It already has a little "character."

I rescued it from the back of the "used" counter at the NAPA about a year ago. I figured I couldn't go wrong with a good, tight 3" Airweight j-frame for $175, no matter how bad the finish. I stuck it in the safe and forgot it. I pulled it out a couple of months ago, put some rubber grips on it, loaded it with snake shot and put it on a shelf.

I decided it would make a good carry piece if the hammer was de-horned, so I had at it with the dreaded Dremel Tool. The original wood grips were split, so I fixed them with some electrical tape. I shot it with some of my wc reloads just to make sure that removing the mass from the hammer did not cause light strikes. All good. Then, I fired ten rounds of Golden Sabers just to make sure they do not jump crimp and tie up the cylinder. (I had that happen with a Model 36 and Super Vel ammo many years ago.) Still good, and it prints all five on a 6" paper plate at ten yards, off-hand double action. I figured it is good to go.

I am carrying it in place of my Model 60 for three reasons: (1) longer barrel (2) less weight (3) it is already beat up and finished challenged.

I just love these orphans. I figure this gun rode in somebody's pickup glove box, tool box, or just under the seat. Somebody has probably pocket-carried it without a holster for a bunch of years. It has found a home with me.

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Georgia On My Mind

Looks useful. A real working gun for you.

Confession - I had hoped you might inquire whether a refinish was in order, as I enjoy such threads almost as much as the "bear gun" threads!

Best and good shooting,

Dyson

Waaaay prettier than the single-shot AR-15 some really scary looking Russian guy had at the range the other day, which had apparently been given the Glidden latex applied with a roller treatment (the rifle, not the guy).

A cheap way to fix up your cracked grips (assuming you aren't going to spend money on a new set) is to stretch a section of bicycle tire inner tube cut to size over the grips. Will do a MUCH BETTER job than the electrical tape and look better as well without having the sticky stuff getting all over everything in the heat. That is of course if your not an electrician and might need some electrical tape.

That...plus it would finish giving it the "right look."

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C & L

Just love all the orphans. Got one yesterday myself. I really think those of us that find treasures on the lower rungs of the ladder are also prone to adopt dogs from the shelter. Great find

Regards

Bill

I think the tape gives it that real "Saturday Night Special" look.

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Recycled Bricklayer

White surgical tape looks the best for grip and stock fixes IMHO. Takes on a nice dirty, grimey glow while still showing the white highlights through.
Doesn't get quite as tacky in the hand as electrical tape..and you can write your name on it easily!
Very 40's/ 50's.

I like it! It'll do everything you may need it for just as it is.
No refinish needed.

Good job on the rescue....I have been know to do that very same thing

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On the Oak Savannah

I'd about just as soon have that revolver as a mint Model 37 with the box and accessories. That is, I'd rather own a tool than a "collectible." Nice piece you have there.

I hope you took the side pate off and "hosed it out" and re lubed. Never know what junk is in there. Glue the grips and use the inner tube method. More "class" than tape

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Still Running Against the Wind

The only thing better than a 3" J frame is a 3" Airweight J frame.

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Centennial Every Day

Nice! It would be interesting to see what holster it is carried in.

How long did you have to wait for Tyler to fill your order for that T Tape?

Downright swanky. Any snake should be happy to get sent to the other side by that one!

One day I will make it down to the NAPA.

"leave the gun-- bring the cannoli. "

redlevel, is that one of them ultra-rare bobbed hammer models?

Thanks for posting the pics, as long as she shoots I wouldn't mind it making home in my safe either.

That my friend is character....pure character!! You did good.

You know, that looks like just about every gun you see in our local pawnshops for a mere $500.00 or so.

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Why duck?? It's a 9mm!

Orphans need love too. Good on you.

Pick up some spark plugs too?

Character however get some homemade Ranger bands[ bike inner tubes cut to size] for that grip.

"Simplicity IS the essence of good taste"..and you've got it.

That looks like Hell. I have a set of Pachmayr's that came off my S&W #63 that I will happily send you to replace those cracked stocks and electrical tape.

I have bought worse looking guns, but for way less money.

I took a set of Pachmayrs off so I could put the cracked stocks and tape on the gun.

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Georgia On My Mind

I like guns that look scary.

I too like dogs and guns no one else wants.I find them both to much more reliable and easier to maintain. Good story and mighty fine gun.

Are you going to get a letter from the factory?

If I am thinking about the same NAPA store, that is the best parts store I have ever been in. Go to the counter and turn right. Nice find!

. . . and this is what you will see. They just put in new handgun cases. They will hold almost twice as many as the ones in the picture.

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Georgia On My Mind

Just curious if you background check these before bringing them home. With looks like that it's easy to imagine it made a few withdraws at the local liquor store.

Sent from a tiny keyboard with the assistance of a proof reader whose English is dubious at best. Tapatalk via Android

Redlevel,
Where in GA is that gun store?

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

I'm a total sucker for 3" J frame .38 spls. What's not to like? Practical and potent.

PC

Nice stocks!

Barrow automotive in Butler.

redlevel
I think it's a good useful tool and would be happy to have it. Carried an old Rossi 3in with broken grips for years. It saved me one day in a parking lot showdown. Now I EDC a pre mod 38 that is very worn and carries a grip adpator. 3in is a little too long to ride comfortable in the crossdraw ITWB I use. The best gun to use in a gunfigtht is the one you have with you. Who said that???

Thanks, JSW229. I was hoping it was a little closer . It looks and sounds interesting.

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629