Deal or dud?

bagolden

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First I had to re-register. My old handle was bagolden. It's.been a while since I could visit due to work stuff which lost my email account I registered with, then I forgot my password ... Any way I just purchased an HE marked .455. It's in great mechanical condition. The finish has been removed but the edges and markings are very clear. Will post photos in the next day or two. Serial number 33555. I'm guessing this is about mid production. Upside other than being "in the white" it only has factory and acceptance markings. It was not proofed marked as surplus. Down side value wise the cylinder has been faced for 45 acp. The bore will clean up nicely and I plan to shoot the snot out of it. If bore dimensions are an issue I can load some fatter boolits in acp brass. So two questions at 400 out the door deal or dud? Who is a good source for.moon clips?
 
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Welcome (back). I'd say, in good mechanical condition, a decent deal. Any standard moon clip will work; I like the Rimz plastic ones best for casual shooting, which can be loaded and unloaded by hand.
 
MD will get some rimz! I do not feel hurt at the price, just wondering how I did. Another question since the blue has been stripped off what are my best finish options? Anyone in Alabama do a decent blue job? I don't want it buffer out or polished up just protected.
 
forty3magnum

I picked one up with about 85% of blueing and all the markings. The cylnder shaced for 45acp and I paid $385. Felt I got a very good deal. I think you did ok. You should have a bunch of fun with it. I sure like mine. I watch at the gun shows and have picked up full moons and have moons. Have fun
John
 
... So two questions at 400 out the door deal or dud? Who is a good source for.moon clips?
Deal or dud?
Need more information - Original Stocks in good condition? Pachmahyrs? ... ?
Bottom line is if you're happy with it, it's a good deal.

Moon Clips?
I get mine from Midwayusa.com or gun shows. I've never tried Rimz but a lot of folks recommend them. I'm partial to third-moon clips myself.
MoonClips.jpg
 
Hi ba, there is a small shop on Main St. in Pinson that does re-finishes (blue, nickel, etc.). I've only been in it once and the day I went in the guy was trying to leave early to go to a funeral so I did not get to see much. From what I saw it looked like a one man show. I can't recall the name right now but can get it if you'd like.
 
On the stocks they are period correct and look like they belong to this gun but I do not see any evidence of serial number penciled on either panel. They aren't in great shape with some chopping and checkering wear. What you would expect for a good.period of use after 90 something years.
I have picked up some info reading around here over the years. It has crossed.signal flags I believe this means Canadian service. Two broad arrows pointing at each other under the cylinder release. On the left side of the hump a broad arrow, crown over 14, and the Roman miner two. The lanyard swivel is missing. I do not see any other post factory markings.
Anyone have the skinny or is there a good resource for the British/Canadian markings.
It would be super cool if it were possible to track this things travels.
 
It has crossed.signal flags ...
Those are usually referred to as "crossed pennants" and are a military proof mark.

Two broad arrows pointing at each other under the cylinder release.
The (single) broad arrow was placed on a firearm to indicate it was accepted into British government service. A second, opposing broad arrow was applied to indicate that it was released for sale on the civilian market.

On the left side of the hump a broad arrow, crown over 14, and the Roman miner two. ...
The crown over 14 is an inspector's mark (Inspector Number 14). I can't remember if the "II" was to indicate it was safe to fire the smokeless .455 Revolver Mark II cartridge or if this was the Mark II Smith & Wesson revolver (as opposed to the Mark I "Triple Lock"). On this latter point, I've heard it argued both ways. Maybe someone here can enlighten me.
 
Cool thanks for the info. I wonder why it doesn't have all the other proof marks? Like the ones I've seen on Victory's. The tons per square inch on the barrel and cylinder. And not English made. Or was all that only done in Great Brittan?
 
As a total aside I've been posting off my phone and some of the auto corrections are pretty bad. Need to proof read these better.
 
I love a good shooter, you can shoot and carry the snot out of them and not get the "vintage vapors" over it. I would have grabbed that one up too! Well done Sir! About the finish, as already stated an in the white gun will hold up quite well if oiled up a bit but if you want to refinish blue is the way to go in my quite humble opinion.
 
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