RM Condition
- Thread starter DARE
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Never bought a gun that wasn't 100% … in my eyes. Even my 80 %s with pitting under the grips are 100%. Know what I mean, or is it just me? Fantastic gun Jadare. Dave
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This is the pitfall of trying to assign one number to a revolver with various complex surfaces, potential wear points, etc.
In an ideal world, there would be a set series of images under set lighting conditions and angles to judge such matters, perhaps by an automated program. Short of this, however, I think having such images are better to judge finish than a number.
In an ideal world, there would be a set series of images under set lighting conditions and angles to judge such matters, perhaps by an automated program. Short of this, however, I think having such images are better to judge finish than a number.
David
That made a big difference in the pictures. The gun is definitely blue! As you now know, from others comments and your experimenting, lighting is always an issue. In these improved pictures, there is still some glare on the barrel. I'll offer a few more suggestions.
First, pay close attention to what you see through the camera, before you take the picture. Look for glare, in particular. We have a southern exposure, which provides a lot of sunlight all year around, except for those gray days we have here in Oregon - frequently! If I see glare, I move the table back away from the window. If I still see it, I lower the window blind more. They provide a lot of diffusion.
Second, I'm using a Google Pixel 3 phone for all my pictures. It does have a very good camera. I made a simple framework to hold the camera, which lies flat in the frame. This provides the stability for the camera. The frame has two adjustments: vertical and lateral. These, combined with the cameras magnification, make it easy to capture detail.
Third, instead of tilting the camera slightly, I tilt the gun just a bit, into or towards the window. I find that, looking at the image on the camera screen before taking the picture, lifting the butt of the gun will bring out the roll markings much better. I use a piece of 3/8" to 1/2" dowel to hold the gun in the titled position. This is usually visible in the pictures, when I do this.
In my woodworking shop, I always follow the axiom of "Measure twice, cut once". My comments here, about taking pictures, follow that guideline: Get what you want on the camera screen first, then take the picture.
Regards, Mike Priwer
That made a big difference in the pictures. The gun is definitely blue! As you now know, from others comments and your experimenting, lighting is always an issue. In these improved pictures, there is still some glare on the barrel. I'll offer a few more suggestions.
First, pay close attention to what you see through the camera, before you take the picture. Look for glare, in particular. We have a southern exposure, which provides a lot of sunlight all year around, except for those gray days we have here in Oregon - frequently! If I see glare, I move the table back away from the window. If I still see it, I lower the window blind more. They provide a lot of diffusion.
Second, I'm using a Google Pixel 3 phone for all my pictures. It does have a very good camera. I made a simple framework to hold the camera, which lies flat in the frame. This provides the stability for the camera. The frame has two adjustments: vertical and lateral. These, combined with the cameras magnification, make it easy to capture detail.
Third, instead of tilting the camera slightly, I tilt the gun just a bit, into or towards the window. I find that, looking at the image on the camera screen before taking the picture, lifting the butt of the gun will bring out the roll markings much better. I use a piece of 3/8" to 1/2" dowel to hold the gun in the titled position. This is usually visible in the pictures, when I do this.
In my woodworking shop, I always follow the axiom of "Measure twice, cut once". My comments here, about taking pictures, follow that guideline: Get what you want on the camera screen first, then take the picture.
Regards, Mike Priwer
OP
Thanks
Thanks for the feedback and the kind words.
Always learn a lot from you guys.
Thought the range of opinions was interesting, from 85-96%.
Appreciate the photo advice. Should be able to improve my photography.
Probably need to see a gun in person for an accurate grade.
Thanks for the feedback and the kind words.
Always learn a lot from you guys.
Thought the range of opinions was interesting, from 85-96%.
Appreciate the photo advice. Should be able to improve my photography.
Probably need to see a gun in person for an accurate grade.
bob in texas
Member
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RM condition
I can offer my opinion of this RM as I had the opportunity to have seen/held it in person, this was at a gun show in Paris,Texas. This was before the owner joined the forum, still had the modern stocks that were shown in his first posting, and none of us knowing the history of this fine revolver, it needed a good detailing, and the loving care it has since received. I probably insulted the owner with my offer, but he was a gentleman and took no offence.
