When I first got into this hobby (affliction?) I was able to source ALL of my primers and powder at local gun shows. Those same vendors are still attending those shows and MIGHT have a jug or two of powder but nothing else for reloading. They can't get any.

Like to deacon

Quote from: El Supremo on August 28, 2024, 06:46:22 AMHello, John:

Use of a center-fire upper block should not cause adverse value issues for an original, provided the original was unaltered in the block's fitting process, the original rim fire block was retained, and only traditional black powder was used.  There have been reports of large PISTOL primers, which sit approx. .003" lower than RIFLE primers, peening incorrectly hardened block faces.  Aftermarket c-f blocks usually fit, so if fitting is needed, skip that one. There are reports of some original, otherwise functional Spencer's with minor internal receiver dimensions that make fitting an after market block quite challenging. Aside from these manageable concerns, I'd try the repl. block vs. chancing an "import". Uno Online

As for repro's, Romano's are U. S. made from scratch and high quality. They are no longer made, but have traded here and on other Forums for between $3,000 and $4,300, depending on condition or rifle vs. carbine. 

If considering an Italian import, I'd want to handle and test fire first to KNOW it was ok.  I have seen new, out-of-the box ones, have issues, as reported here recently.  I know of many that are fine.  I'd try used imports to side step warranty situations.
Luck of the draw with imports!

If wish more specifics, please PM me with a way to do a phone chat. All the best.
El Supremo/Kevin Tinny

The story you shared is really interesting. If I have any questions, I will contact you immediately.

I have a 4 5/8" El Malo with the octagon barrel. I am debating bobbing the trigger just to do the grip swap Coffin described.

Boy, we had one come in the shop today on consignment. A 3" S&W 686 Plus [7 shot] 357 Magnum with the round butt with Altamont grips. Oh my, what a perfect carry gun!

Slamfire, I am in North Central AR [Heber Springs] the shop I work at does handle reloading supplies and equipment. Let me know what you are looking for.

"Sad state of reloading stuff" (Hope this is in the right place).
 Went to a small local Gun & Knife show this past weekend, did my usual walk around. Didn't see any reloading equipment, anywhere?? Stopped at the largest vender's table and ask if he had any reloading equipment, new or used for sale, (wait for it) DEER in Headlight Look. His reply, i think there may be some primers and maybe a little powder down on the other end of the table!!! I stop'd at 4 different tables with the same question, same stare (look). I have some reloading equipment (Hollywood gun mfg) that want to sell and thought the dealers might be interested in a lot buy (plan A) failed. There were a few long rifles & plenty of handguns & AR'S, (coffee by donation but it was good). I live in a smaller town in s.e. okla., and so far, have found 5 more reloaders besides myself, 3 of us reload 3-4 different cal's,( or more) the others are AR'ers (word). Yup, sad state of affairs.
 
 coffee's ready, Hootmix.

Thanks for the measurements John
Metrics are extremely useful and pre-empt having to buy crap just to find it doesnt fit

My Dear Coffin , fellow grip swapper

Thanks for the oppotunity to buy your thunderball grips! I put them on my pietta 4.75"  and 5.5"
.45 colts and they fit well, except for a tiny drop at the top of the grip frame where it meets
The revolver frame! No gaps and the the feel is excellent!

By all means feel free to talk about it! Chitchat,  Thats what keeps the place alive

Yhs
praeceptor miraculum

(Dija see what I did there? )

Quote from: Abilene on September 18, 2024, 03:52:28 PMThe .36 caliber guns ('51, '61, etc) have a bore .370-.375" so are already too big for .357 bullets which rattle down the bore.  You can have the bore bored out and a .357 liner installed (if you can find someone who still does this) or shoot the hollow-based bullets which will expand to fill the bore.

Oh, okay. I'd like a pair of 61s but have not really wanted one bad enough to mess with the HC bullets

Quote from: Rube Burrows on September 18, 2024, 03:09:24 PMWow......what a beauty it is.

So, on the 61s is it as simple as reboring the barrel to .357 to allow you to shoot regular .38 special rounds?

The .36 caliber guns ('51, '61, etc) have a bore .370-.375" so are already too big for .357 bullets which rattle down the bore.  You can have the bore bored out and a .357 liner installed (if you can find someone who still does this) or shoot the hollow-based bullets which will expand to fill the bore.