Need help with an OM SBH

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ltbarber

Bearcat
Joined
Dec 6, 2007
Messages
83
Location
Rugerville
Walked into a gun shop,and in the used gun case was an OM SBH. It was in prisitine condition. I gave $450 for it. When I got home,I cleaned it stem to stern. I then began to tighten up all the screws,as each one was loose. When I tried to tighten one of the screws behind the trigger guard,it was already broken off,and fell out!!!! My dream gun for years!!!! Until I get it to the gunsmith to have it repaired,is it safe to shoot a few out of it?? The bore looks unused to me,is there any way of telling if this has been reblued? It serializes to 1970!!! Can't wait to have it back to 100 percent.
 
Joined
Jan 10, 2005
Messages
3,051
Location
Alexandria, LA USA
I would say as long as the TG is tight, no wiggle, there is no problem shooting it. Maybe the recoil will back the broken screw up and let you have something to grab to remove without a 'smith? Just make sure the cyl latch works properly and the hammer engages the sear securely. Cycle the action, dry fire and if it functions properly I would shoot it. Maybe not for thousands of rounds, but enough to get the new gun bug satisfied.
Rebluing will usually cause the sharper edges to be rounded,and the stamped letters on the frame and barrel to be 'softer' from the polishing / buffing wheel.
 

contender

Ruger Guru
Joined
Sep 18, 2002
Messages
25,145
Location
Lake Lure NC USA
Just as jimbo1096 stated, if there isn't any problems dryfiring it, go shoot it some. Then, using the manuel, (you can get one free from Ruger,) or a good gunsmithing book, disassemble the gun to where you can remove the gripframe. If there is enough material on the broken off piece, try & turn it bu hand first. If so, remove it. If there is material to hold onto, but it doesn't move, liquid wrench, or Kroil placed all around the broken shaft and allowed to soak in will help when you do decide to try & remove it. (At least 1 day between soaking & attempted removal.) If all that fails, then a trip to the gunsmith is in order.
 

flatgate

Hawkeye
Joined
Jun 18, 2001
Messages
6,784
Location
Star Valley, WY
168871231.jpg

Reblued


168871214.jpg

Original Finish

flatgate
 
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