HE 1896

[Green Frog]

Even if I was upgrading the action today to get the gun back in action and shootable condition, I'd leave the leaf mainspring since I consider it superior to the coil spring, not to mention the trouble to convert to coil spring. And not even necessary to get the gun working again.

Hondo knows I agree with him about leaf vs coil springs, in fact, I would be more likely to do a retrofit rather than bring one up to "modern."

I would love to know who did the action work and when, though, because it was definitely a bit of gunsmithing art. Most folks wouldn't have gone to that effort and expense just to get some random old gun operational.

Froggie

 

[Hondo44]

Thanks for the advice DWalt.

Serial number is 176xx. Letter to Mr Jinks is in the mail.
It's really nice revolver, original grips and medallions. Tight lock up. Both SA/DA function. Though barrel has some minor pitting. I disassembled and cleaned it, and I plan to reblue it. I really need schematics: I believe there's a missing pin. But I cannot figure what did it hold inside or what is missing under the side plate. All mechanics seem to function flawlessly. Here's a picture with a hole where I think the pin should be. And another side.

Another modification is the side plate based on its poor fit. It actually looks like it was made from a later side plate with the front tip shortened. Notice there is a screw and screw hole missing above the trigger:

The 1896 were made with 3 and 4 screw side plates, but both have a screw directly over the trigger.

Here's my 3 screw plate on a 4 screw frame:

Here's a 4 screw side plate with bug screw, on a 5 screw frame:

Photo by davidj
:

 

[DWalt]

Another thread exhumed from its grave.

 

[BC38]

Another thread exhumed from its grave.

It may be a zombie, but I for one found it very interesting.

 

[Modified]

Another thread exhumed from its grave.

The model 1896 isn't talked about enough though, it's such a neat gun.