I've been wanting a Dance revolver for a while. But I really wanted a .36 cal model. Most of the new ones I've seen have been .44's and the .44 model that is available is nothing like the original. I've seen a few lately sell on sites like October Country, but those are more collectible than shooter. So what's a boy to do? Make my own!
I have this 1959 vintage G.U. Navy, that is in sad shape visually. It has zero collector value, so I don't feel bad cutting it up. It's actually the perfect platform for this project, because it already looks rode hard. I plan on the Dance looking old and used, so this will lend itself to the project nicely. I plan on bluing the whole gun, just like the originals were. Dance didn't color case harden their frames, which is one more area the modern repos got wrong. So I'll blue it, then weather it. Here's the gun as I started the project. And the frame stripped down, ready to go.
I decided that I'd start with the frame. It's the biggest modification and the main visual cue of the gun. So I started there. I've been looking at pictures of originals, and of some that have been made in recent times, for direction. After much thought and consternation, I got to work. I used my bench grinder, hand held grinder, some files and some sandpaper, and here's where I am so far. Long way to go, but definitely on the right track.
And here it is put back together to check fitment.
I'm going to do this in stages. I'll get the frame all done and then I'll turn my attention to the barrel. Which as you know, needs to be round. After that. I'll work on details like the front sight and the hammer. All in due time. So follow along if you'd like, and stay tuned for more.
