Gunsmithing help
- Thread starter Ij387
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Personally, I wouldn't bother. Use it as a wall-hanger, and buy something else to shoot. There are tons of old Iver Johnson and H&R revolvers out there, and most sell for $25 or so complete in decent shape at estate auctions around here.
Rail Driver
Member
Well, not knowing where you're located hurts, but you can easily go to google.com and type in "gunsmith" and something will come up for you. If you add your city or state to the google search as well you can find local gunsmiths. Good luck finding someone to work on it though.
NavyLCDR
member
Twmaster
Member
Prolly not.
Ask your self this. Is the gun worth refinishing? If it's as bad as you say this will not be a cheap adventure.
Just something to consider.
If the gun has a sentimental value or was in your family forever then that may matter.
Ask your self this. Is the gun worth refinishing? If it's as bad as you say this will not be a cheap adventure.
Just something to consider.
If the gun has a sentimental value or was in your family forever then that may matter.
Twmaster
Member
The problem is not the cost of electroplating. It's the cost of preparation. You cannot just plate over rust.
It'd be like painting dog poop gold. It's still poop.
It'd be like painting dog poop gold. It's still poop.
"1890's Iver Johnson" covers a lot of ground in the way of different models. Obviously the bore is pitted, and maybe the chambers too. It may or may not be in working condition. In other words we don't have enough information to give you the answer you are looking for.
Most gunsmiths won't work on them because fixing one is labor intensive, and at today's labor prices few people are willing to pay the necessary expense.
If you can identify the exact model, you will find some, but not all parts at www.e-gunparts.com
All things considered, I suspect if you took the money to fix up the revolver you have, it would be enough to buy another one of the same kind that was in much better shape. I see that as a better way too go.
I should also add, if it was made during the 1890's or early 1900's it may not be safe to shoot with ammunition that isn't loaded with black powder. Guns of that age were not intended to used with smokeless powder. You are apparently talking about a revolver that's likely over 100 years old.
Most gunsmiths won't work on them because fixing one is labor intensive, and at today's labor prices few people are willing to pay the necessary expense.
If you can identify the exact model, you will find some, but not all parts at www.e-gunparts.com
All things considered, I suspect if you took the money to fix up the revolver you have, it would be enough to buy another one of the same kind that was in much better shape. I see that as a better way too go.
I should also add, if it was made during the 1890's or early 1900's it may not be safe to shoot with ammunition that isn't loaded with black powder. Guns of that age were not intended to used with smokeless powder. You are apparently talking about a revolver that's likely over 100 years old.
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1890's Iver Johnson" covers a lot of ground in the way of different models. Obviously the bore is pitted, and maybe the chambers too. It may or may not be in working condition. In other words we don't have enough information to give you the answer you are looking for.
Most gunsmiths won't work on them because fixing one is labor intensive, and at today's labor prices few people are willing to pay the necessary expense.
If you can identify the exact model, you will find some, but not all parts at www.e-gunparts.com
All things considered, I suspect if you took the money to fix up the revolver you have, it would be enough to buy another one of the same kind that was in much better shape. I see that as a better way too go.
I should also add, if it was made during the 1890's or early 1900's it may not be safe to shoot with ammunition that isn't loaded with black powder. Guns of that age were not intended to used with smokeless powder. You are apparently talking about a revolver that's likely over 100 years old.
I have figured it is a second model so i did know about the whole blackpowder deal but i like that you guys are trying to help but i wanted to know if it was possible not the problems around it i thank you for your input
Most gunsmiths won't work on them because fixing one is labor intensive, and at today's labor prices few people are willing to pay the necessary expense.
If you can identify the exact model, you will find some, but not all parts at www.e-gunparts.com
All things considered, I suspect if you took the money to fix up the revolver you have, it would be enough to buy another one of the same kind that was in much better shape. I see that as a better way too go.
I should also add, if it was made during the 1890's or early 1900's it may not be safe to shoot with ammunition that isn't loaded with black powder. Guns of that age were not intended to used with smokeless powder. You are apparently talking about a revolver that's likely over 100 years old.
I have figured it is a second model so i did know about the whole blackpowder deal but i like that you guys are trying to help but i wanted to know if it was possible not the problems around it i thank you for your input
Mac's Precision
Member
Sir, anything is possible. How deep is your wallet? Can things be done to it that result in it being as perfect as possible? Yes, provided that the rust hasn't compromised the integrity of the pistol. Is it worth it? Only you can answer that question. Would most prudent people put money into that job? No. I have turned down several old revolver rebuilds such as you describe because MOST don't want to pay the bill. IF you wish to sink 1000.00 into it I am sure you can find someone willing to take your money.
Yes it is possible, because at least one gunsmith centers his business around restoring "old west" firearms, including top-break pocket revolvers. Within reason, whatever it takes he can do, but needless to say his very professional work is not inexpensive. Most of his work is focused on Colt's, Smith & Wesson's, Winchesters, etc. Local gunsmiths probably won't give you the time of day. If they do they'll want to be paid in advance.
In this instance we don't know a whole lot about the revolver's overall condition, nor what kind of mechanical shape it's in.
Does it have the original stocks? if so, what condition are they in. Clearly, if the barrel has a pitted bore it should be replaced, but what about the cylinder? What do the chambers look like? I could go on and on...
However if the cost is not a factor, I can recommend:
David R. Chicoine
www.oldwestgunsmith.com
In this instance we don't know a whole lot about the revolver's overall condition, nor what kind of mechanical shape it's in.
Does it have the original stocks? if so, what condition are they in. Clearly, if the barrel has a pitted bore it should be replaced, but what about the cylinder? What do the chambers look like? I could go on and on...
However if the cost is not a factor, I can recommend:
David R. Chicoine
www.oldwestgunsmith.com
A local Gunsmith can generaly do that. Shootable and restored are two different things, and the pitted bore should not stop it from being shootable.
I've done a number of these, but few for customers for reasons given - which is the expense. On some guns however a simple replacement spring can have them up and running. Others are so worn out that even a deep pocket will strain at the cost.
The gunsmith should be able to look at the gun and give you an idea if it is savagable within your budjet or not.
Like a gunsmith friend of mine says "you have to be in the mood to work on one" . I've got a dozen of them in my stuff that I have not yet found the mood to get at. They are mine and not a customers, because of that mood reason.
The ones I seem to get at are the ones that are rather rare, because of barrel length for example, or the ones that have very nice finish remaining.
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