custom 6 gun? Where to start?

[Will52100]

I've had an idea for a custom single action for some time, but I'm not sure where to start, or even which gun to start with.  I'd like a 45 colt, case hardend frame by turnbull or equivelent, 7 1/2" octagonal barrel, and preferably the colt army grip vs. the navy grip they use on the 73' and an unflutted cylinder.

I'm thinking of posibly using a ruger new model vaqero as the basis, if I can deal with faults I feel are engeneared into the ruggers.  Primarily the wide trigger would need to be replace with something more on the lines of colt style and the locking bolt would need to be timed so that it didn't drop as soon as it cleared the previos nothch and scrape a ring all the way around the cylinder.

Not sure who to do the work, any help would be apreciated,

thanks.

[blackwolfe]

Might want to check with Dave Clements at clemntscustomguns.com.  He has a message board where you can ask questions.  There is also Hamilton Bowen, Alan Harton, Linebaugh, Gallagher, and other.

[Jerry Lester]

Start at Clements Custom Guns...

[BlkHawk73]

  I'd also suggest contacting Clements.  Also, ask this over on Single-Actions.com

[Lloyd Smale]

depends on what you want and how much you want to spend. If money is no object and you want the best id go with bowen or dustin linebaugh for the fancier type of conversion like your looking at. dave clements and Alan harton are also masters of the trade and would probably be a tad cheaper. If Im building a good old fashion working gun for hunting where function rules over looks then my money would go to John Linebaugh. There are some others like Ben Forking and John galagher that do some real nice work too. Alot of it comes down to whos name you want on your gun and how fat your walet is.

[Will52100]

Thanks guys, I'll check out Clement's and Linebaugh.

[ghostsix]

Doug Turnbull is worth a look.

[henryb]

Another vote for Clements. 

I have a 5 shot 45 Colt conversion that was done on an Accusport bisley.  The bbl was replaced, cylinder line bored, trigger job, express bbl band and a Keith style gold bar front sight, Bowen target rear sight.  He even melted the bottom of the grip and fitted it to the frame very nicely. It's a real shooter. Love the gun and admire David's work.  I would NOT hesitate to have him do another one.....If I had the $$$$.