Replacing parts....................

[Bob Wright]

Over on another forum, there is considerable lamentation of replacing parts of old guns, or "bettering" was the term used. Some collectors buy an old revolver and find out that the screws, or barrel, or cylinder, or grips, are not correct for that gun. And they seem to berate those who have perpetrated such acts in the past. I'm not a dyed-in-the-wool collector, and maybe I'm not too sympathetic to their complaints.

I'm one of those who buy a gun to shoot. And there was a time when buying an old gun was my only option. A brand new Colt revolver cost about $85 at the time, as I recall. That might as well been $500 at the time to me. But a Colt New Service could be had for $24.95. So I bought one. It was pretty rough, used by the Canadian Mounties and showing its wear. It was what I could afford, never mind the fact that I usually had to finish rotating the cylinder by hand. But, in time, as I earned more money, I replaced the trigger, then some sideplate screws. I had never heard of inspector's marks nor assembly marks. I didn't know the trigger I replaced was not of the correct vintage. Later that New Service, a .45 Colt, became a .44 Special, with adjustable sights, new blue job, full custom works. As I became more "into the money" that Colt became a prized possession. And one fine shooter.

So I'm a little better off now, and can buy a brand new revolver. But there are those I know of who are coming up in much the same manner I did, and who scrounge whatever gun they can afford, and improve it later as conditions improve.

So if you should happen to come across a collector's item and maybe the hammer is of the wrong period, don't be too hard on the one who, out of necessity, replaced a few parts.

Bob Wright

 

[eveled]

Good post, somehow someway, guns got elevated to collectors pieces like art.

They really are just tools after all. I never heard of anybody proud that their circular saw still had it's original blade.

 

[warren5421]

I look at it I paid for it and it has to satisfy me at the time if 50 years down the road someone comes into it, all I can say is "If you don't like what was done why did you spend your money for it."

 

[Snake45]

It's funny, these same arguments are made on both sides in the world of old cars, too. :wink:

 

[6GUNSONLY]

Another side to this is that sometimes these older guns with mods which make them less desireable to collectors also make them affordable yet nice acquisitions to those of us who appreciate the older guns, but can't afford collector quality specimens. For instance, several years ago, I bought a relatively scarce 7 1/2" 3-screw flattop .44 which someone had drilled and tapped for a scope mount. That modification had "ruined" the collector status/value of the gun, so I was able to pick it up at a reasonable price. I then had John Gallagher TIG weld the topstrap, polish, and reblue the whole gun. I also added a steel Old Army gripframe, one of Hamilton Bowen's locking base pins, and a set of Ruger's rosewood laminate grip panels. I now have a nice gun in a desireable configuration, though it isn't a "collector piece."

 

[redhawker]

I think the only problem, the only real problem, with replacing parts as described is when the gun is sold and it's not disclosed by the seller that parts have been replaced. Especially if it's not a face to face transaction where the gun can be examined first. As far as I'm concerned if it shoots and is safe then no problems but a lot of people are collectors and that would be of concern to them.

 

[toysoldier]

A few years ago I picked up a well-preserved Remington Model 121 .22 pump at a pawn shop. A previous owner had decorated the stock and forearm with 1/4" round white plastic inserts, which is why I got it for a very good price. It was neatly done, and I like the thought that someone cared enough for the gun to "personalize" it.

 

[Galaxiedan]

Collectors should be happy that not all guns are stored away since new. It makes the factory untouched ones worth more

 

[DGW1949]

I've had guys get all freaked-out when seeing my old, nickel plated, 3-screw BH, which BTW, has an even older XR3 grip frame attached...plus a new-style SS ERH...both of which have been highly polished to mimic the nickeled steel.

The common response is usually something on the order of "man, you sure messed up a nice old gun"...but ya know what?...it ain't their gun, it's mine, and I like it just fine...so who cares what the next guy may think.

DGW

 

[eveled]

Toysoldier, I'd like to see a picture of that .22 sounds like it was somebody's baby.

My dad carved a deer into the stock of his Marlin 39as. Ruined it to some, but it's an heirloom to my kids.

 

[CGDustDevil]

I've got shooters, I've got collectibles. I've got old "mighta-been collectible if someone hadn't done this or that"...

My '66 357 Magnum with a custom barrel was modified when old models were still new models!

They all have a place in my world!

Regards, Pete