Old Pair of Army Revolvers

[The Pathfinder]

Have picked these up over the years. An old Colt Artillery model that's been 'civilianized', I had to replace the barrel and cylinder to make it safe to shoot and am trying to locate an affordable 7 1/2" military barrel for it. It started out as 1890 era US Cavalry gun that was later given the Artillery treatment. Had a six digit frame, and two different 5 digit straps. All now have only the number '1' left intact, not sure what 'Bubba' was trying to accomplish.  The other is a US 1st model Schofield S&W that was cut down, , to approx. 4 1/2". Definitely not a Wells Fargo as there are no markings for them, another 'Bubba' project. But this one came to me tight as a drum, and has enjoyed BP 45 Schofield. Accurate enough too, guess Bubba knew how to square and crown a barrel at least. 

[St. George]

A 'lot' of Schofields got their barrels shortened - usually by Smith & Wesson and Schyuler, Hartley and Graham - so 'Bubba' wasn't involved in the very least.

They were first sold from Service, then shortened, often plated, then re-sold to the buying public.

Trying to 'restore' a piece that the Government refurbished in the 1890s to 'original configuration' destroys its legitimate history.

Scouts Out!

[The Pathfinder]

St. George, I agree if the Colt hadn't already been 'Bubba'd' when I got it.  The serial # being 'cleaned' except for the "1" digit on each piece as well as it wasn't even a .45 when it came into my possession, nor was it funtional. I merely want to try to bring it back to as military as I can, just always preferred the Cavalry to the Artillery look. It'll probably never be more than just a 'shooter' ever again, but I'd like to bring a little bit of its dignity back if I can.

[Drydock]

A lot of times a soldier might sell or pawn his revolver, then report it stolen or lost.  The receiver would then deface the serial number to attempt to disguise its origin.   Not always "Bubba" (though Bubba surely has much to answer for!)  

What is the reason for replacement of cylinder and barrel?  Are they So corroded as to be dangerous?  Or do you think you need more modern pieces to be safe to shoot?

[Drydock]

Ah, the caliber has been changed.  How do you know it was originally a military issue SAA?

[Drydock]

I see too that the grip straps do not match, and blowing up the picture, I might see a US stamp on the frame.

Unfortunately, that is the first thing faked on these guns.  I suspect you have a parts gun here, with a fake US stamp in an attempt to raise value.  Nothing that can be proven either way though.  The good news is, I see no historical fabric here, so you are free to do what ever you want with it. 

Enjoy yourself!  Barrels can be found on Gunbroker and Ebay, and some parts sites around the web.  I've got a few saved, I"ll take a look and get back.  I would not bother trying to find a "Military" barrel.  Prices on those could not be justified for this gun.  Find a 7.5" first or 2nd generation barrel and have at it!

[Drydock]

http://www.coltparts.com/index.html

[Drydock]

http://www.ssfirearms.com/products.asp?cat=64

[Drydock]

Heck, If I had the money I'd just send it to Eddie Janis.  Might be your best bet for a barrel.

http://www.peacemakerspecialists.com/barcyl.html

[The Pathfinder]

Drydock, yes, unfortunately it is an original military frame. Had it by to Dave Lanara to look at. From the inspector marks on it and the location of the '1' you can tell it is a six digit frame from the 1890/91 time frame. The triggerguard and backstrap also have inspector's marks on them though are originally from 2 different 5 digit number guns, again only the first '1' digit is left visible. I call it a Bubba piece because that is all I can figure that someone wanted a serial #1 Colt. Whether for their own gratification or to try and make the piece worth more to some unsuspecting buyer, who knows. When I originally got it, it had some strange orange plastic grips and was a .38 special, with one of the post war barrels on it. At least now it's a 45 again and I'll eventually get it back to Cavalry trim. The wood grips came from Dave and the current cylinder in it is a third gen I had laying around cut to look like an black powder vintage cylinder. The barrel is an old civilian cut down I picked up years ago for about $5 at a garage sale, but it still shoots. So I enjoy it for now and will get it right some day.

[Drydock]

Cool that you've been able to get that much provenance off it!  A fine piece to shoot, as it is pair it with a Krag and you're ready to go to the Phillipines!