Flat gate problem

[tom32]

I just received a 1956 Flat gate that I bought from a auction site and have a problem. It was advertised as unconverted so I was looking forward to shooting it today with my Colt SAA's loading one, skipping one, and loading four.

Here is the problem, it is not like new, it is new! There is no turn line, no scratches, no blemish, no nothing, except traces of old oil on the hammer, cylinder, and action. I cocked it once, and can't even bring myself to do that again. I was frankly expecting something in pretty good condition, but this thing is absolutely pristine. I can't believe the condition. This thing is going into the safe and probably won't see the light of day anytime soon.

Now I have to find a shooter.

 

[WAYNO]

That is a really tough problem to have.

I try to shoot everything I own, but once in a while I end up with a gun that I shoot once, and put away forever, or as in your case, I end up with a gun that I cannot bring myself to shoot, even once.

Good acqusition!

WAYNO.

 

[conder0289]

Boy that is a problem, which I would love to deal with, nice find.

How much was it, if you don't mind me asking?

 

[flatgate]

Woo-wee! It seems you got a nice one!
'56 eh? A Type IV, that is one with the dimpled ejector
button?

Nice! Yup, I have a couple of those myself.... :roll:

flatgate

 

[SteveRuger]

I just love these kind of problems!

 

[americal]

If it's A great problem & you can't sleep tonight :shock: send p.m. to any of us who responded to the problem I'm sure most of us are ALL would work out a trade, buy or beg to to take it off your hands ---- love those photos Flatgate 8) Do I see A micro sighted flatgate with factory grips on right bottom :?: if so sure would like close up view YOU DONE MESSED ME UP

 

[tom32]

Forgive my ignorance, I am not sure what a dimpled ejector button is. This actually has serrated lines on it.

It's serial # is 44,90xx and I gave $440 for it. Don't know if that was an ok price or not but I wanted it so pulled the trigger so to speak. Got a ways to go to catch Flatgate...nice collection.

 

[americal]

YOU DID REAL GOOD need photo

 

[rugerguy]

yessir, you got a good one, sounds like to us...but what you say as to the dried up oil, etc, if it was mine, I'd soak it good and get all that original or old oil out of the guns innards (action) seen lots of them locked up tight from NON use, and eventually it will cause rust...clean & oil it..it will stay "as new" :wink:

 

[contender]

I'll jump in here just to echo all of the above remarks!

 

[flatgate]

Forgive my ignorance, I am not sure what a dimpled ejector button is. This actually has serrated lines on it.

It's serial # is 44,90xx and I gave $440 for it. Don't know if that was an ok price or not but I wanted it so pulled the trigger so to speak. Got a ways to go to catch Flatgate...nice collection.

OK, my bad, Type IV's are from late '56 into the first couple of months of '57.

Yes, you did just fine in getting the gun!

flatgate

 

[ddd482]

very nice score!

 

[Chance]

It's serial # is 44,90xx .

Great catch Tom but I think you have and extra x in the serial #. I have 2 Type 3 flatgates and enjoy shooting them both. Whatever you decide it's a good bet you will get a lot of years of enjoyment out of that gun.

Here's a pic of the dimpled ejector button.

 

[chet15]

yessir, you got a good one, sounds like to us...but what you say as to the dried up oil, etc, if it was mine, I'd soak it good and get all that original or old oil out of the guns innards (action) seen lots of them locked up tight from NON use, and eventually it will cause rust...clean & oil it..it will stay "as new" :wink:

Then again, I know some guys that love that old oil and "rig" on a brand new "crispy" gun. Gives a certain character to them. I had a brand spaking NIB RSS4 with walnut grips on it that way (RSS4 printed box) and left as is. The new owner likes it that way!
Chet15