The transformation is remarkable, sure it has a couple of marks (character as we like to say) but who wouldn't after 85 years. In my opinion if I was selling it 90% to 95%, but then the history adds to it greatly, you can't put a % on history.
As I said before, just my opinion.
Bob
I can offer my opinion of this RM as I had the opportunity to have seen/held it in person, this was at a gun show in Paris,Texas. This was before the owner joined the forum, still had the modern stocks that were shown in his first posting, and none of us knowing the history of this fine revolver, it needed a good detailing, and the loving care it has since received. I probably insulted the owner with my offer, but he was a gentleman and took no offence.
The transformation is remarkable, sure it has a couple of marks (character as we like to say) but who wouldn't after 85 years. In my opinion if I was selling it 90% to 95%, but then the history adds to it greatly, you can't put a % on history.
As I said before, just my opinion.
Bob
OP
I have a buddy that says, "it's a small world, but I would not want to paint it".
Many thanks to bob in texas. He turned me on the Forum.
I have learned a lot and had some fun.
Many thanks to bob in texas. He turned me on the Forum.
I have learned a lot and had some fun.
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handejector
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Yep, it gets laughable at times. From the pics you posted, your gun rates 96-97% rather easily. Pics of the rest of the gun might lower it.
MANY people DO NOT understand how much surface area is on a gun, and it ALL counts.
If they see an 8-3/8" Mod 29 with ten pinpoint freckles, they call it a 90% gun. It has 10 blems doesn't it, so it has to be 90%, right?
In fact, that 29 with ten tiny freckles would actually rate 99.9% because 10 freckles is less than 1/10 of 1 percent of the total surface area of that huge gun.
A 90% gun shows a LOT of wear. An 80% gun is a doggy.
How that finish was lost also means a lot, so that is another big detractor for the system for me.
Think about that- A Reg Mag used by someone for decades that is 92-93% because of smooth holster wear is a LOT better than a 95-96% Reg Mag that laid in the box on a shelf in the basement for 20 years after grampa died and is an otherwise mint gun except for the wide stripe of brown rusty pitting down one side of the cylinder.
Below 98 or 99% I usually don't even try to use the system. People just don't get it. I just describe flaws and take lots of pics.
OP
Whatever!! I sure would be proud to own it and show it off at the range!!
To my eye it looks like a solid 90%+ Beautiful RM. I'll trade you a 100% Ruger P85. 
Just kidding, I'd never own a P85.
Just kidding, I'd never own a P85.
BRush
Member
Each of the examples posted are beautiful high condition no excuses examples. Also the photos are technically proficient in showing the metal surfaces.
Personal preferences in photographic intent very with the individual. My preference is show accurate color as well as surface detail. I like to easily identify both the type and amount of finish in the same picture. This requires the adjustments to and compromise of various factors. Experimentation and multiple photos to reach my desired result.
Here are a couple of examples to illustrate what I mean.
An obvious refinish. I overpaid $565 for this RM in the 1980's.
.
My first RM from the early 80's. Before I knew what RM's were. Purchased on the recommendation of a good LGS friend for a whopping, at the time' $600. Thank you Kit. Your can see easily identify the finish of the pommel of the knife.
Personal preferences in photographic intent very with the individual. My preference is show accurate color as well as surface detail. I like to easily identify both the type and amount of finish in the same picture. This requires the adjustments to and compromise of various factors. Experimentation and multiple photos to reach my desired result.
Here are a couple of examples to illustrate what I mean.
An obvious refinish. I overpaid $565 for this RM in the 1980's.
. My first RM from the early 80's. Before I knew what RM's were. Purchased on the recommendation of a good LGS friend for a whopping, at the time' $600. Thank you Kit. Your can see easily identify the finish of the pommel of the knife.
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OP
Nice pics BRush. Definitely better than mine. Would be willing to offer you a profit on your RMs, ha ha.
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