Hey all,

I'm excited to find this forum, as I'm brand new to firearms aside from shooting some 22s in Boy Scouts.

I recently inherited a revolver from my grandfather- as best anyone can tell, it looks to be a Model of 1902 in .38. Has a 6.5" barrel, but mostly what it has is a lot of rust.

My first question, based on the picture, does that seem correct to you? Serial number I've been able to read is 26278.

Second question- what, if anything, can be done to restore thing thing to it's former glory? Seems fundamentally sound; the cylinder locks in place and doesn't wiggle, it still seems to function properly in both double and single action.

Someone has offered to bead blast it, but is that a good idea?

Thanks in advance.

UPDATE- Now that I'm on my laptop I can upload a photo of the gun.

Attached Images

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It does appear to be a Model 1902. Tell us all the stampings and markings, especially on the barrel. Do not bead blast it. Rust can be stopped by soaking the gun in Kroil , or similar treatment. No Hoppe's. ( remove the stocks first ) , then use 0000 grade wool to lightly rub it down. It's value as a family heirloom can be priceless, so any intrinsic value is of no consequence. It can always be replated, however that is only a cosmetic event and is not necessary to preserve the gun. I would say to clean it up and leave it as it is. Ed.

Refinishing makes it look nice but wipes away the years of wear that was caused by your grandfathers hands. My vote is to prevent further corrosion. I'm also a Kroil fan. Its 100% your decision but Either way I'm sure your grandfather is glad to see it is still being appreciated.

Just stabilize the finish. No sand blasting at the metal shop or buffing, pls.
You got a great gun from Paw, dont fool with it. When you take the grips off
soak before and no prying with a screw driver. Patience will pay off.

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

SN 26278 left the factory in the late 1902 to early 1903 period. And it is a Model of 1902. I think most would agree that it is best cleaned up and left in its current condition. You might let it sit awhile in a bath of kerosene and go over it with copper wool, which will remove any loose corrosion. You might go over it with metal polish, which may make the nickel plating look a little better. You can still shoot it, just use standard velocity .38 Special ammunition, preferably with lead bullets.

One problem with nickel plating is that once it starts to delaminate, there is nothing you can do to stop it or make it look better, except to perform a complete replating job. I would recommend you not do that.

Your grandfather's revolver appears to be a Model of 1902, one of approximately 13,000 produced in 1902-1903 in various barrel lengths and finishes, numbered between 20975 and 33803. Mine (#21898) was shipped on August 8, 1902.

My advice and counsel tracks with that you've received from others----clean it up----period. To go beyond that to any sort of restoration involves the expenditure of noteworthy sums, and transforms your grandfather's gun into what used to be your grandfather's gun---a somewhat interesting paperweight whose value will be perhaps 1/4 to 1/3 of what you spent to make it that way.

Ralph Tremaine

I had a similar age nickel S&W refinished. It too belonged to my Grandfather. I did it to make my Momma happy. It was the only thing she has that belonged to him and she wanted it restored. They did a wonderful job with the refinishing. I have more invested in the gun than it would be worth to anyone else. So it can be done but a good job will not be cheap. It looks pretty cool the way it is if you take steps to control the rust. It should last a long time to come. Your gun. Your choice. Enjoy it!

When DWalt says "Standard Velocity .38 Special" that means that it does NOT say "+P" on it.

I also vote for preservation. Just my opinion.

Welcome to the forum. Do not allow anyone near it offering to bead blast, sand blast, wire wheel it, or sand it or any of the like. As others have said just a good clean up is really all that is needed. I have used Mothers mag on plated Smith & wessons that were similar condition wise with very good results. If you really feel you must restore it only use someone with a long standing reputation of working on vintage guns and that will outstrip the value of your Smith very quickly. Just remember the wear that was put there was done by your Grandfather and likely men before him don't be so quick to erase that once it is gone nothing you can do will bring it back.

Yep, it's all about preserving a piece of family history, it's not a beauty contest.

I wouldn't even scuff it up with steel wool.
Probably just Kroil and a coarse shop rag to start with.

Thanks to everyone who chimed in. I was worried about doing anything crazy to it, and you all confirmed that. Looking forward to getting this guy cleaned up.

Steel wool will remove some finish unless used very lightly and carefully. Copper wool , from Brownells , will be safer.
I cleaned one nicely with a long soak in K-1 kerosene (wally mart) and Turtle Wax Chrome Polish and Rust Remover. Use a rag on an area, when the rag no longer comes brown , the brown is rust being removed. Then move on....work by hand , DO NOT use any power equipment. The Chrome Polish has a very mild fine abrasive in it and you only want to remove rust.
Avoid Hoppes #9 , it will remove the nickle .
Nice inheritance !
Gary

I'm in agreement with the others. Yes, clean it up and restore it to safe functioning but leave the finish as is as to refinish this gun is to erase its connection to your grandfather.

Bronze wool can usually be found at Home Depot. Much gentler than copper or brass wool. Never, ever use steel wool.
Kroil has always worked well for me. And lots of "elbow grease" of course.
You have received a treasure!

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Fred
S&WCA 3238

Bead blast that finish and you will have blasted the gun to needed a total refinishing. CHA CHING!

Yep just oil it up and keep it safe from high humidity.

Ed and the others gave good advice. Neat gun. Get it to a point where you can take it to the range once in a while and honor the memory.

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Rather be outdoors

Very nice piece of family history indeed!
I agree 100% with the suggestions above to simply clean it well and keep it preserved. Kroil is a bit expensive, but it will serve you very well. I have a can on hand at all times....

...nice revolver with lots of character...I'd clean it...shoot it...and enjoy it...with your Grandfather in mind...

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A Country Boy Can Survive

Into DIYI have done several "touch-up" refinishes of revolvers like yours with nickel worn off in places. I carefully work each area with abrasive papers finally to 1500 grit then electroplate with a DIY kit. Mostly I reworked the obvious, offensive, accessible areas, leaving some of it as-is. The result is a gun that looks a lot better & not like refinished, buffed, etc.,

I envy you that priceless, still-functional piece of family history and fine revolver design.

Scars can be beauty marks.

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Oh well, what the hell.

Welcome to the forum.

Clean it gently, shoot it, clean it again...

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James Redfield
LM #497

It has character - don't remove it.

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I've still got it made.