old rusty S&W .3844?

[THREEDFLYER]

I have very good luck putting a heavy coating of KROIL on all the metal parts and re-apply for several days (Remove stocks first!)
Then use 4 ought steel wool and a brass brush to work into the rusted areas. Don't rush it, sometimes it will take several applications to finally get down to the bottom of the rust.
Check under the side plate, if the insides are coated with rust/gunk, you can remove all the parts and dip everything in an ultrasonic cleaner.....this will pretty much remove anything that is removable without hurting the gun. Be sure to rinse the parts in the proper solution and dry/oil them before reassemling. My gunsmith has a tank for this and I was amazed at the results of the cleaning!
Good luck!

 

[smitholdtimer]

38/44 Outdoorsman

This is another vote for clean it and shoot it, I would not be a bit ashamed to own it and take it out in public and shoot it, clean it and make it ready for another range trip. Mostly like these that enjoy working as opposed to basking in the darkness of a safe!

 

[weatherby]

I'd be quite happy if my father left me guns like that.
His old shotgun a J Stevens 520 will be hunting this year.

It is no longer a collectible smith for collectors.
It is still a nice remembrance and shooting Smith.

I would use it as is

 

[MTKTM]

I'd definitely be in the 'clean it and shoot it, don't restore it' category. Neat old gun with personal/family history. I'd write down what you know about it too, for future generations. Two generations and most family history is typically gone, don't let that happen.

 

[murphydog]

As others stated, if you want it for a shooting gun make sure there is no active rust, wax and enjoy. If you have the desire to have it restored, to me pitting and rust are the "go-ahead" signals for a redo.

Incidentally, the stocks on it will likely have a different number than on the gun; they are from a slightly later N frame and are about 1/8" long, as the Transitional grip frames are slightly shorter than later ones.

 

[jack the toad]

Can't say what you should do but will say what I'd do. If mechanics are good and finish is only thing lacking, I'd shoot it as is and enjoy it.
As to sentimentality, keep it as your dad left it. Other than preserve condition from deteriorating any further.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I don't think spending money on a family heirloom is ever "bad." However, from an economic standpoint I know you are 100% correct. But if most of us on here made gun purchase/investment decisions based purely on economics why would any of us ever need anything more that a 4 inch Model 10 and a pump 12 gauge? Could those two not handle virtually any situation a gun owner finds himself/herself involved with in North America?

HAHAHA!!!! Now that's so doggone true!!!!!!!!!

I'd at least clean that .38-44 up and I'd definitely shoot it. I have a near pristine .38/44, circa 1931 or 32, and I shoot it. That's what they made it for.

***GRJ***

 

[Freischütz]

How did the finish get so bad? Maybe there are some good family stories there.

If I saw this gun on the range, I'd ask about its history. If it were redone I might think it looked nice, but would never stop and ask about it.