Gun Store purchase

[Mark4]

Picked this up a couple of weeks back from a local gun store,
It appears that it wasn't fired much just not very well cared for.
I looked at it a couple times before it finally won me over.
s/n 211XX in 38 special. Was it worth the 250 price?

 

[Deacon KC]

That's a sweetie! Some XXXX steel wool and oil and it will perk right up.

 

[DCWilson]

You are a winner. That's a Model of 1902 no change, one of the first ones made -- probably dates to 1902 or 1903.

You can tell it's a no change because the barrel is not shouldered; it shows a straight line right into the frame.

If you open this gun up, expect to be surprised by the action. The familiar trigger rebound slide was still a a few years in the future, and this gun has a second flat spring in the grip that drives a pivoting piece to return the trigger.

Nice score. Definitely worth cleaning up, and definitely worth the $250 you paid.

 

[H Richard]

You got quite a deal. You might try a little Mothers Mag Polish, applied "very gently" and buffed out. I have used it on a few older ones that hadn't been as well kept as they should have been, and it seemed to really park up the finish. Do not rub too hard, as it is abrasive, but pretty mild. Others have recommended Flitz, but I haven't tried that. Be careful with the 0000 steel wool, as it can be pretty abrasive if you get too aggressive. This is a pre-30 I used Mothers Mag Polish on.

 

[mikepriwer]

That looks like a 6 1/2" barrel, measured from the front face of the
cylinder to the end of the muzzle ?

Its a relatively scarce gun; they only made about 12,000 to 13,000 of
them, before making the barrel and frame nose heavier, and adding
the shoulder to the barrel.

The finish on these early guns is very delicate, so don't scrub too
hard. If possible, use burlap instead of 0000 steel wool, and soak the
burlap well in some kind of oil, like 3 in 1 oil, or Corrosion-X .

Mike Priwer

 

[Mark4]

Thanks for the input guys. I think I'll start with the polish and go from there. I'm really looking forward to getting out to shoot it, the bore was extremely dirty when I brought it home, it took a while to get it in decent shape. I'm sure a few rounds through it will help a lot.