S&W 1917 DA 45 issue

[milsurphunter]

I was offered a shooter grade 1917 that has a few issues. Some surface rust, stamps have been sanitized. the serial number on the butt of the grip have been hand stamped "replaced" (kinda looks like the numbers hand stamped on my brazilian mausers.) 111.111.111(not the serial just an example) the big problem is on the frame the cylinder stop stud is worn and the cylinder is going past that when opened. is this a deal killer? it also has the wrong grips on it... he offered me this pistol and a dug up da45 (pitted as heck with some useable parts) for around $300

Thanks guys in advance.

 

[Jack Flash]

Personally, there are just too many issues for me to even think about buying it. I avoid like the plague anything that has even a hint of a modified serial number.

 

[jack the toad]

IMO, any altered serial numbers would be a concern.
As to the rest of the gun, if the only mechanical issue is the cylinder stop but the rest of the gun (barrel, timing, pushoff, etc, etc) is acceptable, It may be ok as a shooter, but $300 is too expensive for a parts gun.

 

[beagleye]

Sounds like a winner to me. If you have concerns about the serial number do the transfer at an FFL, if there is an issue you have done your part, keep the receipt.

Here's a link for changing out the cylinder stop stud:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-smithing/226566-changing-out-frame-stud.html

 

[Muley Gil]

If you can resolve the serial number issue, you would have a good shooter there, providing it has a good bore. The number on the butt should match the one under the barrel and on the rear of the cylinder..

I have taken a revolver with a worn cylinder lug and tapped it out from the inside just enough to work, without having to replace it.

 

[k22fan]

Assuming you can repair it for free, you’ve been offered a $400 gun at a $100 mark down because if you get caught with it you’ll get 10 years behind bars. What a bargain! Medical insurance and meals at $10 a year! Buy two and go for 20 years!

I don't know what state you're in but Washington State law says possession of a firearm with an altered serial number is primia facia [? Spelling] evidence that the possessor altered the s/n. Even if you could beat that in front of a gun hating liberal judge, how much of the attorney's fees would your $100 mark down cover?

 

[sodacan]

Re-read your question out loud and listen to yourself. That should give you your answer. Walk away from this "deal".