Registered Magnum? (Finally Restored!)

[Nightowl]

Personnaly, I would have it restored to a nice blue, get a pair of Keith Browns grips and leave the sights as they are. I appreciate that in the past, someone changed it to their liking, so would leave it that way. I have an RM that was cut from 8 1/2 to a 6, and the hammer changed to a cockeyed style and pearl steerhead grips with ruby eyes. I just shoot it as is and appreciate the history. In this case, it has already been refinished, and bringing it back to blue would really make it a nice gun. It does not appear to have been shot that much.

 

[bwade]

Acquired Stocks

Ok, I have acquired some of Lee's prewar Magna stocks he just sold on ebay. I figured they were expensive, but the funds go to the guy who has this forum, so I see a bonus value. Anyway, I think I may call both Fords and David Chicoine's shops to get an idea on restoration costs.

I also thought about stripping the hammer and trigger myself with Brownells chemical plating remover, but that is just a thought. I wonder if any of the case coloring remains underneath? I do plan to leave the front sight alone, but would replace the rear blade if one becomes available.

I also appreciate everyone's advice, you have very valuable experiences that you share which facilitates my decisions with this RM and collecting SWs as a whole!

Thank you,

Blaine

 

[bwade]

Sheard front sight

Ok, I thought I found a sheard front sight for it. It was an old stock Marbles sight #32. That sight is for a Smith Target 22, I need a Marbles #35. Now for that King #111 blade. Does anybody have any of those they are willing to part with?

Thanks,

Blaine

 

[bwade]

Restored!

Well it is back from Hamilton Bowen. I had it restored back as close as I could with the side plate re-engraved, new correct blade for the rear sight, re-case hardened the trigger and hammer, and a very fine sanding and polishing to get the edges sharp again. The gun was completely taken apart and put back together and test fired. I have had it back for a few months and just getting around to posting it. Hamilton did a pretty good job with it, but it still has a slight plum color to the cylinder, which is evidently the type of steel used for pre war cylinders. When I picked it up, his guy that did the bluing told me he blued the cylinder three times to get it as dark as he could.

I was lucky that Hamilton was able to restore it, he was very hesitant about taking on this type of project. However, his shop is about 2 hours from where I live which made it very convenient and I was able to talk with him a bit about taking the gun for restoration. This project was not cheap, but I wanted a nice RM for shooting and adding to my collection without spending $8k or more for it. This old gun needed restored and I apologize for the photos, but I am still learning.

 

[410bore]

hamilton bowen did an awesome job!

 

[jjbrewst1]

I agree with Kris.

That Girl is SWEEEEEEET. and I imagine a Hoot to Shoot

 

[flundertaker]

Looks great. Congrats. Did it take Bowen 4 years to complete this project or was the gun caught up in the old west mess for a period of time?

 

[bwade]

Hamilton was about 2 years or so behind before he started working on it. I guess he worked on it for several months after that and he sent off the side plate to a specialist that does the engraving. He also sent the hammer and trigger off for the case hardening. So that took a little time also and I have had it back for several months too.

 

[murphydog]

That turned out very nice, to say the least. Enjoy!

 

[bigmoose]

You have done good, sir. Congratulations on a very well appointed Registered Magnum. It looks great!

 

[1blindref]

Very nice! I'm glad you decided to have it done right. I don't know how much it cost, but IMHO however much it was, it was money well spent. You can always earn more money, but finding another 4.5" RM will be much more of a challenge.

 

[cgt4570]

Mr. Bowen is top notch. I'm also a couple hours from him and he's done a few mechanical restorations for me. He assembled my 8-3/8" K .327 Magnum on a scrap pre-15 frame. Great work!

 

[paul s]

Looks great! Hate to be nosey but how much was the restoration? I have a RM that's in similar condition and would love for it to look as nice as yours. You can pm me if you like, thanks, fellow Tennessean Paul S.

 

[bwade]

Paul, sent you a PM with some recommendations.

 

[Modified]

I missed this thread the first time around, and I clicked on it with trepidation, but I have to say bravo. I'm nearly always against re-finishing but you are to be commended on doing it exactly right with a gun that was a real candidate for such a job.

What a beauty now, certainly a gun to envy!

 

[snubbyfan]

That came out great, beautiful job.

 

[keith44spl]

That's alright right thar!!!


.

 

[RTILSON]

You and Hamilton have done that revolver proud! In my opinion you have pulled it back from the brink. Congratulations and enjoy. It looks terrific! I hope you are pleased.

 

[tftech1]

Nice Restoration!

I read this thread seeing the large time passage during which Dave Chicoine's business shut down and you switched to Hamilton Bowen for your restoration. I have been hoping to find a restorer to continue the quality work Dave Chicoine has done on a few of my S&Ws and others. Hamilton Bowen could be the one. Could you give contact information for him?

Thanks!

 

[JSW]

Hamilton Bowen did a remarkable job - congratulations!