Recent content by VaTom

My Great, Great Grandfather was in the 45th NC Infantry in Civil War. In September 21-22, 1864 his regiment part of General Jubal Early’s Army of 12,000 made a stand at Fisher’s Hill in the Shenandoah Valley (Va) against 30,000 Union Troops under Phil Sheridan. A late afternoon flank attack...

I don’t believe the Model 63 of the era of yours came with combat stocks. I could be wrong. Here is my no dash 63 from 1981 with the factory standard grips numbered to revolver and S&W J Frame Square Butt target grips that I later bought on EBay.

Cleaned the grips this morning. Lightly cleaned with some Murphy Wood Soap and soft toothbrush. The white stuff in between the checking on one of the grips came off. Before and after.👍

Ken, reference to the left grip. Something white in the lines between checking. Not paint or anything like that. Maybe some dried wax. Haven’t cleaned the grips. Did clean and lube the revolver and put ren wax on it when they brought it over as it needed it before I stored it away. Thanks...

I have kept this 1977-78 Model 36 square butt in my safe for over a year. Original box and papers. Safe storage for a friend who didn’t want it in their house due to grandchildren. The family are not gun people. Husband bought new in 1977 and had kept in drawer for years. As you can see it is...

My 1981 Model 63 with target stocks and original factory stocks. Square butt J frame.

Great discussion in this thread. As a result I did an online search about the accuracy standard required for the 1911 adoption by the military back in the day. The AI generated answer to the question is: “When the U.S. military adopted the 1911 pistol, they had specific accuracy standards that...

The matching serial number on the yoke is on the side of it. You have to look through one of the cartridge holes in the cylinder to see it. A small flashlight is helpful as the numbers are small. As indicated prior the numbers in your pics are assembly numbers.

Just saying. .22 ammo that has the waxy coating should be kept out of extreme heat. Sent my brother some .22 ammo during the shortage. He lives in south Florida. He kept it somewhere in his non A/C garage for a couple years. When we tried to use it on a visit it was problematic in a semi auto...

No harm in having a reblued revolver if you paid a fair price and it functions properly. I purchased my Commercial 1917 at a local auction about 10 years ago. The auction description clearly stated it had been refinished. Didn’t intend to buy it but when the bids were low I jumped in and snagged...

Started using the pre mixed two cycle fuel in my Stihl Weedeater. I have a Stihl battery powered for around the house and flower beds because it is lighter and does a great job. I use gas one for bigger spaces, ditch line, etc. I had always mixed my gas and oil over the years so was skeptical...

My nickel Model 10 I bought used about 10 years ago. I think it was likely a LE trade-in. The back strap was a little dull but shined up nicely. The flitz and renwax process gets my vote. Have used on blued revolvers also but should only use flitz on factory bluing.

Here is a good example of original factory bluing on my Model 15-3 from 1974 and an example of Colts bluing on a 1956 Official Police. Have had both for about 10 years and did the Flitz and RenWax procedure after I got them. Beautiful old school bluing.

I have a 2016 Toyota Camry XLE V-6 that I bought new. Great vehicle with super acceleration and ride. Recently bought a new pair of Saucony running shoes. Been wearing that brand for years. I wear a 11 1/2 medium. Have found that the sole almost touches the brake pedal when on the accelerator. A...

My uncle was a “Frogman” UDT in the Pacfic during WWII. Wanted information on his service as he passed in 1971. The Navy Seal / UDT museum in Ft Pierce Florida was helpful. Was able to identify the UDT team he was on and also was able to get a copy of his Bronze Star citation from the invasion...