A while back I bought a 5 screw model 29. It is a 6 1/2" gun, in the black box. It is in very good shape, EXCEPT, someone had the barrel drilled and tapped for Weaver scope mounts! I have been told that it could be wielded and reblued. I realize that it will not be worth much more restored then it is now, and the restoration will not be cheap. Is there someone you would recommend? Shotgunner

Barrel Drilled and Tapped?

Where's the photos?We like lots of photos here on the forums.

If it were my revolver I'd in all probability leave it as is and shoot it often with light to medium target loads in 44 magnum cases.

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NEVER GIVE UP YOUR GUN

I'm not sure I'd spend the time and money "restoring" the gun. I don't believe it would increase its value.

If it were mine, I believe I'd just leave it as it is, or maybe put some screws or plugs in the mounting holes.

And you say the barrel is drilled and tapped...not the top strap? Don't think I'd be welding on it, period...don't care how accomplished the welder might be.

I know this isn't any help to you...just my opinion, that's all. I think I'd letter it, just for curiosity's sake.

Wouldn't mind seeing some photos of your gun.

The money it would cost will be gone and the polish and blue won't look original.Sell it and buy a nicer one.

Iwould change out the barrel before I would weld it up. They show up on ebay regularly and you could pick a length.

The screw holes can be plugged, I have done a few Mauser rifles that were drilled for scope mounts. The process I used was basically this, taking a hand operated drill and using a bit slightly larger than said hole I dril a counter sink in the hole. The next step using correct screws with a drop of permanent loc tite drew into hole and tighten. Next step wrap a couple of layers of masking tape around the srews to protect the barrel for the next step. Cut the screw heads off as close to barrel without touching barrel. The next step s to file down the screw until it is just proud of the surface leave enough to peen down into the recess you drilled this will help lock the screw in place and also create a seamless fit. The next step is to use files to shape the srew to the barrel contour using finer and finer files then finer grades of crocus cloth or similar sandpaper. I practiced on a piece of pipe first until I felt comfortable doing it. Once screws are cold blued if done properly it is almost undetectable.

The damage has been done and there is no way to undo it. Replacing the barrel will change the original gun, devaluing it. I think I would just put some plug screws in and enjoy it for what it is. I mostly stay with modifications that original owners did to their guns to fit with their purpose of ownership. That appeals to me. Filing the screw holes as described in the previous post is ok too, but I am not capable of that kind of work.

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

As always, the main question is "What do you want to do with it?"

Obviously, you knew the holes were there when you bought it. That leads me to believe you want it as a collectable non-shooter. If so, might as well leave it as-is.

If you want to shoot it, I like the idea of a replacement barrel. You can always have the original barrel re-installed, if you change your mind some day.

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You're shy a few manners.