very ugly 13-3

[GaryinOKC]

New project gun. Not sure if it was just abused, left in a wet holster, stored in a boat or what but it is ugly. Times ok. End shake is ok, lock up is ok but could be better. But it was cheap so I will play around with it.

 

[TJm15.38]

What does the bore look like?

 

[gmborkovic]

Gary, depending on the cost, I would have bought that for a truck/garage gun. You sure aren't going to hurt it. Good snag.

 

[CH4]

Perfect project gun! If I didn't leave it as is, she'd be bead blasted and either be black nitrided or hard chromed.

 

[Tanners Owner]

Looking forward to reports on your project progress

 

[Shotguncoach]

Hey! I have its little brother. Head over to the smithing forum and look for project Short & Sweet…

 

[GaryinOKC]

Ugly 13

Bore is good. Function tests good other than slightly loose at lock up. I have a good stock pile of parts so I think mechanically it will be an easy project. Since some of the lettering is compromised I may slab side the barrel. Bead blast and probably have it matte blued. Or send it to Mahovsky for hard chrome.

 

[Patrick L]

If that were mi e, I'd say I have another slow rust blue project in the making!

 

[AJ]

Tighten it up mechanically and leave the finish alone. Great Truck/Garage/Fishing/Hunting/Going For A Walk Gun. Everybody needs one!

 

[scout II]

That's some great looking patina. Folks pay lots of money for things to look like that these days.

 

[AJ]

That's some great looking patina. Folks pay lots of money for things to look like that these days.

Had the LGS try to patina an M1911A1 one time. I asked them what kind of finish they called that. Their answer was "War Patinaed". I laughed at it and said no thanks. When it was still there several months later, I bought it for half what they were asking. Stripped the finish and parked it. Why did I buy it you ask? Well the slide had been fitted to the frame with absolutely zero play and same with the barrel (tightest I have seen in 55 years of handling M1911's), the barrel was marked NM and the bushing was marked NM. Shoots as well as my Series 70 GCNM.

 

[murphydog]

I would call the finish either well loved or neglected. Hard chrome sounds like an excellent alternative.

 

[bananaman]

New project gun. Not sure if it was just abused, left in a wet holster, stored in a boat or what but it is ugly. Times ok. End shake is ok, lock up is ok but could be better. But it was cheap so I will play around with it.

[
POOR THING! Good luck with your project! Bob

 

[stantheman86]

Looks like someone tried to scrub rust off with a wire brush

I'm lazy so I'd probably just tear it down completely, clean and oil everything and leave it . It would be a good range banger

I'd guess it was an old Duty gun that got stuck away somewhere in the leather holster and forgotten about

 

[Llance]

Chrome is a great way to protect your investment but remember that chrome accentuates every defect. No matter how much is applied, faults will show. I'm not saying don't do, just be aware of the limitations.

Were it mine, it would be bead blasted, followed by parkerizing or a hot blue. And if I was doing it myself, a couple of good soakings in warm cold blue salutation after heating the metal just hot enough to know they are warm. Not so hot the bluing salutation boils when the parts are gently lowered in .Different parts need different times in the salutation.

And I'd put a set of finger groove Pach's on it before tossing it in the truck. The magna grips on it now, if original, would be saved for a later date.

 

[stansdds]

I'm guessing that Model 13-3 was well used and neglected, then someone tried to scrub and sand away the accumulated rust to make it presentable for sale. Beyond any DIY finish, if you want it to look nicer, bead blast and parkerize or blue. Hard chrome is the most durable and corrosion resistant finish, but with the roll marks sanded away and pitting still visible, the hard chrome will likely make those issues just as visible as they are right now.

 

[Pisgah]

Looks like it may have met some Naval Jelly along the way. Wish it were mine!

 

[rincar]

Very finish Challenged. It looks like it was a cop gun.

 

[chief38]

Yup - certainly a rough one! I'd just use it as a plinker and not try to restore it as too much metal is pitted and missing. You would just be throwing money down the tubes as compared to simply buying a better example.

You can simply use it as it is or apply a finish that is inexpensive and can simply and easily be done at home. Looks like a perfect gun to be a "learner" for gun smithing purposes. Something you won't get upset about if your screwdriver slips or you nick the side-plate.

 

[Chuck Edwards]

I have a 3" M10-7 square butt that was in similar condition when I got it. It's probably an overrun from the Australian police contract since there aren't any re-import markings. The bore and chambers were pristine and lockup was tight. The action is smooth enough to not need any work done to it. I had it Parkerized and installed a set of the discontinued Spegel-designed Uncle Mike's boot grips. Two coats of white paint and one of fluorescent red/orange on the top third of the front sight completed the makeover.

I've got close to a couple thousand rounds through it, including doing Tom Givens' revolver class. It's my favorite carry revolver.