I ran across this old girl (1971) at a somewhat local show last weekend. On the outside, it has the typical "patina" of a gun that sat in an underwear drawer in a house with no AC. I asked to take a closer look, and that's when the seller informed me that it "had some issues". It would only operate in DA about half the time, and zero times in SA. There was no way that hammer was coming back when you pulled on it. I couldn't help but laugh when I saw the $825 price on it. I had a hunch what the issue might be, and the smooth targets were calling me, so I told him the best I could do was a straight trade for an ATI 9mm Commander that I had brought, which I was into for less than $300. He jumped on the trade and I brought her home.


First thing I did was pull the side plate and yup, it was full of gunk inside. All the internals had a nice varnish of dried oil on them too. After an overnight soak in Kroil, multiple blasts with brake cleaner and brushing, I generously oiled it and put it all back together. Well gee, it runs like a champ now, which I confirmed at the range Wednesday. She's now resting 30 minutes away, at a gunsmith that does hand polishing and hot bluing. This gives me plenty of time to restore those purdy grips.

You done good.

Good save....

I love old gun rescues, especially finish-challenged ones that run like a champ after a thorough soak and some TLC. You came out on top on that trade, for sure.

Fortunately it was rescued before the finish got any worse. There really is just some very minor pitting on the right side of the top strap. The rest of it is just surface ugliness. The Smith seemed pretty confident that it would all polish out without destroying the stamping. Worse case is that he ends up doing more of a mdl. 28 satin finish. I was originally going to rust blue it, but when I saw how little imperfections there were, I decided that hot bluing was the way to go.

Good bargaining, nice save! I hope your diamond-in-the-rough comes out shining!

You rescued the damsel!

__________________
No baby we aint

I like it....I also like stories like this. We could have a beer on me because it sounds exactly like I do and like I think.

Nice rescue, and you did great for $300! I have a 4" blued 19-3 with smooth target stocks as part of my 1973 Texas Ranger Commemorative set. It's extremely comfortable to shoot and is one of my favorite revolvers. Can't wait to see some pics after the reblue job. Enjoy!

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These orphans always seem to find me. I even refer to my handgun safe as "The Orphanage", lol.

Bubba had his fingers in this one at some point, but not too badly. The screw heads were kind of flared, but they cleaned up nicely. The hammer block is missing, so I have a new one headed my way. All in all, it could have been much worse.

Sounds like you got a darn good deal there. I can't wait to see the after bluing pictures of this gun.

Congrats!

Also waiting for the 'after' pics!

Gollly I love a great save like this. Well Done Lad.