Ray, good for you! Despite the cost/value ratio, I think it's wonderful when a real beater gets "brought back" from being a junker.

Most guns are worth more in original condition and it's usually a mistake to "restore" a collectible.

However, some guns that are "so far gone" are just plain fun to make presentable again!

My S&W like yours was horrible so I had it engraved and restored.



And here's a Colt Pocket Hammerless that was horrible too. I have before and after pics of this one! The grips were broken and missing so I first found a perfect set. Then I had the gun "restored" and a few years later I decided to have it engraved and then I added the ivory grips. To me, it was worth it and I'll be keeping it for anothe 40+ years anyway. And it shoots great!