Ever buy one just because it's ugly and you want to try and help? I saw this one as a challenge. The finish was toast and a lot of rust on the cylinder and under the grips (numbered to the gun). The latch was stiff but otherwise the mechanics were fine. After a lot of soaking and scrubbing I can live with the end results. It's still no beauty but I've been looking for a "I dont care about the finish" 36.
This one was just too ugly...
- Thread starter duck32man
- Start date
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I couldn't figure out how to add multiple pictures...
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Stu1205
Member
That came out really nice. Flat latch and diamond mangas.
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.
There is no such thing as an ugly gun.
Some are just prettier than others.
Stu
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.
There is no such thing as an ugly gun.
Some are just prettier than others.
Stu
The after picture is a real pleasure! Good work. I just bought a model 15 with about a 65% finish. But everything is original and it's a great shooter, and I can use it at times when I wouldn't use my 96% model 15 or my all original but patina flecked combat masterpiece for fear of finish wear. It's good to have Smith and Wessons like this so that we don't have to carry around an old H&R revolver as a "beater".
Mission accomplished.
Mission accomplished.
I can't beleive that is the same gun!
Reevolvers
Member
That proves that the revolver has an elegance that cant be hidden awy by a rough finish. The 2nd picture showed an awesome shooter! I LIKE IT A LOT!!! Nice work! I think I need to be on the look out for one and do the same!
shouldazagged
Absent Comrade
Cleaned up real nice, and I'd be proud to carry it.
Before it looked like it had a bad case of mange. Since you applied the TLC and elbow grease, it has real character.
Before it looked like it had a bad case of mange. Since you applied the TLC and elbow grease, it has real character.
model70hunter
Member
Over the years I've found many of the beaters that are very sound but cosmetically challenged.
I don't care what others think but I always seem to end up redoing them effectively ruining the reason I bought it.
I don't care what others think but I always seem to end up redoing them effectively ruining the reason I bought it.
nawilson
US Veteran
Nice work! If I may, what exactly did you do? I am curious about the exact technique.
Modified
Member
I love it. Guns like that are the best because you just don't ever have to worry about them and can enjoy them for what they are.
The finish destroyed internally perfect gun ranks at the top of my list for pleasurable guns.
The finish destroyed internally perfect gun ranks at the top of my list for pleasurable guns.
+1
We all like the pristine models but there's a lot to be said for the enjoyment of the used guns.
Nice rescue too.
BigBlueSix
Member
Nice. I agree, I'd not be embarrassed in the least to carry that. Great job! I too am interested in the process you used to get her there.
I soaked it in EvapoRust and used a brass brush. Soaking and brushing...soaking and brushing. Then finished with oil an 0000 steel wool.
alaskavett
US Veteran
That came out looking like it now wants to be carried and that is what it is for. Great work! Kyle
qballwill
Member
Ive always liked the idea of rescuing guns and cleaning them, but apparently many of the shops around me feel that a rusted, pitted and finish less guns are worth as much as a NIB gun of the same model.
attn qballwill
Good point, Will. Not only in the gun market, but in the housing market as well, in many places. Homes are presented for sale with the prices they would bring if fixed up. That's another thread...
This Chief looks like a cop gun after 20-25 years of daily carry.
I hope the OP will let us know how it shoots.
Stay safe partner. Getting bad out there.
Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
Good point, Will. Not only in the gun market, but in the housing market as well, in many places. Homes are presented for sale with the prices they would bring if fixed up. That's another thread...
This Chief looks like a cop gun after 20-25 years of daily carry.
I hope the OP will let us know how it shoots.
Stay safe partner. Getting bad out there.
Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
Arik
Member
Call me odd or weird but I actually like the beaten ugly look more than the minty new look. All mint guns look alike. The ugly ones are always different
Got its twin in my back pocket. Perfect bore , chambers and tight as new.
I get multiple offers at every gun show. No sale, no way. Enjoy.
Mike 2796
I get multiple offers at every gun show. No sale, no way. Enjoy.
Mike 2796
DWalt
Member
I recently bought a late 1920s M&P which was originally nickeled, but with about 50% missing. Nonetheless, it's mechanically perfect and tight with a good clean bore, so otherwise as good as new. I didn't pay much for it, so what's not to like?
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