Stock restoration by DWFAN

[The Gila Bender]

Paul "DWFAN" recently completed restoration of two sets of stocks for me. Pictured here is a set belonging to a transitional 3rd Model 44, S63104. The revolver itself may not be particularly collectible, showing significant finish wear and a few nice door dings here and there. But all numbers match, including the stocks, it is mechanically sound, and it shoots like a champ. Plus I'm a sucker for weathered iron.

The stocks were, well, pretty rough with chips and chunks missing, including a huge chunk out of the heel of the right panel. Since Paul was going to work on another set I figured what the heck. Why? I figured that this old workhorse still has life in it. Refinishing the revolver itself would be a sin, but restoring the wood would give it a little dignity and improve handling. Yup, it may look like a mismatch now, but a few seasons of handling and firing and cleaning will make it mine.

I have before pics around here somewhere, I'll post 'em later. But for now take a look at Paul's wonderful craftsmanship:

 

[DGNY]

There is great satisfaction in bringing something back from the brink to respectability. You can be proud of this project, as can DWFAN.

As you mention, in a little bit, with some use, they will marry nicely. Heck, even that .44 will probably shoot a little better and thereby thank you for its shoes!

Regards,

Dyson

 

[DWFAN]

Tom, those should age fairly quick and you don't have to worry about the repairs breaking off. They won't. Linseed oil, wax based finish. Durable and weather resistant. Let's see some targets.
DW

 

[Sebago Son]

DW Does Some Fine Work....

I've had DeeDub do several pairs of stocks for me.... I'm fussy and I wouldn't use anyone else.... His work is superior, even if he is an old crab to deal with....

 

[adowns]

I have a .38/44 heavy duty only 115 numbers away from yours, S62989. Were the .38's and .44's numbered together or in different series?

 

[DCWilson]

I have a .38/44 heavy duty only 115 numbers away from yours, S62989. Were the .38's and .44's numbered together or in different series?

With the exception of the .455 Hand Ejector and the US Army Model of 1917, all N frames were numbered in the same serial sequence until the chain was broken with the introduction of the N-prefix numbers. After WWII there was an S prefix added to the numbers, but the series continued until the introduction of the N-prefix series. There are runs of numbers within the original sequence (no prefix and S prefix) that were given over to a particular model, but you will find N-frames of different chamberings that are only a few serial numbers apart.

 

[50 target]

It is my understanding that the factory made runs in production based on frame size, K were in one run and N frame in another. Within those runs of a certain frame size, you would have different calibers, quite often side byy side. In one example, I have a 1950 Target in 45 acp and only 22 numbers apart I have a 38-44 Outdorrsman in 38 Special. I imagine they were in the same run. I know, I know we can't make any assumptions cause Bubba didn't always get those frames in numerical sequence, if in fact they were numbered when forged or later when used. Who knows with 100% certainty ? But the logic in my mind tells me they were in the same production run. In fact the letters tell me they were only two months apart in shipping dates.
Enjoy

 

[H Richard]

These are a set of non-relieved Targets DWFAN did for me for a K38 that I returned back to original. I bought it with a set of Pach's on it and a Red Dot sight mounted. It took me awhile and several dollars to find original replacement front and rear sights. Then this set of stocks showed up on the forum with a few chunks missing and dings around. Turned out great.

 

[linde]

Sorry to be late adding my accolades to the stock restoration work done by DWfan. Just consider this post a shameful bump and perhaps more than a little pride in sharing the coke-profile targets that Paul did for me.

I know they were not intended for a 1958 vintage 38/44 Outdoorsman but, you'll have to admit, they do go well on one

Russ

 

[eljaydubya]

I just got my first set of K 22 grips back from Paul and they are beautiful! Had to be stripped and several pits filled in. Super job, I think better than new. Thanks Paul, you said you were slower than molassas and you were but it was well worth the wait. First three photo are before and last two are the finished result. Jim.

 

[da gimp]

let me add my kudos to dwfan

Sir, your work is superb, I was unable to detect the patches & filled in areas that the owners describe.

 

[DWFAN]

Thanks Jim but no filling done. Everything was steamed out. Glad you like them and thanks to everyone for the kind words. I do my best.
DW

 

[The Gila Bender]

Friday bump for DWFAN restored stocks

Took my old 44HE 3rd out last weekend and remembered this old thread. More nice work by DWFAN.

 

[geoff40]

I have seen and held a few different examples of Paul's work in my hands. It has all been first rate, second-to-none quality, and I know who I'll call when I need a set of stocks restored.

 

[DWFAN]

You guys are going to give me a big head. Well, not really. I take a lot of satisfaction in doing what I do and believe me I work dirt cheap. Can't charge by the hour for this kind of stuff but the self satisfaction that I was able to make someone proud of their gun is more than I can ask for. A reputation is worth more than all the money in the world. Don't go thinking I'm going to start doing this for free, heck it's almost that now.
DW

 

[788Ham]

If you don't mind my asking, what do you charge? I've got a 1937 S&W 38-44 HD, #40*** that has some tired looking grips. Just curious.

 

[Texas Star]

When you can't steam out a portion, what do you use for filler? With epoxy?

These are good looking grips!

 

[DWFAN]

If you don't mind my asking, what do you charge? I've got a 1937 S&W 38-44 HD, #40*** that has some tired looking grips. Just curious.

I do quotes in hand only. No other way to do it. Pics don't show the "hidden" things.
DW

 

[DWFAN]

When you can't steam out a portion, what do you use for filler? With epoxy?

These are good looking grips!

Santas magic dust. Seriously I make my own wood filler to match each application and also do splices and overlays. A lot of color matching and grain matching goes into this also. Sometimes it takes several attempts to get it right.


These are the set on the right. A very rare pair of non relieved Cokes.


Before final finish. The left hand set. It took me three months to get these right.



DW

 

[DHENRY]

I sure agree with everyone who's posted about Paul's fine work.
My 'King Super Target' 38/44 has some vintage-modified magnas on it, and they had several issues.
Wishing to keep 'em just as they were in the 30's, I sent the grips to DWFAN, and soon they were back, absolutely beautiful.
Paul's also done wonderful work on a set of grips on an early RM.
There aren't a lot of folks I'd trust with this stuff, but he's the real deal!
Don