New to me Model 10-6 (pics) and a question

[ChargerBill]

I just got around to assembling my model 10-6. I bought t as a handful of parts, a frame and a pair of grips. I cleaned everything blue with 0000 steel wool and CLP and a light touch. I see it as maybe an 80% gun... maybe I’m off. The backside of the side plate is heavily machined. The front of it isn’t in as good of shape as I would like, so I tried 3 other side plates in nicer condition but none would sit flush, and 2 of them made the hammer stick. I’m just keeping the original because it was altered to fit the inner mechanism... for whatever reason that was necessary.

My PROBLEM: the bolt lock pin will not go in without locking up the plunger. I discovered this before I was told I needed to use a convex punch.

2 Questions: Is there a trick to making sure I get the pin in the plunger groove? What size is the pin... and the convex punch I need?

Here are a couple images. I picked up the gun in pieces for $200.

[ChargerBill]

Sorry, here are the pics

[ChargerBill]

I’m guessing some of you might find the price ridiculous…. and I agree, $200 for this gun is ridiculous. The seller is a friend, and to be fair I built him a Cerakote oven out of an old gym locker. He bought all the parts and materials and I spent the 4 hrs fitting all the insulation and making it function. I did it as a favor, expected nothing in return…so he did give me a good deal on this gun. Don’t hate on this thread because of the deal I got…

[GerSan69]

Although I don't have the answers handy, I think you did really well. That 10 looks great. I wouldn't worry about haters... it'll be more like envy!

[Truckman]

Originally Posted by GerSan69

... it'll be more like envy!

Count me in that crowd (I'm the guy in the third row back on the right looking mad at myself because I didn't see it first)......Ben

[lihpster]

Sweet piece! I'd love to come across a deal like that!

[crazyphil]

I don't have the answers to your questions, but I do have a 10-6 if you
would care to see it. Here it is on the right. My 10-5 is on the left.

[serger]

I'm not a gunsmith. I have assembled and worked on many guns.

Having said that, I set the 1/16" pin by holding it with 4"hemostat
to start then use a Stanley 2/32" nail set to get it about flush and then
a brass punch to get it flush.

I've deepened the trough in the plunger with needle files and stones
to allow free movement. Don't lengthen it, just deepen it with a cut and try process.

[serger]

You can also run a drill thru the plunger hole by hand to see
if there are burrs that cause the plunger to bind prior to
deepening the trough.

[Retired W4]

On the 10-6, and others of that vintage I found that the sharp point of a small utility knife used to depress the pin to get it to clear works...if that is what you are talking about. Seems to me the older revolvers fit into the slot differently. You might get more response in the Smithing section.