I had a goal to see how small I could make a J-frame sized gun without compromising function. Had to be controllable in rapid-fire, even with +P ammo. A steel-frame model 85 came my way, and I knew I had found my 'donor' gun.
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I trimmed the barrel back 1/2" and re-crowned it. Might not seem like much, but it was the difference between being able to conceal the gun in a pocket-holster in my jeans or not. Next I cut and re-welded the grip-frame shorter Comparable to a Taurus View.) I made a set of custom ergonomic Zebrawood grips, 'melted' the cylinder release, and relieved the trigger-guard on the right side for quicker access to the trigger. Since this was to be a pocket pistol I also bobbed the hammer. The Zebrawood grips allowed excellent control of the gun, but in use they proved awkward to grip for drawing from a pocket holster. I replaced them with a different, unconventional style of custom Bocote grips; they look weird, but they work even with +P loads. Importantly they are very easy to grip for deploying the gun. They're even comfortable once you get used to them.
The gun weighs 19oz. empty, which works out well for the way I carry it and helps make recoil manageable and not unpleasant. Here are pictures of the finished gun:
![Image]()
I trimmed the barrel back 1/2" and re-crowned it. Might not seem like much, but it was the difference between being able to conceal the gun in a pocket-holster in my jeans or not. Next I cut and re-welded the grip-frame shorter Comparable to a Taurus View.) I made a set of custom ergonomic Zebrawood grips, 'melted' the cylinder release, and relieved the trigger-guard on the right side for quicker access to the trigger. Since this was to be a pocket pistol I also bobbed the hammer. The Zebrawood grips allowed excellent control of the gun, but in use they proved awkward to grip for drawing from a pocket holster. I replaced them with a different, unconventional style of custom Bocote grips; they look weird, but they work even with +P loads. Importantly they are very easy to grip for deploying the gun. They're even comfortable once you get used to them.
The gun weighs 19oz. empty, which works out well for the way I carry it and helps make recoil manageable and not unpleasant. Here are pictures of the finished gun:
I don't think I wanna mess with my stainless UL. It's been working for 22 years for me as is. 
