Damage vs Repair

[OhioSD]

Hi Folks,

As an informed but not expert accumulator of S&W wheel-guns, I saw a very nice Model 27 that I would have really liked to have. It would have filled a gap in my little family of S&Ws. The barrier was that there were deep scratches in the cylinder crane pivot, in front of the trigger guard. It looked like someone used a brick for a benchrest.

The question is: In the case of isolated damage to an otherwise desirable piece, that in my opinion could be repaired by a qualified source, is it better to have the repairs made, or leave the offending damage as is?

For my own enjoyment, if I had a piece that was damaged like this, I would have the repairs made. But my question is from the point of view of the affect on "collectible value" - as is or as repaired.

Thanks for your info. I have learned an awful lot by reading the responses in this forum.

SD

 

[fat tom]

Personally,I would pass on the gun and wait for another in desired condition,thus eliminating the conundrum with which you are grappling. Either way,it would cease to have any collectible value. JMO.
f.t.

 

[H Richard]

Most of the time the cost of repairs far exceeds the final value of the gun, and you should only approach this for personal preference reasons, not expecting any re-coup of your investment. If it makes you enjoy the gun better, and you expect to keep it for a long time and use it it is your choice.

 

[jimmib]

I am not one of the experts here so this is just my opinion....I would wait for a better piece to come along unless it was a very rare gun

 

[Engineer1911]

I am not one of the experts here so this is just my opinion....I would wait for a better piece to come along unless it was a very rare gun

I am one of those experts ! I bought a "Soiled Dove" M19 off Gunbroker. The 'problem' was clearly visible in the pictures, but I DIDN'T KNOW that I was looking at stained/damaged blueing . After repairs were made (repair quality was excellent), I could have bought LNIB or excellent condition for the same money.

If you want a nice S&W -- BUY IT IN NICE condition, don't buy a fixer upper because you won't be happy. Experience makes a person an expert, one learning exercise at a time.

 

[OhioSD]

Good advice, all around. I agree that if you want it nice, make it so and forget the rest of it. For this reason, I have a sweet little Winch. 1890 that would look great all renewed and blued. But it is still in the 100+ year old condition because that is how it is.

What a shame it is that the gun suffered the trama that it did. It is truly a "soiled dove". Maybe as time goes by and they become less available, the "repaired" stigma may vanish. In the meantime, I'll look for nice and shootable.

Thank you for the direction. My opinion of this forum is elevated even more.

And for the Good of the Order, I've seen such chest pounding before, so here goes: (all 95+% IMHO and shooters)

Pre-15 Combat Mstrpc
Mod 16
Mod 17-2
Mod 18-3
Mod 19-3 2"
Mod 19-4 6 1/2"
Mod 31-1
Mod 36
Mod 38
Mod 51
Mod 53
Mod 629


SD

 

[cowart]

It sounds like you are actually describing a damaged yoke. S&W yokes are not particularly expensive parts, and sometimes show up on fleabay, etc.

Here are instructions on how to fit them:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-smithing/94072-faqs.html

 

[OhioSD]

I can see how you may think that from my description but this is on the bottom of the frame, right in front of the trigger guard. It's just such as same that it was defaced this way. I can't imagine what sort of mis-use would have caused it.

 

[opaul]

I think it depends on how much you want that particular gun, what the price is and if you care that it's in original condition. I'm seriously thinking about sending my nickel 13-3 off to Robar for a different type finish.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

In 1982 or 3 my best friend had a FFL and ordered in a S&W 1917 Brazilian Contract in so-so condition. It arrived scratched like had been wiped down with barbed wire-several times. The gun was cheep so we kept it. I own it now, and those scratches just don't show. Patina covers many sins! Ivan

 

[doublesharp]

I've been known to buy a rough gun as long as the mechanics are good and the price is real right. I leave them as is. No sense putting lipstick on a pig.

 

[DeadAye]

If the seller is willing to price it for what it's now worth (not much) then go for it - Shoot it, keep it oiled and love it for what it is.
Ya want a NIB one for your safe? Keep lookin'

 

[williamlayton]

Not being a collector but a shooter---buy it. I was damaged goods 50+ years ago when the Hen got me and it has worked out pretty good.
Scratchess happen !
Blessings

 

[OhioSD]

It's up for $1000, private seller. I purposely don't seek NIB because I want to shoot them but want them not to be scratched. But a grand seem high and he isn't coming down for me. I think I'll pass and see what the future holds.

Thanks!

 

[cowart]

It's up for $1000, private seller.

Why would you want to pay $1000 for a used/damaged 27, when they go for less than that NIB? There are numerous such guns on Gunbroker for less than $1000. Some random examples:

393955866, 393754960, 393539164

 

[OhioSD]

LOL. I wouldn't. I felt the price was high. NIB is great for some but I prefer the gracefully aged ones. I think I got what I wanted out of this thread: "leave well (or bad) enough alone".

Thanks again!

SD

 

[rwsmith]

Only for a shooter...

If the price is right I'd get it for a shooter, but it sounds like they want a collector price. If looks and collectability are important to you I'd pass.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

It's up for $1000, private seller. I purposely don't seek NIB because I want to shoot them but want them not to be scratched. But a grand seem high and he isn't coming down for me. I think I'll pass and see what the future holds.

Thanks!

For $1000 it better come with box, be in GREAT condition and you ought to get a kiss. What you describe sounds like a $300 gun that I would buy -touch up the rough edges with a small file-cold blue and shoot the snot out of.