Latest acquisition

[Dusty Tagalon]

Purchased at an online auction, sometime in its life was nonprofessionally shortened, barrel isn't square or crowned. At 15' bullets hitting target sideways. Anyone know of a smith willing to take on a 32/20 from 1896?
Thanks
Brian

[Abilene]

Very cool!

[Black River Smith]

You may want to take a second look at that Colt.  I do not see an ejector rod housing guide on the frame.  Unless you are already aware of it but this looks like an Original Storekeeper Model.  I guess it could have been professionally filed or cut off but...l.  Now that is not saying that the original <4" barrel was not cut but... I would be very careful about what you do to it.

[OldDoughboy]

If the gun is not an original storekeeper model,  I would first slug the bore to determine if the keyholing is undersized bullets.

the 1927 "Modern Gunsmithing" and a number of other older gunsmithing books cover how to square up with a file, then crown with a brass ball and grinding compound. 

4D Reamer Rentals have tools as well.  https://4drentals.com

https://4drentals.com/products/tool-rentals/crowning-tools/

Not really a difficult job if you are reasonably handy and patient.

[Dusty Tagalon]

.313 bullets have to be forced through. My guess as to key-holing, barrel not square, as bullet leaves barrel, all the sudden pressure is release on one side before other & the pressure change causes bullet to tumble.
If it is a true Sheriffs/Store Keeper, or fake, only way to know for sure, send money to Colt Historical.
This gun is rough, no where near collector grade, frame & trigger guard sn same, grip about 3000 newer. Cylinder, only thing I can make out V 3. So, if I were to go to colt for letter, I would use frame/trigger guard sn.
Brian

[OldDoughboy]

Yes, the not square muzzle is probably the cause of the keyholes, and in my experience, it only takes a tiny nick or scratch on the crown to cause issues.  I have fixed a couple guns with a very simple crown job that shot poorly and had a nick.

Nice project! 

[Dan Topper]

I would check Brownells for their Muzzle Crowning Tool.  They have one to cut a new crown and one to square the crown on a gun. All these are hand tools and don't need a lathe.

[Abilene]

When I was going to shows for Cimarron at the Mounted matches, the guy who was there representing Colt's was a guy named Joe who was also a historian there.  I talked to him about my old SAA and gave him the s/n and he was able to tell me it left the factory as a 4 3/4" 38-40 (it is now a 7 1/2" .45).  So, maybe it was a pro-to-pro perk, or maybe if you get someone at Colt in a good mood they could tell you what it was originally, and then you would know if you want to order the letter. 

[Whitehorse Lane]

Whatcha gonna shoot at more than 15' away with that anyhow? Leave it as a part of history? I mean I get wanting it "right" but Cool as is

[Professor Marvel]

My Good Dusty

I am a cheap sort, and I have successfully squared crowns on C&B barrels using a manual Lee Case cutter and bushing out the mandrel. They come out quite nicely and shoot well.

IMPORTANT!
if one chooses this route, one MUST bush out the pilot with something soft like brass or etc...

https://leeprecision.com/cutter-lock-stud.html

Please stand by regarding info on the serial of your pistol... I will see if my Google Fu turns up anything useful for you.

Yhs
Prof marvel

[Professor Marvel]

As Black River Smith pointed out, the lack of ejector thingy on the frame would Highly Suggest a manufacuted sheriff model!

this link, courtesy Rusty Edwards has a plethora of interesting poop

www.swshana.com/gun_website/Colt_SAA_SNs.pdf

Rusty discusses it here
https://www.coltforum.com/threads/1st-generation-colt-saa-serial-numbers-1873-1940.296378/


If one plugs in their Ser No into Colt's wwebsite here
https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup

one can get some basic info for free. It was good for finding the info on my Grandfathers  Colt .32 acp

Hope this helps
prof Marvel

[Dusty Tagalon]

Closer exam, ejector rod housing was ground off. Still would like to have barrel squared off & crowned.
Brian

[Professor Marvel]

plug your Serial No into Colt's website  here
https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup

one can get some basic info for free. It was good for finding the info on my Grandfathers  Colt .32 acp

[/quote]

Closer exam, ejector rod housing was ground off. Still would like to have barrel squared off & crowned.
Brian

Ah well, but squaring and crowing the muzzle can only help!

Yhs
Prof marvel

[bear tooth billy]

A guy recently retired and moved in 5 miles from me. He is
building a shop to open a gunsmith shop. He should be open later this fall
He will be about an hour from you. I will ask him, but I assume he can do it.
He is going to reline a Stevens .22 for me.


                                    BTB

[Ol Gabe]

BTB, Kind Sir,
Whereabouts will this fine gent be located at? Always wanting to add another Gunsmith that is close by to the list of a potential 'New Best Friend'. May need him sooner or later! I think a 'road trip' may be in order!
Best regards and get him signed up to NCOWS!
'Ol Gabe
NCOWS #925

[bear tooth billy]

Ol Gabe, he is in Toronto, 5 miles north of me. He built his own Schutzen
rifle and shoots competition. So he likes old guns.



                                    BTB