Triple lock resque-update

[andy52]

I'm not sure why I even did this, soft spot in my heart or my head? Just bought a old and tired triple lock on GB. It was sort of mislisted as a 1926 model in the main description. Poor old thing has seen many a hard mile. I couldn't even tell if it left the factory as a nickel finish or not. If ever I've seen a triple lock that needed a full restoration this may be it. I'll probably have it lettered before I make any decisions on how to proceed with it. Now guys don't cringe to much when you look at the pictures.

https://www.gunbroker.com/Item/773443939

 

[steelslaver]

Ya, it looks like it was rode hard and put away wet. But, if it still functions ok it will probably shoot fine. I don't think it was redone, hammer, trigger and cam plate all case hardened. Led a life already, but still a triple lock and a cool gun to have if the price was right.

 

[mrcvs]

I don't think this is too bad...depending on what you have in it. If you don't mind me asking, what do you have in it as this determined if you did well or not. Clearly buffed and renickeled, but it does have an original 5" barrel, which is uncommon. I know the barrel has not been cut as the markings on the barrel reflect a true 5" barrel and not one shortened from 6 1/2".

I would get a proper set of N frame grips with medallions that reflect the condition of this gun. Should cost you (well) under $100. I did this to one I own almost identical to yours except with an original 4" barrel and it greatly improved the appearance. Given that you cannot harm mine, and this is the case with yours, and mine has a short(er) barrel, this is my concealed carry piece.

 

[andy52]

Ya, it looks like it was rode hard and put away wet. But, if it still functions ok it will probably shoot fine. I don't think it was redone, hammer, trigger and cam plate all case hardened. Led a life already, but still a triple lock and a cool gun to have if the price was right.

Yes it's still a triple lock and best I can tell it dates to about 1911. The price was just about what I could get if I sold it for parts at just a little over 700, but really I'm thinking about bringing it back from the dead.

 

[mrcvs]

Similar Triple Lock with original 4" barrel

And here is mine...for comparison.

 

[andy52]

And here is mine...for comparison.

your's is just slightly better then the one I just bought, but as it has been said it's still a triple lock.

 

[mrcvs]

The price was just about what I could get if I sold it for parts at just a little over 700...

That's a reasonable price for what yours is, and about what mine ran me a few years ago. Also, I saw a similar one sell in this range at an auction in March, but that one had a standard 6 1/2" barrel.

 

[Wyatt Burp]

I really like this gun as is, except I'd slap some sambar stags on it I have. I'd love to encounter something like that locally.

 

[Shark Bait]

Nice save. That could be a fun project gun.

 

[Warren Sear]

I wouldn't touch it; it's perfect the way it is.

 

[andy52]

Nice save. That could be a fun project gun.

This would be the soft place in my heart, if the gun letters to 1911 that would be the birth year of my grandmother, if a letter confirms that I'll send it to Fords for a full restoration and it will have a place of honor in my home. The trigger and hammer might have to go to Turnbulls because I don't think Fords does case hardening.

 

[Thinnes]

Andy I want you to feel very bad and guilty about outbidding me on this gun.Shame on you
Nah, just kidding. But I was the under bidder. Well done on your part. Glad it went to a good home. My grail gun remains a TL.

 

[AJ]

One day at the local gun shop they were talking about this old Smith they'd gotten in in a box sale from an estate. They thought it was a Triple Lock, as soon as I saw it I took it from the gunsmith. Turned it over and realized it was a Colt. Then I realized it was in .45 Colt and then read the butt and saw it was a Model 1909 U.S.Army. Needless to say I did not let go of it. Was disappointed it was not a Triple Lock, but not by much.

By the way I'd have bought that TL too. Congrats and good luck. Let us know what the letter says.

 

[murphydog]

I'd give a thorough cleaning/lubrication internally, control any rust/nastiness on the finish, wax and then take it to the range before deciding on any further work. You may find you like it "as is". Enjoy!

 

[Jack Flash]

When nickel looks bad, it really looks bad. Normally, I am against refinishing such an old revolver, but I can see why you want to. As a first step, you should replace the plastic faux stag stocks. That alone will improve its appearance a lot.

The seller did misidentify it as a Model 1926, but at least he did know it's a TL (as he clearly states in the description). So he sold it knowing (more or less) what it is. You got a good buy.

 

[JSR III]

I agree. Give it a good cleaning and then a coat of wax. There are safe queens and then there are guns that have been there and done that. I like the gun just the way it is and "pretty" will probably not make it shoot any better.

In my book any N frame S&W that is not a boat anchor is already worth $500 IMHO, add the fact that it's a triple lock and $755 is not a bad price. If it turns out that it was once owned by someone special then it's a bargain.

 

[Warren Sear]

It is a shame when people get an old gun like this and then try to turn it into a fishing lure. No old gun that is in unmolested condition should be refinished. JMHO.

 

[merl67]

I don't think it has been refinished. A day or two of cleaning then polishing with Flitz or Mothers Mag will do wonders for that one . I would not refinish that one.

 

[Muley Gil]

Nice old TL.

Looking at the side plate fit, I would say it has been refinished.

andy52, look inside of the barrel shroud at the serial number. If there is a "B" prefix to the SN, it shipped from the factory with a blue finish.

 

[LittleCooner]

It is just me, but after a trip to the range and confirming that all interior was ok and not only functioning properly with good or great accuracy, this old gal would go off to Fords in Crystal River for a refinish. I love the restored to new look on these old guns, way better than leaving it "as is". I think, I am holding a gun in my hand that looked like this 100 years ago. I love the restorer look sometimes