22 handgun restored.. before/after

[beeker]

I found this guy online locally, guy was looking for "trade" or "offer"... I offered 1box of 50 steel cased wolf 9mm for it. mostly because I figured it would be a fun mess to play with, and maybe it would never be a real gun again, but it could be something.

before.

[beeker]

so... I met the guy, traded and started messing with it. everything was locked tight, with rust and age... turns out it was fully loaded with 22 bird shot (if this gun could talk, I would love to hear what it's been through).  at first glance I thought.. well it'll make a cool trophy or a door stop or a piece in a diorama (I have some fighting roosters that it would be cool sitting off to the side in)... but once I dipped it in the rust dissolver, screws started to turn.. finally I had it apart.. she soaked for about a week, I would run out at night after work and use a nylon/copper brush on her.. eventually all that was left was metal.

After

[beeker]

once I finally had all the pieces and the cylinder out.. I could really inspect it. the serial number was deceptive.. for a moment I thought I had a colt single action army "new frontier".. however, I found a mark inside her that soon told me she was a fake.  the buffalo emblem was mark of Herbert Schmidt, who made colt knockoffs.. total colt design.. with none of the price or nostalgia. however.. I have about 50 bucks into this gal.. and after inspecting, I believe she will fire.. (with the use of some sandbags for added insurance)

after.

 

[DDSBYDAY]

   Nice job.  It most likely came out of a Lake.  A few years ago Lake Delton in Wisconsin was completely drained.  I saw pictures of a few guns like yours that were found.  I would bet it will shoot just fine.  Cool story.

[beeker]

thanks.. can't wait to give it a go and see what happens

[beeker]

had it out to the land today... fired without a problem

[kenhuntin]

Did you shoot bird shot through it as to show a little honor to it's heritage?

[beeker]

I'll have to find a few rounds and give it a whirl. To be honest I don't have any pistol loads that are bird shot.