I have been offered a 5" finish worn, non factory reblue, with Pachmyer rubber grips. The timing and function are crisp and smooth. Two boxes of reloads come with the gun. Serial is 41XXX. Price is $450 firm. Don't see many of these for sale in any condition where I live. Reasonable for a shooter? Thanks Gary

If the blue was decent, I'd probably buy it to go with the half dozen other .44 Sp. around here... (you might let me know if you don't?)
I wouldn't shoot the reloads.

I'd grab it if it wasn't over polished.

I just sold one that was a bit worse than you described for $500.

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No life story has happy end.

I agree on the purchase.

Breakdown the reloads and reload with YOUR known powder charge.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Over the years I sometimes got reloads when buying a used firearm. Please don't shoot them. You had no control over what was stuffed in the case or how many times the case was fired. I usually broke them down and if in any doubt scrapped them. Your physical well being is worth way more than a box of questionable ammo. One good thing about someone's reloads is that I have half an old plastic gallon jug of bullets. Military and commercial. Frank

I agree with arjay. Grab it if the polishing has not washed out the rollmarks, rounded the corners or egg shaped the screw holes.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

In 2 years you will be glad you bought it today.

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Always bet on stupidity.

Gentlemen, Thank you for your collective advice. I took the plunge and bought the old revolver and took it to the range this morning. What a sweet piece of machinery. I have some smooth action old Smiths but this one goes to the head of the line. 6.5 grains of Unique pushing a 240 grain bullet is just right for this old gun. About 8 other guys shot it and liked it. It is just like pointing your finger at 20 yards with a slight 6 o'clock hold. Now i need to find a large set of wood grips rather than the rubber Pachmayrs that it came with. They are comfortable to shoot with but look like the dickens otherwise. Wish I had the capability to take a photo or two and show you the new toy!!

Gary

Congratulations. Now comes the bad news. Buying a correct period correct set of grips will cost you as much as the gun!

I have no idea what your level of experience or competence is. What I'd suggest is you do some soul searching and figure out if you're capable of a full tear down. Its not rocket science. I'd suggest a full interior cleaning and lubrication. It might not even need it. But a good quality oil or grease (your preference) will do a lot.

There are a number of solutions to the grip problem. The cheapest and a good one would be to just look around and find a set of postwar N frame target grips. If they fit your hand and your liking, go for it. If you want period correct service grips, be very careful to make sure they'll fit before you spend you money. If you want prewar Magna's, get ready to pay. $500 is a nice round figure for great condition ones. Its because you're competition with all the RM owners out and about. Another solution would be to contact Keith Brown and have him whip up a set of his reproductions. He's not cheap or fast, but he's really good.

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Dick Burg

My grip suggestion would be to purchase a set of Kurca's smooth Magnas. They have a "coke" profile and are outstanding in hand fit.

Here is a pair on my 1917 Frankensmif:

FrankenSmif

__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!