Inherited my BIL Governor

[91reddog]

I inherited my Brother in Laws gun collection and when I opened up the Governor, I found an odd etching on the frame on the left side. This was under a pillow in his bed. I assume the left side was down. Is there any way to remove this? He also has a .44 magnum w 8 inch bbl that came with a wooden case. The interior of the box is flaking away badly (junk?) I'm thinking of using this for his urn. Good or bad idea? It's 16" x 8"x 3". Theres enough capacity to use.
Thanks.

 

[pasound]

The etching is very likely from excess moisture - sweat - absorbed into the bedding and fabrics. If the finish is stainless, cleaning and polishing compounds such as Flitz and microfiber pads should work. Different colors of Scotch Brite have different uses in cleaning stubborn stains and mild corrosion. Scotch Brite is abrasive ceramic powder in a plastic fiber pad. Different colors have different levels of abrasion. Work soft and slowly and it won't leave marks if you clean with the finish polished "grain". Pull those rubber grips off - there is bound to be more under them.

A wooden gun case is probably too porous to be a good choice.

Also, welcome to one of the best firearms forums around. Go over to the new members forum list and introduce yourself.

 

[s&wchad]

Sorry about your BIL.
The gun has an aluminum alloy frame ("Scandium") with a clear coat finish. Aluminum doesn't rust, but it will oxidize.
I've seen that type of damage before and think of it as "worm tracks" under the clear coat. You'd need to strip the fame down to bare metal to remove the etching and I wouldn't recommend that.

I'd phone S&W and see if they'll handle it under their Lifetime Service Policy. I don't think they'll refinish it, but they may replace the frame. That shouldn't happen.

 

[D Brown]

Your presentation case has some value. There are some talented people on this forum who could help with restoration. Of course, I haven't seen the case, so I don't know for sure if it's worth the cost of the project.

 

[Tom S.]

As long as the plastic liner in the case is relatively OK (not missing major pieces) it can be re-done. As stated, there are people here who specialize in this type of repair.

 

[91reddog]

Thank you all for the suggestions. I'll reach out to S&W and see what they say. Regarding the presentation case for the .44, I've been a cabinet maker for 50 some odd years, so I think I can do the case justice. Added a couple pictures of exterior after I sanded it down, and the interior plastic and foam pieces

 

[ACORN]

I don’t remember the members name but someone here can re-do the blue flocking.
The cases do have value, I’d consider just buying an urn for his remains

 

[91reddog]

Just noticed the right side grip is broken also

 

[s&wchad]

I don’t remember the members name but someone here can re-do the blue flocking.

That would be jcelect

Bummer about the right grip panel. A nice set of N football target stocks will set you back $125-$200.

 

[toddimusnimski]

Those clasps are different from the ones I have on my cases, is that a newer variety?

Todd

 

[s&wchad]

Those clasps are different from the ones I have on my cases, is that a newer variety?

Todd

His has an 8-3/8" barrel and I don't see a barrel pin, so it's probably a 29-3.

 

[91reddog]

Those clasps are different from the ones I have on my cases, is that a newer variety?



Todd

I know nothing about the history of this piece. I was going to replace the clasps if I used it as a urn, but the fasteners are crimped over on the inside the box and it didnt seem like it was worth the effort if used as a urn

 

[91reddog]

His has an 8-3/8" barrel and I don't see a barrel pin, so it's probably a 29-3.

How do I know the model # of the .44?

 

[s&wchad]

How do I know the model # of the .44?

It will be marked on the frame in the yoke cut.
Photo courtesy of handejector: