The 18-3 made me weak in the flesh and wallet

[Biginge]

Boys,

I posted yesterday about the 18-3 with the DL # electropenciled down the right sideplate. I have made some really good deals in the past month, so last night I decided it was time to take it on the chin for an absolute had to have 1970 issue model 18 (my first) I paid $575 for this drivers licensed labeled beauty, and aside from that it is a beauty. Box, papers, etc. I brag about my victories sometimes but feel there is no better place to admit my weaknesses than with those of you that suffer the same addtiction problems. What are your thoughts on just sending the sideplate to be reblued? Or leave it alone and try to forget it is there? Yeah, right.

Tell me I am an idiot or whatever. Just help with this weakness I have please.

I really like it, honestly.

Regards

Bill

 

[Mike McLellan]

That doesn't look as gouged up as I thought it would. I bet you could buff that out and re-blue without too much trouble. If so, the price was acceptable.

 

[SAFireman]

Maybe you could find a replacement side plate that was not engraved?

 

[Lobster Picnic]

I would just keep it turned to the good side

 

[Frank V]

Why oh why oh why would someoned do that to a gun??? I've seen several that had that done to them & always wonder why????

Still it's a nice gun that's not being made anymore. I'll second ? third the suggestion of having it buffed out & reblued or trying to find a new sideplate. I think I've seen S&W parts on gunbroker & as anti gun as they are fleabay!
Good luck, I still think it's a nice gun. With someone else's DL on it, be sure to get a bill of sale.
Frank

 

[alaskavett]

She is a beauty! The way I see it is you already bought her so you must feel you can forgive others transgressions. Are you right handed? If so you only have to look at the offending area when you clean her after shooting. Of course you could ruin her by spray painting over the affected area... Please do not do that! nice gun and I would be more then happy to own it! Kyle

 

[clikclikpull]

That's a sweet revolver...I'd be proud to have it.

Is it going to be a shooter?

 

[Engine49guy]

Boys,
Tell me I am an idiot or whatever. Just help with this weakness I have please.I really like it, honestly.
Regards
Bill

I would try replacing the sideplate before doing a total reblue .

I feel your misery, but misery (and Model 18's) like company,

Say Bill have you heard the one about the guy that didnt have the money for a reblue so he changed his name to TX 06451234 ?

Fargo- Dealer Plates - YouTube

 

[Biginge]

Engine49guy,

Actually when concealed carry came in 20 years ago or so, I think they encouraged us all to put the DL# on the sideplate in Texas. Everyone here carrys and that way the officer could just look at the side of your gun instead of having to check you CHL, DL, and gun. Just kidding. I cringe at someone sitting there doing that. This gun is LNIB except for those silly #'s . I really don't think it was fired after the factory. Anyway, I have always wanted one and now I have it. Not the end of the world (just close to it). That is one fine group you have gathered. Congrats.

Regards

Bill

 

[Engine49guy]

I have seen instances where a law enforcement agency electro stenciled a case number on a gun put in evidence but a person would have to be insane to do that to their own gun,I have one or two that have it under the grips but Jeez...on the sideplate?
What kind of knucklehead does that !

 

[Seven3]

Very nice 18, despite the grafitti. My pre-10 nickel has some idiot's initials gouged into the frame, but otherwise the finish is in great shape. I got a great deal on it, and bought it as a shooter, so it doesn't bother me much, but it baffles the mind how someone can look at a beautiful revolver and think "Hey, I think it would be a good idea to scratch my name/DL #/shoe size on it!"

 

[Maximumbob54]

I'm betting any of the better refinishing companies could make that scratchfest disappear.

 

[jaymoore]

At least there's a chance you can find a sideplate!

I've a K-38 five screw which was heavily vibro-engraged by a drunk with palsy on the other side. Shoots OK, but it might become a .22 Kay-chuk clone one day.

 

[Lenny_D]

Biginge,
If that is a drivers license number I'd track the guy down and beat him to death with the butt of that gun! That's a nice gun and you know you're going to fix it. I'm only kidding about beating him to death.
Len

 

[long colt frazier]

Bill did you buy it to use or put away? If you are going to carry and shoot her leave it be, if not find a replacement side plate forget the refinish either way.
I bought a 17-2 with a bloodstained side plate and had all intentions of replacing it but 6 years later it is still there and the 17 is my go to 22 revolver.
Mark

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

That doesn't look as gouged up as I thought it would. I bet you could buff that out and re-blue without too much trouble. If so, the price was acceptable.

Yes as above or take a small flat punch and a small peenig hammer and peen the raised metal back down. (Softly!) Then buff and reblue. Lots easier than looking for a side plate that may or may not fit.

 

[mod34]

Perhaps look for another sideplate and keep it in the box with the paperwork, etc. and leave the gun as purchased. If you would ever decide to sell it, you could do so with an intact side plate and the one "enhanced".
I bought a 9.5" Ruger single-six (three screw, fixed sight) and it was mint with the exception of some gentleman's name etched into the side of the frame. I used to write articles for the RCA Journal and it made a good story and allowed for some poetic license as to who he might have been, etc.

 

[Grayfox]

I share your weakness. The Model 18 is my absolute favorite revolver.
I'd take that side plate off, polish off the scratches in that one small area, hit as best I could with some touch up blue and shoot it forever! The guns a shooter. So what if the blue isn't a perfect match in that one spot as long as that idiots DL# is gone?