Anybody want to see an RM I found?

Originally posted by Cooter Brown:
I think that rascal looks just like it should, a grand old lady with a few miles on her.

KKG, that was a very interesting post. Since both grip panels look very similar, I think you may be onto something. You see a lot of service guns with the strong side panel showing most of the wear and the weak side, which would be against the body, looking pristine in comparison.
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Thanks for the nice words about the Post. I can't count the number of Target Triggers that I took one serration off each side and then smoothed up for LEOs back in the '70s and '80s. I still do one now and then for a good customer. I've been 'Medically' retired for about 12 Years now because of major back problems but I try to keep my 'smithing skills as well as my shootin' skills up-to-date.

I was an active NRA Police Firearms Instructor* for about 12 years and from time to time I still do a bit when the chance presents itself. For those that don't know it the NRA Police Firearms Instructor Certification is, to the best of my knowledge, the ONLY certification that never expires - until the holder does, at least. I was also Certified by the NRA in a number of other Instructor Classifications(10 or 12, including Pistol Coach) but this is the only one that is still current - as far as I know.

Mike
 
Sgt127,

I also think that Mike is right about the possibility of the grips being sanded. The diamonds are pretty evenly flatened on both sides which would indicate that the "wear" was artifically induced.

Dick is correct about grips on police guns showing a lot of wear on the officer's strong side. In addition to bumping into doors, walls, etc. it was pretty common for officers to "lean on their guns" in the holster. Constant hand pressure on the grips contributed to the wear on the wood and also to the blue wear on the end of the barrel and the cylinder and frame corners.

None the less, an outstanding example of the best of American workmanship.

Bob
 
I would keep the finish as-is, and lightly refresh the grips. Not a refinish or restoration, just a light touchup with a sharp checkering tool to make them match the condition of the gun, and make them feel a little better at the range. Then a light coat of furniture grade orange or lemmon oil and they would look 200% better.
Chris
 
Some guns beg for a refinish, others have earned their wear. My 1943 Garand that went to the USMC in Jan 44 has it's battle scars, your old warhorse has earned the right to it's "polishing". A classy and handsome revolver there.
 
I like it just the way it is, but I am sure a restored gun would look Fantastic. I'll ride the Fence on this one.
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Dan
 
So - a lot of votes are cast. What we do now is wait, say, a couple of years, and
then see where the gun is, and in what condition. We would be looking to see if
Sqt127 still owns it, and if so, has it been refinished .

Later, Mike Priwer
 
I wouldnt refinnish it at all! Just let it ride on its own merit! I have refinnished guns in my uneducated past, even a winchester 73! Wouldnt do it to that one.
 
Mike,

My money says that gun will be in the same place in two years (and more) that it is right now. And I sure wouldn't bet on a refinish.

Bob
 
Bob

So - how much are we betting ? And just to be clear : you're willing
to bet on the ownership being the same, but not willing to bet on
the refinish issue ? Or, you're willing to bet on the ownership
being the same AND the gun not being refinished ? Or, you're willing
to bet on the ownership being the same AND the gun being refinished ?

Just want to be clear - thats all !

Regards, Mike
 
Can I get in on this bet?
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I've owned my UHP RM for about thirty years. If it weren't for this forum, nobody would know I have it. I plan on owning this one for about thirty years, give or take a few, and chances are, its not going to get refinished. Honestly, right now, I have been playing with it, spinning the cylinder and shooting imaginary buffalo with it. If it had a pristine blue finish and fresh grips, it would be oiled, wrapped in wax paper and sitting quietly in my safe. I have several other guns I don't play with as it is.

As a matter of fact, my 14 year old just asked if I want to go to the range. It may be dirty by the time the day is over.
 
There you are, Mike. The Sergeant just covered my bet...no change of ownership, no refinish. You need to thank him for saving you a bunch of bucks
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Sgt127,

I can't think of a better way to spend an afternoon than at the range with your young'un playing with a historic Reg. Mag. Be sure that he/she knows of the remarkable history of law enforcement and American workmanship that it represents.

Bob
 
+ 1 Bob and all these folks telling him about officers guns might like to know that Sgt127 has been pinning on a badge of his own for many days.He is a pretty savy pistolero, one I would be proud to ride with.
 
Being a long-time Utah peace officer, you think I would have an edge in finding ex-UHP S&W .357's. No such luck.

Someone needs to sell me one!!! RM, pre-M-27 or M-27 or one of each!

Sgt 127, I would keep your gun the way it is. It absolutely oozes character!
 
SGT127,
Thats a great RM you have and one that I'm sure anyone would be proud to safekeep for as long as they can.

Glad to hear it will stay original, anyone that wants to spend the money can own a restored firearm.

So was it a sweet shooter? Jim
 
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