun.
I second that.
The work was wonderfully done and I was ready for range time. First, I had to figure out where the rounds would hit based on the sights. I checked my hold/sight picture from a verified (with a Vortex rangefinder) 20 yards, seated using the Caldwell Pistolero handgun rest for stability. I shot Cor-Bon 147 grain FMJ “Match” ammo to check the hold.
Shooting as recommended on the supplied document (1/2 of “the ball in the bucket”), the gun shot nearly six inches low. Bringing it up to rest atop the gutter and holding at six o’clock on the bull (the classic express sight picture recommended for XS Sights on auto pistols), put the rounds just short of 3” high … closer than I can hold.
I confirmed zero with a handling test using the rest of the Cor-Bon ammo and some old remanufactured 158 grain SWC ammo. From 60 feet, I shot a pair, resulting in a low center hit (down 2). At thirty feet, I shot two pairs, one was -1, cut the scoring line at 1 o’clock.
At 20 feet, I fired two failure drills. At ten feet, I shot a pair from either hand and finished with two singles to the “high value scoring area” from guard.
The target speaks for itself. The gun is comfortable, intuitive. It’s lighter to carry than in its 4” HB configuration, but it now has no sharp edges. The Simply Rugged Sourdough I got to carry the gun in is a fine carry rig; it’s very secure as the gun sits deeply in leather, it rides close and it’s very quick from which to draw. The belt slide cartridge loops are my preferred spare ammo carry method (along with a Speed Strip/Quick Strip in the watch pocket).
The gun didn’t need to be customized, but it is improved. The sights are now superior – I can see them. The trigger is smooth and light. The thumb latch has been de-horned, preventing discomfort while shooting it or emptying the gun. All in all, it’s a first-rate job completed by a fine friend.
-- Rich Grassi