If it were mine, I would think about replacing the grips with a set of vintage grips like Ropers (Keith Brown) that would cover the butt. I would definitely get a letter on it. It is seldom worth trying to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.

quote:

Originally posted by VM:

quote:

I am sure that this gun could be restored but would cost thousands of dollars to do so

reblue - $300
grips - $500
butt weld $200
------------------
$1000


I think this is realistic $$ to resell. Maybe it'll letter to someone important???

Is this a feasable investment?



Very interesting / fascinating thread

When I said “restored” I was thinking more of a David Chicoine type restoration, which would certainly cost more than the $500.00 you’ve allotted. If this gun shipped with pre-war magnas that would be at least another $400 – 500 as you said. But even assuming your estimate was right on the money you would have over $4000 tied up in a refinished and welded up gun, not a very good investment in my mind. As others here have stated this gun certainly needs to be lettered. If it had some historical significance it might be worth putting more money into. Otherwise I’m in agreement with m-1911, I would clean it up and probably just put some grips on it that covers up the damage and leave it at that.

And you are right, this is an interesting thread…

I guess it is the history buff in me but here is a dumb question. If it were to letter to a famous lawman or outlaw, especially if it were determined he was known to modify his revolvers in this fashion, would it not be better to leave it as is?

Bill

quote:

if it were determined he was known to modify his revolvers in this fashion, would it not be better to leave it as is?

Sure but it probably has been owned by 10 people in the last 70 years so who knows who did the modification.

My whole point about making it pretty for new sale.............these Revolvers continue to escalate every year and a majority of RM's are not original .
With the auctions getting silly prices, I think this RM has the potentional for 5K and higher in the near future just like any other [cheaper/non-original] RM.
"They aint making them any more!"