just acquired a really rough model 36, looks like from 1955

[Arquebus357]

The way you guys clean up rusty blue revolvers is amazing. I have tried atf/acetone, Hoppe's, 3in one oil, mineral spirits, non-chlorinated brake cleaner, diesel, clp, kroill; all of it with bronze wool and the surface gets smoother but not prettier. I guess I lack the magic touch.

Good grief... How's this for simplicity. EVAPO-RUST then polish and rust blue. I realize this doesn't compare with mixing up excess **** from the garage, shop, kitchen, basement, and bathroom but it does work plus you can probably drink it with no ill effects. Bluing is also removed completely.

 

[El_Phantasmo]

An update:

I removed the grips, discovered that they are stamped with the same serial number, so that's kinda cool to know they are original.

One of the 3 screws holding the side plate wouldn't turn, so I didn't force it, it soaked for a couple days and I was able to get it to turn, and got the side plate off.

Everything else freed up too, the cylinder is off now as well. I ordered some bronze wool off Amazon as recommended, and messed with the rust for just a little bit, not too long, I ran out of time and I was just testing it out anyway.

I think I'm going to replace the hammer myself, as mentioned above, I've rebuilt carbs and and built hotrods, so I think I can do it without sending it to a gunsmith.

So far so good, thanks a million for all of the advice! I'll keep you posted.

 

[ABPOS]

Can't wait to see it when it's done. Sounds like a fun project!

 

[Roguepoint]

Should have read the whole thread

 

[mbliss57]

An update:

I removed the grips, discovered that they are stamped with the same serial number, so that's kinda cool to know they are original.

One of the 3 screws holding the side plate wouldn't turn, so I didn't force it, it soaked for a couple days and I was able to get it to turn, and got the side plate off.

Everything else freed up too, the cylinder is off now as well. I ordered some bronze wool off Amazon as recommended, and messed with the rust for just a little bit, not too long, I ran out of time and I was just testing it out anyway.

I think I'm going to replace the hammer myself, as mentioned above, I've rebuilt carbs and and built hotrods, so I think I can do it without sending it to a gunsmith.

So far so good, thanks a million for all of the advice! I'll keep you posted.

Lots of good advice here. I am waiting to see the final result too. Take your time. A good project gun should be rushed.

 

[El_Phantasmo]

I've got a replacement hammer on the way, and all the parts are cleaning up decently.

Slowly but surely......

 

[KEN L]

Not sure what you paid for it, but in the condition you bought it in, I would say the value is probably in the the $250 - $275 range. Cleaning and a new hammer probably won't increase the value all that much, but will definitely make it more presentable. Serial number places it at approximately Jan/Feb 1970.

 

[El_Phantasmo]

UPDATE:


I got the new hammer installed and got it all back together. Everything seems to work so I don't think I'll be taking it to a gunsmith.

I didn't spend a whole lot of time on the rust, just got it looking more presentable. I won't be selling it, so I'm not really worried about value, I was just curious in my original post.

Anyway, here's a couple pics. Thanks again for all of the advice! This is a great place.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Sure appears as though you arrested the rust. Good work.

Bob

 

[El_Phantasmo]

UPDATE: range report

Wow, best $200 I ever spent!

I've really never cared for snub nose revolvers, I'm a really bad shot as it is, why the heck would I want an even SHORTER barrel to be even less accurate, is what I always thought. LOL

Anyway, my son and I went to the range today and brought two other .38 Specials and my Walther PPK, and damned if that model 36 is the most accurate of them all!

Feels great in my hands, and dead on accurate. I was knocking the centers out of the bullseyes.

I may have over paid by a few dollars considering the cost of the gun plus the cost of the replacement hammer, but I'm super happy, no regrets!

Thanks again for everybody's help, this is a great shooter!

 

[ABPOS]

Love it. Sometimes certain guns just work for a person. I'm really glad this one did for you. I remember the first day I took my 2 new to me Smiths to the range and I was kind of blown away how much I liked shooting them and how good I did. For double action revolvers I had only been used to my Colt DS that I can't shoot very well at all. These were like Aaaaaaaaah. I did much better with them. I'm not that great of a shot either but it's nice when something works out well.

 

[steelslaver]

If you paid $200 for the gun and another $50 for a hammer, some bronze wool and penetrating oil you didn't get hurt on the price. Plus, you got a bit of an education, found this place And better yet had a satisfying day at the range with your son. Sounds like a great deal to me. Enjoy ans sttick around,

 

[Arquebus357]

Great result....YAY

The accuracy of snub nose revolvers always concerned me. Then, I watched Hickok45 smack his 80 yard gong over and over with a snub nosed S&W. Lesson learned.

 

[El_Phantasmo]

Great result....YAY

The accuracy of snub nose revolvers always concerned me. Then, I watched Hickok45 smack his 80 yard gong over and over with a snub nosed S&W. Lesson learned.

Yes! I saw that, he's amazing.

 

[coleslaw]

It looks either broken, or someone just hacked it off and didn't take much time when they did it. It looks really bad and the edges are sharp. I'll probably get a replacement hammer if there's such a thing out there.

If I were going to carry it, I would just go on and do a proper job of bobbing it.

 

[max503]

I would buy a gun like that for $200 in a heartbeat. You got a deal. As long as its good mechanically.

 

[max503]

I once shot next to the guy who won the nationals in the Cast Bullet Association. The outside of his rifle barrel was actually rusty. I asked him about it. He said the outside doesn't matter - its the bore that matters.
I think those guys swap out barrels often - when the throat erodes - so they don't care much how the outside looks.

 

[El_Phantasmo]

It seems this whole adventure bringing this gun back from the dead has sparked a new obsession with J frames. Lol

I just bought a nickel pre model 36, I'll post about it in the appropriate forum when it arrives.

And I'm already thinking about looking for a third one.

It never ends, I tell ya.

 

[Waveski]

You paid $200 , you got a platform to work and learn on , arrested the rust, installed a replacement hammer - and now you have a good shooter in which you have confidence and a strong sense of ownership.

Overpaid? I don't think so ... another vote for money well spent. And the cherry on the sundae : you have yourself a Chief's Special!

 

[DevilDog72]

uhhhhh

It seems this whole adventure bringing this gun back from the dead has sparked a new obsession with J frames. Lol

I just bought a nickel pre model 36, I'll post about it in the appropriate forum when it arrives.

And I'm already thinking about looking for a third one.

It never ends, I tell ya.

just wait it gets worse...uhh better...well

You might look at a 3" 36...….. next