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Post by tinkerpearce on Jun 6, 2019 12:04:45 GMT -5
 A fellow handed my this revolver last month in non-functioning condition. Made around 1897, the bore and chambers were dirty but in very good condition. Lock-up is tight, and the DA trigger is short and surprisingly smooth. I took it apart and discovered that the hand-spring had broken. This operates both the hand and the action bar that makes the hammer work, and it was a simple matter to replace it. The revolver now works very well and is a good shooter. In 1909 IJ produced the 3rd Model, which was rated for smokeless powder, and said only BP cartridges should be used in 2nd Model guns. Given that they then began to produce these 2nd Model guns, using leftover parts, under the trade brand 'US Revolver,' and said these 'new' guns were all rated for smokeless, this seems to indicate that the 'rated for smokeless' thing had more to do with marketing than any real need... After all, early smokeless loads were formulated to work in existing guns, which were all 'black powder' guns... It's a clever design; the action bar acts both to cock and release the hammer and acts as a transfer-bar safety. While not quite up to the fit-and-finish standards of contemporary Colts and S&Ws, these were pretty decent mid-priced guns. They aren't collectible at this point, so this one will get the nickle stripped in favor of a rust-blue finish, and custom grips. There is a more complete write-up on this gun on my blog. |
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Post by squigz on Jun 6, 2019 12:11:53 GMT -5
I'm interested to see how this project goes!
I have a "set" of guns that was passed down to my father and then to me that are "US Revolver". They haven't been shot in years, and mostly stay in the safe only to be pulled out to be cleaned with a little oil and put back in place. The set consists of a 22 Short hammer less with a trigger that would fold up, it's "holster" is a small hand sewn burlap bag. The other two are a double action variety, one is a 7 shot 22 lr and the other I believe is a 38 S&W.
Quite an interesting history to see what these guns were and what they have become in today's age.
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Post by bradshaw on Jun 6, 2019 13:51:21 GMT -5
A fellow handed my this revolver last month in non-functioning condition. Made around 1897, the bore and chambers were dirty but in very good condition. Lock-up is tight, and the DA trigger is short and surprisingly smooth. I took it apart and discovered that the hand-spring had broken. This operates both the hand and the action bar that makes the hammer work, and it was a simple matter to replace it. The revolver now works very well and is a good shooter. In 1909 IJ produced the 3rd Model, which was rated for smokeless powder, and said only BP cartridges should be used in 2nd Model guns. Given that they then began to produce these 2nd Model guns, using leftover parts, under the trade brand 'US Revolver,' and said these 'new' guns were all rated for smokeless, this seems to indicate that the 'rated for smokeless' thing had more to do with marketing than any real need... After all, early smokeless loads were formulated to work in existing guns, which were all 'black powder' guns... It's a clever design; the action bar acts both to cock and release the hammer and acts as a transfer-bar safety. While not quite up to the fit-and-finish standards of contemporary Colts and S&Ws, these were pretty decent mid-priced guns. They aren't collectible at this point, so this one will get the nickle stripped in favor of a rust-blue finish, and custom grips. There is a more complete write-up on this gun on my blog. ***** tinkerpiece.... please report your work on these revolvers. Your fascination with obsolete sidearms, or in turning sidearms into pocket pistols, should be appreciated right here on SINGLEACTIONS. Handled, among various antique revolvers, an Iver Johnson. “That revolver has a transfer bar,” declares Bill Ruger, Jr., just as I was about to ask him about it. Indeed, Ruger adopted but did not invent the transfer bar. Early “semi-smokeless” produced more energy than black powder and less energy than smokeless and is not to be trifled with. Steel was softer and weaker in those days, and subject to inclusions----of which you are aware. Please continue these tales, David Bradshaw |
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Post by magnumwheelman on Jun 6, 2019 14:19:59 GMT -5
I play with these... This pre 1898 little factory snubbie in 32 S&W has a ( dare I say ) "glock type" trigger safety  |
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Post by tinkerpearce on Jun 6, 2019 15:25:39 GMT -5
tinkerpiece.... please report your work on these revolvers. Your fascination with obsolete sidearms, or in turning sidearms into pocket pistols, should be appreciated right here on SINGLEACTIONS. Handled, among various antique revolvers, an Iver Johnson. “That revolver has a transfer bar,” declares Bill Ruger, Jr., just as I was about to ask him about it. Indeed, Ruger adopted but did not invent the transfer bar. Early “semi-smokeless” produced more energy than black powder and less energy than smokeless and is not to be trifled with. Steel was softer and weaker in those days, and subject to inclusions----of which you are aware. Please continue these tales, David Bradshaw Thank you- I'll keep reporting on this and my (too) many other projects. I always err on the side of caution when reloading for these little guns; I have a fondness for not blowing things up (by accident) snf see no point in beating an old gun to death with heavy loads. |
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Post by Frank V on Jun 6, 2019 18:32:42 GMT -5
Two neat little shooters from a way different era!
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Post by deaconkc on Jun 6, 2019 19:29:56 GMT -5
Tinker, I just read your blog and enjoyed it immensely. Oh, my Mauser likes the PPU 7.63 stuff a lot.
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Post by tinkerpearce on Jun 7, 2019 1:31:18 GMT -5
  The IJ now has a new coat- I stripped the nickel with abrasives, which was seriously harder than when I have stripped S&Ws. Next time I'm using chemicals; this was way too much work! I had these old Walnut grips from a S&W top=break, and was easily able to adapt them. I'm going to be on the lookout for some nicer wood, but these will certainly do for now! |
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Post by deaconkc on Jun 7, 2019 9:00:52 GMT -5
Hey! That turned out nice! Well done Sir!
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Post by magpouch on Jun 18, 2019 4:40:23 GMT -5
Very nice, after stripping the nickle (how did you do it?) what is the finish shown in the pic now?
Looks very good.
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