.32 DA Rescue

Dosgatos · #1 12-24-2009, 06:29 PM

Found this gun in a drawer in the back room of a gun shop. It was in sad shape both cosmetically and mechanically, but I managed to get it for $75. This 5th Model .32 DA was shipped from the factory in September of 1910, so it will be 100 years old in less than a year. The grips number to the gun, but unfortunately the right grip was broken. I've temporarily replaced it with a eBay grip while the original is being fixed by Don Furr. The extractor spring had to be replaced, and some tweaking of the frame hinge freed up the extractor, which even with the new spring refused to return. Flitz cleaned the gun nicely. I found a box of .32 S&W at a local shop. It was $30, but after the holidays I plan to take it to the range.

Raider · #2 12-24-2009, 06:39 PM

Congratulations on returning an old timer to new life. You did a good job. Merry Christmas and good shooting.

Charlie

Dosgatos · #3 12-24-2009, 06:50 PM

I'm curious about the nickel finish - it appears to be original, but there are no markings on the frame like later guns. Is there a way to tell if it was originally nickel without getting it lettered?
Thanks,
Peter

MSgt G · #4 12-24-2009, 07:35 PM

$75! Why can't I ever find a great deal like this?! Congratulations and merry Christmas!

Dosgatos · #5 12-24-2009, 07:41 PM

It gets worse: There were two .32s and I got them for $75 each. The other was a blue 4th Model shipped in June of 1893. It also had a broken right grip (being repaired) and is currently with my gunsmith as it will work DA only - the hammer/trigger suffer from "push-off".

Hunt200 · #6 12-24-2009, 07:54 PM

Wow what a score!! Very nice!!

TACC1 · #7 12-24-2009, 10:19 PM

Congratulations!! You've done well! That 32 looks great. Makes the one I have look shabby by comparison. TACC1.

DCWilson · #8 12-25-2009, 12:02 AM

Those two guns were a deal even before you removed the grime of ages from them. Now they are an unbelievable deal.

I'm thinking that the shiny one has its original nickel. Maybe it's just the angles you show in your photos, but I don't see any of the softness or plated rough spots that would suggeset refinishing. The good news just gets better and better.

Thumbs up! Definitely a Merry Christmas in your household.

flagman1776 · #9 12-25-2009, 12:38 AM

A great catch! We should all have some luck like this!
Russ

kennyb · #10 12-25-2009, 02:42 PM

very nice...you did well....enjoy!

H Richard · #11 12-26-2009, 12:31 PM

Looks pretty minty for $75! I'm never that lucky.

cflier · #12 12-26-2009, 01:18 PM

H Richard
Congratulations on post 2000. That many posts bodes a long and storied history on the forum.