OP
I received a note from a friend who shared that same insight. Thanks very much for offering that.
Baby Chiefs -- 3" -- thought I'd never see one -- sn update!
- Thread starter two-bit cowboy
- Start date
I received a note from a friend who shared that same insight. Thanks very much for offering that.
Hi Tom,
You're right!
The hammer to spring strut junction was changed from ball/socket to the fork/pin in c. 1962 ~ #295,000 Chiefs Spl. thru 1997-8 when the firing pin was removed from the hammer nose and mounted in the frame; Kit Gun rim fire pre MIM hammers thru discontinuance in 1991. The hammer base of course was changed accordingly from a ball socket to a cross pin for compatibility.
Early forked 'Mainspring stirrup' was a round rod. Later in the 1970s the rod is flat and just called a 'stirrup' in 1977 parts list (shown w/o spring & retainer):
To install a later hammer with cross pin base in a pre '62 Chiefs and other J frames or I frames, just change the ball strut to the forked strut as well, either round or flat style. A wide spur target hammer is also available with the cross pin base.
PRAY that your Mother doesn't find out you spent Her butter and egg money on that "Item" !
OP
No prayer needed, jimmyj. Mom's long since passed, and I don't buy much butter or eggs.
flagman1776
Member
Very very nice!
OP
I spoke with the seller today. Gad, am I lucky.
The serial numbers on the butt, bottom of barrel and cylinder match: 30375.
Sounded like his shop was busy so I didn't have the heart to ask him to take the grips off.
Very exciting.
Thanks for all your nice words so far.
The serial numbers on the butt, bottom of barrel and cylinder match: 30375.
Sounded like his shop was busy so I didn't have the heart to ask him to take the grips off.
Very exciting.
Thanks for all your nice words so far.
cgt4570
Member
Just always check it with a magnet. I picked up a scouring pad pack that said 'copper'. It wasn't!
I recommend a product actually designed for rust removal:
Big 45 Frontier Metal Cleaner
My experience in using it has been outstanding.
Modified
Member
I'm a bit of an odd one in some regards, but I just want to note that for my money it would be hard to do any better. There's some things here that I think will increase your satisfaction with the gun. Or at least, would for me:
1) The condition means you can handle it and shoot it without feeling like you are committing some mortal sin.
2) The price means you can handle it and shoot it without losing value every time you do.
3) The configuration is just a delight. Baby chiefs are just charismatic as heck to start with, and a 3" is a real hoot.
4) The craftsmanship of this era is staggeringly good, and of course should delight you when it's all cleaned up.
5) No matter what else happens in your life, the history with this gun will always be there. Even if you can't shoot it ever again for whatever reason it's still going to be a pleasurable gun to own.
6) The "deal factor" will always produce pleasure. Every time you pick it up you will know that you just did so well on the price that it will bring a little smile to your face.
I think a huge congratulations are in order. I'm truly jealous.
OP
SixgunStrumpet:
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I appreciate each idea, and I find reasons to agree with every one!
It'll be quite an honor to be the next caretaker of this one.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I appreciate each idea, and I find reasons to agree with every one!
It'll be quite an honor to be the next caretaker of this one.
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