LawMan Mark, SASS #57095L Posted March 22, 2021 Posted March 22, 2021 I picked up a basket case single action army earlier this week. It's got lots of pitting on it, and has been buffed to a fare thee well, and most all the markings are missing. The cylinder is not correct, and there is at least one screw that is stripped out in the grip frame. All that said, the serial number does indicate (if authentic and actually a Colt) that it was made in 1875. So, I'm looking to find someone who can help get it up and running functionally. I don't have any illusions of it ever being a perfect gun again, but I'd like to get it back into operating shape. So, which restoration/gunsmith is recommended?
Tex Jones, SASS 2263 Posted March 22, 2021 Posted March 22, 2021 There have been a couple of names mentioned recently. Turnbull Restoration and Bill Fuchs at Spring Creek Armory come to mind. From what I have seen, both places came make restored firearms as close to perfect as possible. How about some "before" pics? Good luck.
Warden Callaway Posted March 22, 2021 Posted March 22, 2021 Bill Fuchs has worked over 2 guns for me and welded up a third hammer. https://springcreekarmory.com/ My first generation Colt SAA in 38WCF made in 1906. He welded up the front sight to correct height and profile and refinished the gun, tuned up the action, etc.
Garrison Joe, SASS #60708 Posted March 22, 2021 Posted March 22, 2021 Run-N- Iron (ask for Lonnie). See their photo gallery for pics of their restoration work. Run-N-Iron cowboy gun services good luck, GJ
LawMan Mark, SASS #57095L Posted March 22, 2021 Author Posted March 22, 2021 1 hour ago, Tex Jones, SASS 2263 said: There have been a couple of names mentioned recently. Turnbull Restoration and Bill Fuchs at Spring Creek Armory come to mind. From what I have seen, both places came make restored firearms as close to perfect as possible. How about some "before" pics? Good luck. Here's some quick pictures.
DeaconKC Posted March 22, 2021 Posted March 22, 2021 I love mudpuppies like that! Good luck on your quest! ]PS if you decide you don't want to do it. let me know, I am a sucker for the forlorn old guns]
LawMan Mark, SASS #57095L Posted March 22, 2021 Author Posted March 22, 2021 Also determined that it's a 44-40 cylinder and a 45 Colt barrel.
Tex Jones, SASS 2263 Posted March 22, 2021 Posted March 22, 2021 Interesting. It looks like the grip frame doesn't fit correctly. One wonders what stories it could tell.
Warden Callaway Posted March 22, 2021 Posted March 22, 2021 I'm thinking, find a 45 Colt cylinder. Some grips. And get it into working condition. Enjoy it for what it is. Kind of a "rat rod".
LawMan Mark, SASS #57095L Posted March 22, 2021 Author Posted March 22, 2021 5 hours ago, Warden Callaway said: I'm thinking, find a 45 Colt cylinder. Some grips. And get it into working condition. Enjoy it for what it is. Kind of a "rat rod". Warden, that was my first thought when I saw it. Not a restoration, but just get it back in working order.
Warden Callaway Posted March 22, 2021 Posted March 22, 2021 17 minutes ago, LawMan Mark, SASS #57095L said: Warden, that was my first thought when I saw it. Not a restoration, but just get it back in working order. I also noticed it is a black powder era gun from the base pin screw. Bill Fuchs specializes in metal repair. He has welded up the notches and recut 3 hammers for me me. Original parts are expensive if they can be found at all. Sometimes repairing the damaged part is a good option.
TN Mongo, SASS #61450 Posted March 23, 2021 Posted March 23, 2021 I highly recommend Bill Kelly of Harriman, TN. He know more by word of mouth, but he handles almost all the gunsmithing for Kirst Conversions. He's the only one I let work on my Colts. P.M. me if you need contact information.
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