Small but growing herd

[Yarddog1]

Been reading up on the forum for a little bit. Thought I would share my small collection of S&Ws. If someone could kindly look up ship dates I would be thankful.

Top left is a m64-3 #ADP1xxx
Top right is a m36 #2223xx
Bottom left is an HP #S1037xx
Bottom right is a m37 #BAE9xxx

 

[Rufus]

Very nice! Your herd is a bit larger than mine.

 

[CHASLX200]

Nice looking herd there.

 

[Yarddog1]

Thanks. The Sa trigger on the HP makes me look like I know how to shoot.

 

[samandglove1]

Wow, that's an early 5-screw Highway Patrolman. It's probably the first half of 1954.

 

[hotrod150]

36: between 1957 and 1962 (est 1960)
37: 1988
per SCSW

 

[Yarddog1]

Thank you, hotrod

 

[hotrod150]

My interest is in j-frames, so that's what I looked up. As far as the other two: looks like 1954 for the HP as already posted, and 1983 for the 64-3.
What kind of finish is on that model 36? How about a close-up? I have a set of SB Badger boot grips that'd fit it- email me if you're interested in buying them.

 

[sheepdawg]

I collect too many herds. I'd have a lot mors S&Ws if not for that.

 

[Yarddog1]

Some spray-on stuff. Looked ok until I shot it. Not wearing well at all. It came to me that way, it's to be a summer carry peice, so I didn't mind.

 

[Yarddog1]

I was hoping it would wear better. Now to find another finish to put on it.

 

[hotrod150]

Is that black paint on the diamond-checked grips? That's a shame....almost sacrilege. Oh well, to each their own.

 

[Yarddog1]

yeah. Although it does seem to be wearing off with just a little holster wear, so might be able to lightly sand the rest off. Don't know why they did that, the wood looks to be a little darker than the N frame grips looking at the insides.

 

[Malpasowildlifer]

caution, the herd will grow exponentially if you are not careful!

 

[A10]

You have some nice revolvers there congratulations!

 

[BCDWYO]

In my experience, once you get to the "posting pics on a forum" stage, the herd will DEFINITELY start to grow! Nice revolvers! I'm sure the 36 will function just fine as your summer carry piece, but OUCH does that look hideous (in my opinion!)
Welcome to the best forum Yarddog!

 

[kraZman]

@Yarddog!

If you're near Wichita, Ryan at FTW Coatings can make that look sweet for not a lot of $$$. He did a Stainless Kahr MK9 for me and I'm quite happy with the results.
kraz

 

[hotrod150]

What would be the best way to strip off the paint on the grips without damaging the grips themselves?

 

[Warren Sear]

What would be the best way to strip off the paint on the grips without damaging the grips themselves?

Keep sandpaper away from those grips! Use a paint stripper, and let it soak. When the stripper has done its work, the paint will wash off with a soft tooth brush.

 

[srsmyth]

Wow, that's an early 5-screw Highway Patrolman. It's probably the first half of 1954.

My thoughts also. I think that might be the lowest serial # I've seen here for a 4" HP. Very nice herd you have there Yarddog1, thanks for sharing.
Steve

 

[Yarddog1]

Check, NO sandpaper. Kinda lucked into the HP. Brother said "We need a .357" after selling off a GP100. Wandered the used gun case at the KC Cabela's and found it. Didn't know much about S&W at the time, but it just looked like revolver should. Got it otd for less than $380. Grips do number to the gun.

 

[weatherby]

Get some acetone. Put about an inch of it in a coffee can.Let those Grips soak in it over night with the lid on the can.Wear protective gloves.
In the morning take out and brush with a soft tooth brush do it quickly as the acetone evaporates fast.

 

[hotrod150]

Will soaking with/in stripper or acetone damage the wood?

 

[1blindref]

Will soaking with/in stripper or acetone damage the wood?

No. I've done a bunch of grips that way. You might have to give them a second acetone bath to get all of the paint off and out of the checkering, but they should be good to go after that. Let them dry and apply some Formby's Lemon oil -
https://www.formbys.com/products/lemon_oil/

Let the oil soak into the grips and then apply a second coat. You can determine how shiny you want them by applying additional coats. Take some before / along the way / and after pictures. You'll be amazed at how nice they come out.

I'd try to get whatever painted on finish is on the gun as well. I think the natural character of the gun will look much better than it does now.

Good luck with your project and post some pictures!

 

[linde]

Will soaking with/in stripper or acetone damage the wood?

No. I've done a bunch of grips that way. You might have to give them a second acetone bath to get all of the paint off and out of the checkering, but they should be good to go after that.

I agree acetone will do the job and won't damage the wood . . . but make sure the medallions aren't the ones made of plastic that were used in the '51-'52 timeframe . . . acetone will literally dissolve plastic.

If you're not sure, check the serial number stamped on the inside of the right stock panel and see when they were made.

Russ

 

[tincan]

Very nice revolvers

 

[Yarddog1]

If someone could tell me if the acetone is safe. Grips #268144 and medallions look to be gold.

 

[hotrod150]

Per SCSW, somewhere between 1957 & 1962- I'd guesstimate it at 1960-ish.

 

[Hondo44]

Nice little herd!

The grip number is way past the plastic period so your safe. If the medallions look gold, they are brass and all the nickel plating is worn off.

While you have the grips off, put the flat screw behind the trigger guard in the sideplate back in the correct hole under the right grip.

The acetone is safe! Do the grips and then dunk the entire gun in it. Re-oil.

 

[Yarddog1]

Thanks for the tip on the screws. Had to switch all 3 around to their proper place. I had put them back where they were when I got it. Learn something everyday.