Greetings,
As a side effect of a quest for a donor K-frame for a .32 project, I came across a Model of 1899. I will admit neglect on my part of never paying much attention to these early K-frames. I scratched the itch I had for a K-frame with a nice post war 5 screw K-38, but this 1899 got my curious nature wanting to know more. I gave it a brief inspection and noticed the barrel is bent upwards about 5 degrees. There is no finish left on it, with rust and patina all over, however it does not look to have been "Bubba'ed". I happen to like road-kill and love to ressurrect the dead. I will go back and give it a better look when I retrieve the K-38, but would like to know if I should consider helping the old girl out. They think it's worth $450 and I think that is a few hundred above reality, but I might try to trade for it to keep my cash. I realize that the frame is tweaked, but I have straightened many over the years. My last was a 27-2 that was bent at the frame, the cylinder and the grip. It's ugly, but it has been shot and the bullets go out the barrel without shaving, I need to fit a rear sight to see if it groups.
Simply put, is a beater 1899 worth enough to salvage? If so, what is a "fair" value.
The key is, I have been smithing for years and except for the lack of bluing tanks, I can perform all of the work myself. I will welcome the input of the forum members.
Thanks

Mark

I would say $250 tops IF it has decent grips and a shootable bore. If it won't shoot, why restore it? If it needs stocks, deduct another $50-75.

BOB

Bob,
Thanks for the input. I will follow up with another hard look (with my cheaters). That's the kind of feedback I was looking for, the cost is only part of it, as I said, I like helping out the basket cases. I have been known to invest way more labor than is warranted, but the satisfaction of the work is worth it. I find myself fascinated with the way the lockwork was tackled initially and how it later evolved.
Thanks

Mark

I feel the same, a couple hundred tops, and the value is in the parts if the barrel is really bent.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I think the barrel is bent in the frame, so the barrel may be fine but the frame is tweaked. I will see what happens.
Thanks

Mark

What grips are on it? Are they the wood ones? They are worth more in decent shape. Did you happen to see the bottom of the grip frame? Some of these were made for the Navy and Army and are marked. I have one marked from the Navy.

__________________
Tom
NRA Pistol Inst

tlay,
I didn't spend much time looking at it. I handled it for less than 30 seconds, made a couple of vague mental notes about condition and went back to buying the K-38. The grips did not jump out as damaged, but I didn't have my reading glasses, so I looked at it at arms length. As I stated earlier, first impression was that they were about $300 too high and that was the reason for the post. If I can trade them something they feel is worth enough and I don't have much wrapped up in it, it may find a new home. As it is, I am still trying to find a beat up model 64 or 67, in case I can't bring myself to rework the K-38.

Mark

In spite of what some may think, you don't have to shoot ALL guns to appreciate them. The M1899 is the beginning of the M&P line that has produced more revolvers than any other in history. If you can get it for the cheap and you feel confident in truing up the frame, I would go for it. They are an interesting bit of history.

Bob

Bob,
Excellent point, unfortunately, I will try to shoot anything that has a history to it. I have an 1870's Dreyse sporting rifle that is engraved and highly appointed, but after a chamber cast gave me a shape to work with, I altered some brass and loaded up rounds. It was an awesome experience to shoot something that most likely hasn't fired in over a century. I feel the same way about a design and cartridge that were brand new when it was built. What daring soul chose it and why?

Mark