What did I get myself into?

[White Horseradish]

While out on an errand today I stopped at a pawn shop. They had a cap-nball- revolver sitting in the case with a tag that said "wallhanger". I asked the guy what was wrong with it, he said "everything". Well, I couldn't resist.

It was tagged at $99, he gave it to me for $65 out the door.

This appears to be a replica of an 1858 Remington six-shooter with a brass frame. The only marking on it is "Richland-Arms-Co. Blissfield Michigan" on the barrel. I can fit the tip of my pinky into the barrel, so I assume it's a .44 caliber. It's got a lot of dirt on it and some surface rust on the trigger and that thing the cylinder spins on. (I wanna say axle, but please educate me)

#1 problem with it is that the cylinder spins freely when it's cocked. I figured out that was due to the stop not coming out the bottom of the frame. I bent the spring a bit and it does work now, but the spring bent a little too easily and I think it isn't going to keep working for long. Does anyone sell replacement springs?

The back of the cylinder between notches is a little beat up, I assume due to someone dropping the hammer with the cylinder out of battery. A few minutes with a file will fix that.

#2 problem is that is has no nipples on the cylinder. I assume these things can be bought.

So, just how junky is this? Did I overpay? Can this be a shooter? Where do I get the supplies?

Thanks in advance.

 

[pauli]

piiiiiiiiiiiiictures?

 

[White Horseradish]

Sorry. Spent all my camera money on guns.

I'm gonna try and borrow one. I posted this right after buying it, I'm still at work.

 

[RobW]

Sounds like this thing is more dangerous BEHIND the business side than in front of it!

Safe your hands, arms, and face (if not more essential parts) and use it as sold "a wall hanger". Far to scary to use it, I'm sorry. Check out www.muzzleloadingforum.com they have some very knowledgable people there.

I think to fix that thing into a shootable item will cost you more than buying a new one. Check MidwayUSA, Midsouth Shooters Supply, and Cabela's.

 

[Mark whiz]

Actually....replacement parts for these revolvers are relatively cheap. You can check dixie gun works or VTI gunparts for prices on just about anything you'll need.
However.........before I shot it or even started repairing it, I would take it to a gun smith to inspect the barrel, frame, & cylinder for any cracks or damage that could lead to a devastating Ooops.

 

[4v50 Gary]

Or an auto shop and have it magna-fluxed.

 

[White Horseradish]

Thanks. I looked at Dixie and the spring I need is about $3. They have different nipples, though, so I emailed them with questions.

Last night I oiled it a bit to get the loading lever working smoother, wiped some junk off of it and cleaned a paint smudge from the barrel. Shined a light in the bore, too.

It looks like it's been fired once or twice, no wear to be seen. Lotsa dirt, though. What would I use to clean old blackpowder gunk out?

 

[armoredman]

As cheap as NEW BP revolvers are, I would simply buy a new one. Brass frame 36 and 44 1851 Colt Navy repros can be had for $100 or so.
Some older repros are so bad I wouldn't fire one with a string....

 

[rick_reno]

A brush should clean it up, I'd use something stronger than hot water and soap to start with.

 

[Mark whiz]

yeah..........for right now, with a firearm in that kind of shape, any good gun cleaning solvent is ok to use. Brush & patch it well with your normal solvents like Hoppes, Shooter's Choice, etc. But if you decide to actually shoot it.........patch it out with some alcohol first to make sure no petroleum base chemicals are still in the bore.

 

[Dirty Bob]

I remember someone who put one of those on his wall near the front door, not visible from the outside. It's the first thing he looks at on arriving home. If it's ever gone, he'll turn around and go right back outside to call the cops. It's a cheap "silent burglar alarm." No burglar could resist it, but it's not likely to endanger any citizens in the wrong hands, except as a blunt object. You could even remove the nipples, or an internal part or two, just to be sure.

I think you got a decent price for a wallhanger, but you're better off with a steel frame if you want a shooter.

All my best,
Bob