Advise needed on new purchase

[Wyandot Jim]

A couple of beaters I had converted to 45 Colt.

 

[Joey]

A couple of beaters I had converted to 45 Colt.

View attachment 62903

What I am looking for, a beater/bubbafied .357 OM.

 

[G2]

Wyandot Jim… Yep,,, I like those… /\/\ /\/\


Joey; “What I am looking for, a beater/bubbafied .357 OM.”

What you got,,,,
Strip Cerakote & re-blue.
When your done spending $100’s dollars later, that’s what you got.

Your gun, Your money, do as you wish.

FWIW: a beater is now $5-600.

 

[Joey]

Yep,,, I like those… /\/\ /\/\

You have a knack for turning them into a work of art!

 

[bisleyfan41]

I would continue with your project. No matter what you do to return it to original condition, it won't be. Reblues outside of Ruger are frowned upon by collectors too.

And it's not like a properly done 41 special conversion to a 3 screw flattop is worthless. If you tire of it, someone will buy it from you.

Life's too short, create your perfect gun and shoot it to your heart's content. While collecting is a viable and noble pursuit, you're not personally responsible to provide it's next eventual caretaker a profit. This gun fell into your hands and you want a 41 special. Do it!

 

[gnappi]

I say it's your gun do as you like with it. What's left of them in original condition should make collectors happy that their samples are rarer?

 

[powder smoke]

A couple of beaters I had converted to 45 Colt.

View attachment 62903

No such thing as beaters It's ALL GOOD!

 

[wproct]

Well, I'll say what I would do if it was mine, but that's probably of little value info for you. I have never owned a handgun that has been cerakoted before, and that one looks rather nicely done. I would keep her as is for a while just to see how the finish holds up etc. There is always plenty of time to decide what kind of magic you ultimately want to work on her.

 

[magnum0710]

I'm in the camp of leave it as is and try to restore it to as close to original condition as possible. I recently did this with a Speed Six that was beat and I'm very happy with the outcome.

That being said it's your gun your call. I'm a 357 guy myself so I don't think I'd want to convert it. I'd restore it within my skill set and find a model that isn't as rare and convert that. Maybe a beater/parts gun if it can be fixed into working condition. At that point it would have lost most of its value so doing a conversion would only help it at that point.

 

[thor's daddy]

What I am looking for, a beater/bubbafied .357 OM.

The biggest issue I see with folks trying to pick up a base gun on the cheap is choosing a gun that has been altered from its original state too far for a simple conversion. This would include cerakoted or plated guns, dremel engraved guns, and guns that have been through a house fire. Rectifying the wrongs inflicted on such a piece often costs far more that if you'd just have bought a good example to begin with.

I just saw such an animal close at auction today. Stainless Super Blackhawk 44. The gun consisted of the frame, barrel, grip frame and cylinder. Gun went for $325 (before taxes and fees), which seems like a good deal, but the new owner will need to source all the internals and an ejector assembly. Unless you've got a pile of parts stashed away somewhere, it'd probably be better to let such a gun pass on by.

Saw a 44 Magnum Bisley a couple months ago too, but I quit watching it as the price was rising and it was missing its hammer and trigger. There are options for replacing those parts, but it's not going to come cheap.

When I'm looking for a base gun, I'm generally looking for the bit's I need to be in good shape. If the rest is rough, that might just help me out on price...

But deals aren't always deals.

 

[eveled]

The biggest issue I see with folks trying to pick up a base gun on the cheap is choosing a gun that has been altered from its original state too far for a simple conversion. This would include cerakoted or plated guns, dremel engraved guns, and guns that have been through a house fire. Rectifying the wrongs inflicted on such a piece often costs far more that if you'd just have bought a good example to begin with.

Same with cars. It is easier mechanically to modify a solid unmolested original.

Question is if you can morally modify a solid unmolested original.

I would shoot the gun in question before I did anything. To see if it speaks to me. But I like .357’s and don’t want a .41mag, so I am biased

 

[Joey]

Same with cars. It is easier mechanically to modify a solid unmolested original.

Question is if you can morally modify a solid unmolested original.

I would shoot the gun in question before I did anything. To see if it speaks to me. But I like .357’s and don’t want a .41mag, so I am biased

That's what I have decided to do, take to the range and see how it shoots before making a decision. The gun was really well done, just a shame they decided to do it really good with cerakote. I seem to be a magnet for guns not in the greatest condition. I have been looking for a 1903-a3 action for 4 years, if anyone knows where I can get one. There is just something satisfying about bringing an old gun back to life and hearing the first shot with it at the range. I'm sure anyone who has refurbished an old car or truck can relate.

 

[thor's daddy]

...Question is if you can morally modify a solid unmolested original...

I'll never understand men who bow down to objects, elevating a wrench or a hammer to the level of the sacred. It is profane. Insane.

 

[eveled]

It’s not about bowing down. It’s about being a responsible steward.

Most people have a line they wont cross. Some would ceracoat a Singer 1911.