Awhile back I posted Graveyard Project N0.1, a 38/44 with a 6" barrel.
This project is no.2 and involves an LEO gun that was rode hard and put away wet. It started out last spring when I was standing next to my gun show buddy's table (he's a Colt guy) when a customer came up and asked my buddy, "are you still interested in this old .41 mag?" I said let me have a look, he handed it to me and seeing it was a S&W .41 and marked S.F.P.D., I inadvertly said San Francisco PD. My buddy sensed the smell of blood in my nostrills and said, "my offer still stands, $325." Sold! Wanting to stay in the good graces of my friend I fought the urge to say $400.
Fast forward 5 months and my friend and I have ajoining tables at the next hometown show. Its laying on the table next to all the 5K SSAs. Drooling over his table during the pre-show setup I find out he has a price tag of $450 on it. He had stated that he had wanted it as a pickup glovebox go to gun at the first show. We negotiated a price and I left the show with it. This was a case where emotions got the best of me and after getting it home I assessed the damage. But, its not everyday that you find a .41 S&W Mag in any kind of condition! And this one was PD marked!
Damage assessment: bad pushoff; left side of frame and cylinder moderate pitting (body sweat?); significant holster finish wear (50%) and that was my own assessment. I called the factory and asked if they could fix the mechanics. Answer was yes and they provided a shipping address. About a week or so later, I received a detailed discription of what was wrong with the 58. Lots more to be done! I signed the work authorization and mailed it off. Several weeks went by and looking at pre-shippment photos of the gun, it hit me, this gun was a trainwreck, that this was indeed a candidate for an overall refinish. Called it in! Stay tuned for photos!
This project is no.2 and involves an LEO gun that was rode hard and put away wet. It started out last spring when I was standing next to my gun show buddy's table (he's a Colt guy) when a customer came up and asked my buddy, "are you still interested in this old .41 mag?" I said let me have a look, he handed it to me and seeing it was a S&W .41 and marked S.F.P.D., I inadvertly said San Francisco PD. My buddy sensed the smell of blood in my nostrills and said, "my offer still stands, $325." Sold! Wanting to stay in the good graces of my friend I fought the urge to say $400.
Fast forward 5 months and my friend and I have ajoining tables at the next hometown show. Its laying on the table next to all the 5K SSAs. Drooling over his table during the pre-show setup I find out he has a price tag of $450 on it. He had stated that he had wanted it as a pickup glovebox go to gun at the first show. We negotiated a price and I left the show with it. This was a case where emotions got the best of me and after getting it home I assessed the damage. But, its not everyday that you find a .41 S&W Mag in any kind of condition! And this one was PD marked!
Damage assessment: bad pushoff; left side of frame and cylinder moderate pitting (body sweat?); significant holster finish wear (50%) and that was my own assessment. I called the factory and asked if they could fix the mechanics. Answer was yes and they provided a shipping address. About a week or so later, I received a detailed discription of what was wrong with the 58. Lots more to be done! I signed the work authorization and mailed it off. Several weeks went by and looking at pre-shippment photos of the gun, it hit me, this gun was a trainwreck, that this was indeed a candidate for an overall refinish. Called it in! Stay tuned for photos!
I may have to get another set that are a bit more smooth....but, these are really easy to get a grip on 
