Ever heard it's not what you know, but who you know. 50 years ago I was a young policeman, was broke and needed a "back up gun", cheap. The deputy police chief at the time had a nickel plated, 4 inch barrel "U.S.Army Model 1917 45 acp" that he let me have for $75.00. Called it a "pimp's gun". Finish was good, but it was worn and loose. He said, no problem, we'll send it back to Smith and get her all fixed up. Off she went to Smith; however a few days later a letter came saying that Smith would not touch it because the barrel had been cut and finish changed. A few weeks later the 1917 returned in a Smith box and I was surprised when I opened it. New grips, hammer, trigger, springs and fully timed. Finish still the same. Now, 50 years later, and 31 years of service, I still have the "old girl" and along the way I found a full uncut barrel in good shape, along with lanyard ring. No collector's value, but before I pass it on to my son, I would like to have barrel and lanyard replaced, nickel removed and the "old girl" re-blued. Wife doesn't like the idea of giving son a "Pimp's gun". Question, any ideas as to who could do the work? Oh, by the way, the Deputy Chief's sister was the head secretary to the Performance Center. Cost me a dozen roses.
