I was removing a boxed gun from the safe this evening and didn't realize that a small J frame in a box was sitting on top of the box I was retrieving until it was too late. The J frame fell to the floor of the safe but not before hitting the safe door frame. This gun had zero marks on it until now. I've attached a couple of photos.

I assume this is fixable but at what cost could I expect or should I leave it as is and start carrying it? I'm feeling really stupid right now. Are there any other options I should consider?

I thank you in advance for any and all input other than telling me I did a dumb thing. I already know that.

Attached Images

	20160123_205936 (Copy).jpg (43.9 KB, 242 views)
	20160123_210040 (Copy).jpg (44.5 KB, 216 views)

__________________
Dan
Ps 96 SWCA 2930 SWHF 524

Hey, if you handle guns enough, things like that happen. My son accidentally bumped his 30-06 with his foot and sent it down the hatch of a metal deer stand. I think it hit every rung on the ladder on the way down. Broke the stock and destroyed the scope. Replaced the stock with a fiberglass one and Leupold replaced the scope for free. That was 25 years ago and he still has it. That little scratch on your revolver just gives it a little character. I wouldn't worry about it. Just shoot it and enjoy.

I would leave it alone. Wait six months and then decide if you want it repaired. You upset right now, feeling some guilt. These things happen. I would think of it as honest wear. I'm not sure but to fix it properly would you have to have the barrel removed and reblued? If so I would definitely leave it alone. Place all your firearms in Borestores. They are soft, well padded and great protection. Sonora

I fully understand the frustration, but being imperfect beings we all will drop something from time to time. Fortunately it does not always result in damage. Once, several years ago, I lost my Model 19 from a Safariland Model 19 (really!) shoulder holster twice within an hour. Both times were on concrete and the gun struck on the rear corner of the frame/stocks both times!!! It happens.

The damage to your gun has absolutely no effect on function, suck it up and get to using it as it was intended!

Thanks for the input. Anyone have suggestions on repair costs?

__________________
Dan
Ps 96 SWCA 2930 SWHF 524

It's a minor repair if you have it filed and polished out, then cold blued. A gunsmith would probably charge an hour's work, averaging perhaps $65.

It's a major repair if you have it re-barelled (which would be absurd), running a few hundred for parts and labor.

I understand how you feel, I'm sure I'd feel pretty bad in your shoes too.

But there is a reason that "handling marks" is such a common term used to describe a gun's condition.

Imagine that you are the future buyer of this revolver some years down the road.
Would you be happier with the ding as it is, or seeing a file/cold blue job, wondering what that's all about? Worse, how would you feel to buy it and then later on discover that someone pulled a fast one with a quickie fix-up?
A pro re-blue will cost you, and knock down the resale value. If it's of any collectors value, you're better off with it as is.

One good suggestion is to put off deciding for a few months. By then, you'll have relaxed and gained a full perspective of your options.

Take it easy,
Jim

If you file the burr away you are in effect making it worse as more metal will be lost. You can very carefully massage the damaged metal back where it has been moved from by using a small light hammer, and bumping/wiping the burr back into place. You would be amazed at what can be done with very light bumps and taking your time. Try with an 8 ounce hammer, hold it by the head where the handle is, and bump the burr with a wiping motion to move the metal in the direction you want it to go to fill in the low spots.

If it was mine I would remove the sharp burrs and edges with a fine piece of emery cloth or Arkansas Stone as carefully as possible as to not remove any more bluing than absolutely necessary. Then use some Cold Blue and touch-up as best as possible. That's about the best you can do without having it professionally repaired and or re-barreled and then refinished. I'd give it a try yourself and see if you can live with that before sending it out - you might be surprised and it might come out pretty good.

DON'T beat yourself up over this more than you already have! These things happen and that's why they are called accidents. We have all been there and done that!!! Just one of life's learning experiences.......

Your Model 36 was trying to escape the dark airless prison it was kept in.
It wants to be shot and carried (as it was intended). USE IT !
*** if you don't, the next owner will,

Thank you for the different perspectives. These are the thoughts I was looking for.

Regards

__________________
Dan
Ps 96 SWCA 2930 SWHF 524