project guns

[cbourbeau32]

I posted this in the H&R antique forum and tim advised me to move it over here.

I stopped by a local pawnshop a few minutes ago and he had a couple of H&R pistols for sale. They were both non-working as in pulling the trigger on either of them won't turn the cylinder. Can that problem be fixed easily? They seemed to lock up tight. The are "flip front cylinders" the rear site is also the latch.  He will take $80 for the pair. One is 32 S&W and the other one is 38 S&W. Are they worth it? Charlie

[Savage]

Sounds like a couple of good parts guns! Although I have a certain fascination with the old break action revolvers, I don't consider them worth the expense to run down parts to restore them to working order. The calibers are pretty anemic by today's standards, and you won't find ammo at most local shops. You might be able to locate parts to restore them to working order, but chances are the parts will need to be made by a competent gunsmith. As fixer uppers for shooting I'd say pass----(Broken cylinder pawl)? otherwise, they make good display pieces. You know what you like!
Savage

[cbourbeau32]

Thanks Savage. I think I'll call my Smith Monday and ask him for an estimate based on what is wrong. I would like to have them as shooters because I reload so I can shoot cheaply but I as you say I don't want to spend an arm and a leg to restore them to be able to shoot. How much does a "shootable gun like this cost?

[Savage]

Kinda hard to say how much a "shootable" revolver of this type would cost. I would estimate less than a "C" note unless it's a collectible of some sort. This type revolver was made my at least a dozen or so companies around the world. Some were "ok", some were downright dangerous. The metallurgy of many were extremely "Iffy". I'd be sure and have a competent smith check one out before I'd attempt to fire it. If you are going to reload for the .32 or .380 S&W, be sure to slug the barrel to insure you are using the proper dia bullets. And load them   light ! I wouldn't go over the starting loads in the manuals. Good luck!
Savage

[williamlayton]

If you are up too it, it sounds like a fun project.
The price is right.
Blessings 

[cbourbeau32]

I'm still debating on it. I think I will call my gunsmith Monday and ask him for a ballpark estimate (if he can give me one based on the little I know of what is wrong) before I go back and try to buy them. Thanks William.

[falaz]

That's the kind of deals I like to luck onto. Two pistols for $80 that gives me an oppertunity to learn how to fix them is worth it. If you can, get the seriel Numbers, make and model and look them up on the net to see how old and what they're worth before laying down your money. Parts can be found on forums or Numrich Arms web site. It's a great way to learn all about fit and function of revolvers if you don't know already.
  I picked up a 1858 Remington cap and ball revolver at a recent gun show. It was in it's own fitted box with the hand mold for the balls, powder flask, capper, and caps for $150. I asked why so cheap and if he had ever fired it. He said a freind had given it to him sometime ago whom had bought it on a whim and that neither of them had ever fired it. I thought if anything was wrong with it I could figure it out and fix it. Got it home and took it apart only to find it it had never been fired and was in perfect condition. Checked the manufactures web site and found that it was made in 1971. Even if it didn't wind up being usable it would have been a great display and I learned a great deal about blackpowder revolvers that I didn't know. Now I need to go out and shoot it

[rawhidekid]

Numrich Arms, also called Gun Parts, may have the parts.  They have an on line catalog.  They have used parts as well as new on most listed weopons.  But I worn you it is a craps shoot.  You may get a part worn more than the one you are replacing.  Good luck.

[cbourbeau32]

Well I went ahead and bought them. The 32 S&W locks up real tight. I think it might be able to be in shooting condition without allot of work. It is new enough to have a serial #. The 38 S&W is very old. No serial # and from what I have been reading it might be back in the black powder era. Hopefully it can be restored to be able to shoot as well. I'll try to post pics soon. Thanks for the advice. Charlie

[rawhidekid]

One can not judge age by serial number availability.  Although not required until 1968, some companies always used them I.E. Colt, S&W...etc.

[Savage]

Charlie,
Be careful man! Do have them checked out before shooting them, as the lockup is not a strong one, and the metallurgy is suspect in many. Those pistols were chambered for very low pressure cartridges, be sure to load accordingly. Good luck!
Savage