Thinking About This .22/.32

[Hondo44]

I commented about that gun in another thread. Since I own probably more of these than most, I can tell you that it was painful to look at. The problem here is that the sum of the parts may be worth more than the gun. I have purchased whole guns for $450 but the stocks and rear sight are probably worth (to some) $200 to $250 alone.

I am looking at buying a rear sight for one of mine that is broken but since the sights are numbered, I am having reservations. Do I want an all original example with a broke rear sight or do I want an unbroken example with a non matching/original rear sight.

Decisions, decisions.......

That's a common dilemma when restoring old guns. The answer sometimes, if possible, is to use the new part (rear sight in this case) to fix the original with matching serial # to the gun.

Easier said then done, but sometimes there's potential to do it. Tig welding can come in handy for this. I hope so.

 

[Hondo44]

Another source for original rear sight blade:

Linde post #25: http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...-identify-pistol-new-forum.html#post136689970

 

[JSR III]

The answer sometimes, if possible, is to use the new part (rear sight in this case) to fix the original with matching serial # to the gun.

Jim, perhaps I did not elaborate in my comment enough to be clear. One of the common problems that I have seen during my study of these I frame .22/32 HFT's is that (I think) during efforts to elevate the rear sight, folks crank down on the rear screw without loosening the front screw. What happens is that the base of the sight cracks and you end up with two pieces. It is not a broken sight blade that I am having the dilemma with. I believe that Dumpster Don has replacement blades in his stash of NOS S&W parts.

My issue is that the base is broken in two and the base has a serial number. Now the only way someone will know in the future is by removing the sight and looking to see if the number matches.

Unfortunately, someone like myself with advanced stage 5 OCD, I'm not sure that I can live with that because I would know.

 

[Green Frog]

Looks like if anybody actually tries to do something with this orphan (other than cannibalize it for parts) they will either end up with a Franken-Gun version of the original or a highly customized version that makes no attempt at originality. I think I would go with the latter.

How about adding a new thumb pad to that abbreviated hammer spur to make a "cockeyed" style for single action work?

I'm still looking at that missing trigger guard and wondering whether I could get anything done about it. If I didn't have another donor frame to substitute in there, it would be a deal breaker for me. If you had to pay for that repair to the original frame (rather than being able to do it yourself) the resultant cost would make the project's cost to finished value ratio go waaaay out of whack!

I guessing that in the end I'm going to have to look at it like the cannibal and see how much "meat is on the bones." That is, how many good parts I could salvage to use on another gun. IMHO, it's not a sufficiently rare item to take extraordinary measures to save that specific gun. YMMV, of course.

Froggie

 

[merl67]

Froggie you are spot on. I have a donor frame and a hammer that should work. The thing is I can get one of these for not a whole lot more than initial investment plus my time there will be several hours involved to make it look right.

 

[Hondo44]

Jim, perhaps I did not elaborate in my comment enough to be clear. One of the common problems that I have seen during my study of these I frame .22/32 HFT's is that (I think) during efforts to elevate the rear sight, folks crank down on the rear screw without loosening the front screw. What happens is that the base of the sight cracks and you end up with two pieces. It is not a broken sight blade that I am having the dilemma with. I believe that Dumpster Don has replacement blades in his stash of NOS S&W parts.

My issue is that the base is broken in two and the base has a serial number. Now the only way someone will know in the future is by removing the sight and looking to see if the number matches.

Unfortunately, someone like myself with advanced stage 5 OCD, I'm not sure that I can live with that because I would know.

Yes, I understood. In the case you describe a spare part wouldn't be needed. Just tig weld the two pieces back together, cleanup/finish and polish. Then reblue. Hopefully the break is not thru the serial #!

 

[Hondo44]

Looks like if anybody actually tries to do something with this orphan (other than cannibalize it for parts) they will either end up with a Franken-Gun version of the original or a highly customized version that makes no attempt at originality. I think I would go with the latter.

How about adding a new thumb pad to that abbreviated hammer spur to make a "cockeyed" style for single action work?

I'm still looking at that missing trigger guard and wondering whether I could get anything done about it. If I didn't have another donor frame to substitute in there, it would be a deal breaker for me. If you had to pay for that repair to the original frame (rather than being able to do it yourself) the resultant cost would make the project's cost to finished value ratio go waaaay out of whack!

I guessing that in the end I'm going to have to look at it like the cannibal and see how much "meat is on the bones." That is, how many good parts I could salvage to use on another gun. IMHO, it's not a sufficiently rare item to take extraordinary measures to save that specific gun. YMMV, of course.

Froggie

Froggie,

Changing the frame is not the way I'd go; then it would be a franken gun. The spare frame would just supply a trigger guard that would be cut off and tig welded to the original frame.

Even if the welding were farmed out, it would be minimal expense. And anyone with reasonable skill could complete the cleanup/finishing and polish. Same with the hammer spur.

Then the gun would retain originality with all matching numbers.

 

[merl67]

Looking like I may have a project on my hands...

 

[Muley Gil]

Here's the link I was talking about:

Early 1950 Target .45 Updated

 

[merl67]

Made a deal, I will have it in my hands for $235.00 which is close enough that if I absolutely have to sell it for parts I could, and not be out much. Not the plan obviously going to see if I can turn a sows ear into a silk purse.

 

[Hondo44]

Congrats on getting it at the right price.

Do you plan to do all work yourself or have a plan yet?

 

[merl67]

Congrats on getting it at the right price.

Do you plan to do all work yourself or have a plan yet?

I plan on doing the work myself, but I need to get it in my hands first to see exactly how it looks. The only part that really concerns me is how close the cut is to the screw hole in front of the frame.

 

[smithrjd]

Glad it is being saved. Wish I had the skills to do so myself. Let us all see how it turns out.

 

[merl67]

I have the gun now. I shot it today function wise it shoots very good, it ejects the shells just fine the front sight will have to be replaced as well, looks like it was dropped as the rear sight has a ding and front sight has been shortened. If nothing else it will make a good shooter.

 

[merl67]

I got some work done today, still a little rough, and I may redo the hammer. I will have to figure out how tall the front sight needs to be .here are some before, and after pictures.

 

[Hondo44]

Wow, well on your way!

A little dressing down, maybe a little more tigging to fill in some pits, dress, polish, and touch up bluing.

Have you located an original Paine gold bead front sight from the several sources above?

Photos showing original front sight blade:

 

[merl67]

I have not had a chance to check yet.

 

[merl67]

Oh the serial number is 279XXX and is matching including grips and rear sight. I am thinking 1920 as a possible ship date . It was returned to the factory at least twice 2-21, and 11-22. It also has someones social security number at the bottom of the cylinder window. The best I can tell th number was issued in Montana around 1950.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

I think I have a Patridge gold bead front sight blade if you can't find a Paine.

 

[Green Frog]

Well, you got over then big barrier that would have stopped me... replacing the trigger guard. Since it is still going to be an altered gun, I would still consider adding the spur pad to make it a "cockeyed" hammer just because you don't get to see that feature on HFTs that often.

I have admit that my attitude toward long barreled I-frames has cooled somewhat over the years, but every now and then a project like this one comes along and stirs my interest once again. I'm following your progress with enthusiasm!

Regards,
Froggie