Questions about an old Revolver

A while ago I piicked up an old revolver minus the cylinder from my grandad, He got a hold of it used in the early 1980's and it has been sitting in a drawer ever since. It is a single action .357 with "W-Germany"on the left side of the barrel and "Liberty 357 Magnum" on the right side. It really dosen't have any other distinguising markings on it. It has approximatly a 5 1/2 inch barrel and plastic grips that look like fake ivory. I am going to post pics when I get it back, but right now a friend at the local gun shop has it. I have done some research, but I can't find anything. The closest I have come is one almost identical accept for the grips at http://www.auctionarms.com/Search/DisplayItem.cfm?ItemNum=9486102 Any info on the gun or where I can get a cylinder that will work would be appreciated.

 

Sounds like something made by Heritage Arms or Hawes-but I could find no reference to a "Liberty" model for either make. Pictures would certainly be helpful for identification purposes.

 

I believe your revolver was made by Herbert Schmidt, Germany, Most of Hawes guns were made by Sauer and Sons but they did sell some of Schmidts firearms and Liberty was one of the names used by that firm { Schmidt }. Try Numrich for the cylinder but I think you are going to have a hard time finding parts for a gun last made in the early 1970's

 

Ok, So I have been doing research for the past few hours and all I came up with is that it may be a Colt Single Action Army knockoff. Now, if this were true, would it be possible (as in not dangerous) for me to try a Colt Single Action Army cylinder in it?

 

Your gun is styled like a Colt SAA, but it is highly unlikely that it is exactly the same to the point that a precision part like the cylinder will fit.

Try Numrich Arms.

 

I think you chances of finding a cylinder are slim to none.

Sell it for parts on gunbroker and move on.

rc

 

I believe that a cylinder for that gun is going to cost more than the gun is worth. Do what you like, I think I'd scrap the thing and pick up a used Ruger, Taurus, etc. Be a lot less hassle unless you have a lot of sentiment in the thing.

 

I would sell it for parts, but it was my grandads and I really want to get it working again. Here are some pics.

 

If it's a faithful copy of the original Colt SAA then one of the Italian Pietta, Cimmaron, Uberti clones may fit the cylinder pin. From there it'll be a case of fitting a hand and cylinder stop and perhaps some shims to allow the new cylinder to work with the existing frame.

Even if you do manage to find the exact same gun and pull the cylinder out of it to use in this frame it will require some fitting of the hand and cylinder stop to set up the timing correctly. And if the stop or hand is already too thin or short then you'll need new parts to do the fitting.

Or just stick the cylinder in and do not ever fire the gun. After all this is a little bit of a family heirloom so I can see your desire to at least make it LOOK like it's complete and ready to go.

 

When I need a part like this, I haunt the gun shows and the used parts guys at the shows. The bigger shows are better than the small shows. Numrich over the years has provided a lot of part for old guns.

 

Keep an eye on the Gunbroker and Auction Arms sites for used parts . Also Numrich Arms and Bob's Gun shop in AR? . If they are not listed, drop them an e-mail and ask - You'll find one .

 

Looks like a prop for the Lone Ranger show.