Updated 2/24/2020 Gun Show Basket Case (zip lock bag no actual basket)

[OldK22]

Was asked at the show this weekend if I would be interested in a S&W basket case for $50. Did not know what model it was just that it was a Smith and that is was mostly all there. You bet, "I'll take it" sight unseen. He brought it in this morning. Turns out it is mostly a 586. Yes it is mostly there and what is missing is in the junk parts box under my work bench. The side plate in the bag is stainless and will need to be fitted. Sprayed some rem-oil in the bag this morning and the hammer that was a brown mass of rust looks better already. The cylinder is completely frozen so it will be soaking awhile longer. Looks like a couple of screws, a main spring, trigger spring, sight insert and this puppy will be good to go. Someone had already disassembled and buffed it sometime in the past. Barrel inside is cherry. Looks to have been "rode hard and put away wet" literally. Looks like the makings for a good truck gun to me with a little sweat equity. Get past the CBD oil, gutter cover dealers, candles, jewelry, and a dozen Trump tshirt tables and there is still fun to be had at the gun show. .

 

[Ranger514]

Please post pics of the build for us. Enjoy!

 

[Dale53]

OldK22;
Looks like a pretty dern good deal to me. It doesn't hurt a thing that you obviously have a "skill set"http://smith-wessonforum.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Congratulations! We will, of course, want to see pictures of the completed gun AND a couple of great targets...http://smith-wessonforum.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

FWIW
Dale53

 

[Arquebus357]

Great deal. I would have been on that like ducks on a June bug.

Would like to see progress.

 

[6string]

I think you got yourself a good 50 bucks worth of fun at the workbench!

When you get that running, you should be awarded the Medal of Saint Barbara, the patron saint of armourers, artillery men, and gunsmiths.

Jim

 

[stansdds]

You got more than your money's worth in parts alone. Before trying to rebuild, make sure the frame is straight. If the barrel was taken off by Bubba, he may not have properly supported the frame during the process and the frame may have a little twist in it.

 

[OldK22]

Parts finished soaking and I spent 2 hours today getting it running. Most of that time was fitting a hand. The center pin was bent, center pins spring was rusted through, ejector spring rusted through, locking bolt spring collapsed, the stainless steel side plate in the bag was not going to fit correctly no matter what I did to it so I had to order one.Thought I had a red toothbrush to fix the front sight but will have to go to dollar general and by one.
Test fired it and it shoots.
It will never be a looker but for $75 all in including the side plate and springs I had to purchase ($50 original price $25 for the side plate and springs and a toothbrush that I did not have) and 2 hours of fun at the bench it will do.

 

[Model52guy]

Good job. I too have purchased a gun that was actually in a gallon ziplock bag.. Model 52 'bag-o-gun'. It is now my M52 shooter. Best deals sometimes come in a bag.