Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876)

[Awatkins1984]

I could use a little advice from some of the learned men of this board.

I picked up a pair of pistols over the weekend, both .38 single actions first and second models, that are cosmetically and mechanically pretty dang nice. Good tight lockup, clean bores, nickel that's not flaking off, only minor wear, and at the price I paid for the pair I couldn't go wrong.

The second model is fine and I may shoot it once or twice before it goes in the display cabinet.

My new first model, the baby russian, on the other hand... She pains me. Beautiful, almost flawless fit and finish, everything's tight, but there's no extractor! Is it worth trying to find or have a new extractor made? It seems a real shame to let such a beautiful part of history be doomed to just decoration but I have no idea where I'd start to look for the oddball rack and pinion style extractor this would need. Anyone know where to start?

I'm only $150 into the pair so I figure there's a little room left in the budget before I am accused of throwing good money after bad and I hate the idea of having a non-functional gun in my collection.

I'll throw in a few pics here so at least someone can share my misery of wishing it were intact.

 

[Muley Gil]

Post a WTB in our Classifieds. Worse comes to worse, it will still shoot; you just have to eject the empties with a pocket knife blade.

 

[Oyeboteb]

See if the Extractor of your 2nd Model fits and functions in the 1st Model.

If it does, then photograph it well and note detailed measurements, and you will be in good shape to find the part here or on ebay or Gunbroker or elsewhere.

 

[mmaher94087]

Your 1st Model, .38, Baby Russian is a 4". That is scarce. Check eBay, Jack First and Gunparts Corp. (a.k.a. Numrich). Otherwise sell it to me as I'll triple your money.

 

[Awatkins1984]

Worse comes to worse, it will still shoot; you just have to eject the empties with a pocket knife blade.

No can do chief, the extractor has the ratchet teeth on it that the pawl hits to control the timing. No ratchet and the cylinder doesn't advance, meaning you'd have to turn it by hand between shots.

 

[murphydog]

Cool guns, and whatever motivated the previous owner to remove the extractor is a mystery - perhaps to deactivate the gun for storage?

There are several antique collectors that will either know a source for the part, or have one in their stash. Stay tuned.

 

[BMur]

Multiple parts missing

It’s a tough one that’s for sure.

Gun Shows are the best place to find parts guns but with this virus it seems pretty dismal.

The Baby Russians condition justifies spending the money to repair. The cylinder ratchet shouldn’t be too difficult to find it’s the older rack and pinion rod that’s the real bear to find.

At this point I would focus on just getting the action working by locating a ratchet that will fit the cylinder. I might have one but I won’t be able to check for a couple days.

You know Im also wondering if you can install a 2nd model cam and extractor mechanism on a Baby Russian? I’ve never tried it but finding that part is not going to be easy and converting to a second model extraction might actually be the ticket because literally ALL the top break 38’s have that system after the Baby Russian and parts are everywhere!

The purists are cringing right about now but bottom line? If it functions? It’s worth a lot more than if it doesn’t!!!!
Murph

 

[mmaher94087]

To answer the question of interchangeability. The answer id NO. The extractor posts are different between these two.

 

[BMur]

Parts comparison

Well,
Unfortunately Mike is right on this one. See photos.
Totally different shaft configuration. Also there are several parts missing here. You’re missing the top strap cylinder keeper. Yellow arrow.
The unique ratchet that is found only on the Baby Russian. Also the Rack that screws into the ratchet. Also At the tip of the rack is a spring loaded ejector release. Good luck !

In my opinion the only way to find all these parts is to purchase a relic condition Baby Russian or raid Mikes part box?

Or if you haven’t already? Sell to Mike for a good profit?


Murph