Colt D A 32

[Brandon0413]

I have an old colt .32 revolver. I don't know much about guns, but I can tell it's in bad shape. I just don't know how bad.

IMAG0077.jpgIMAG0079.jpgIMAG0081.jpg

It was my grandfathers and the story was that it was buried for some years.

Anyways, it's mine now and I don't know if I want it.

I have no idea what it's worth or how old it is.

In the first pic on the side of the barrel it says "Colt D A 32." Close to the grip it looks like it had a circle of words. I can make out the words "Colt" and "New."

If you open it up like in the 3rd pic you can see a number on the inside. It is printed once on the gun itself and the same one again on the piece that flips down.

What should I do with this? Is it worth anything to anyone?

Thanks.

[A1A]

Welcome to the forum. It would appear to be a Colt New Police. They were made from 1896 through 1907. It appears to have original stocks in good condition. The number to which you refer is the serial number and from it the year of manufacture can be determined. My best advice is to not be hasty about not wanting it. Yes, it worth something to someone here, but it should be worth more to you having been your Grandfather's. Think at least twice before letting it go. Others here can comment on the apparent condition, value and general background. JMO

This thread would actually fit best in the Colt Revolvers topic.

[Brandon0413]

Wow, I didn't realize it was that old.

It doesn't seem like it's in good enough condition to try to shoot.

The serial number is in the 38XXX range.

As cool as it is, I just can't help but think of why it was buried.

Could it be fixed up at all?

[A1A]

It would date to 1906. Yes, it can be cleaned up and fixed up, but the first rule of that is if you don't know what you're doing, don't do it. The second rule is no steel wool, no matter what anybody tells you, even someone else on this forum. My apologies to everyone else on the forum, but that's my advice. Surface rust is best cleaned by soaking with a good penetrating oil like Kroil to soften the rust, then removing it with fine brass wool (actual brass wool from someplace like Ace Hardware, not brass plated steel pan scrubbers) and a brass "toothbrush" for pits. It can be flushed with a cleaner/solvent like Birchwood Casey GunScrubber or even automotive brake and parts cleaner. The bore and chambers can be cleaned with a good bore solvent like Hoppe's #9 on a patch then dry patches. This, of course, would require a cleaning rod. Then it should be lubed and wiped down with a good lubricant/protectant like Breakfree CLP or other similar firearm lubricant. Internals can be given the Kroil, flush, lube treatment without opening. I would be inclined to disassemble it to clean and lube the internals, but that is definitely not for the novice and good older Colt gunsmiths are getting very scarce. Shooting is a possibility with the right ammo, but I would recommend a good function and condition check by someone who is qualified. There are others on the forum who regularly "rescue" older guns and I hope they will offer some additional suggestions or recommendations based on their experience. I just wanted to give you a broad brush and mostly caution you not to rush into (or out of) anything.

[Collects]

Brandon, congratulations upon becoming custodian of a family heirloom.

I hope you will carefully clean up the old Colt revolver, and keep in in your family for quite a few more generations.

[haggis]

What A1A said! Find someone who can check the mechanical function to insure that it's safe to shoot. And go slow with any "restoration" that you personally are not sure about. A lack of finish can be addressed by proper Breakfree CLP protection. I restored a Japanese T26 revolver that has been in the safe with no finish and CLP protection for about 30 years now, and it doesn't show the first sign of corrosion.

I agree with A1A's sentiment about keeping guns that connect you to your ancestors. I have just a few guns owned by my grandfather and grandmother (she was a shopkeeper) that, while not terribly impressive to most collectors, will never be sold by me. Something used by someone who had a hand in making me is just too damned valuable to sell.

BTW, if that gun was buried, someone did a great job of protecting it. Enjoy.

Buck

[Brandon0413]

Man, you guys have me looking at this Colt in a whole new light.

Thank you for that.

The steps A1A described don't sound too difficult, except for the taking it apart bit. But, I definitely don't know what I'm doing.

I think I would like to at least clean it up the best I can without having to take it apart. I would have to remove the stocks, right? Do I just remove the screw?

And how difficult would it be to find someone who knows what they are doing to check it out?

[A1A]

Yes, the stocks are removed by "just" removing the screw, but it should be done with caution as they may be somewhat stuck on and are known to crack easily. Most original stocks on guns of that vintage have the corners or edges broken off from handling. One requirement not yet mentioned is the use of the correct style and size screwdriver to avoid damage to the screw slots and holes. One should use straight shank hollow ground screwdrivers/bits. This avoids reaming the hole and fills the slot of the screw to avoid distortion when force is applied. Here is a previous thread with recommendations. Screwdriver bits Again, the best advise is to proceed slowly.

Perhaps another member in the Austin area could recommend someone within a reasonable distance to check your gun.

[Brandon0413]

There is a crack on the bottom of one of the stocks. Both of them kind of wobble a bit so maybe they aren't stuck and would be easy to take off.

I might get the courage to and if I do I will be careful.

I can tell you that the cylinder, I think it's called, does not revolve all the way when the hammer is pulled back. And it seems loose even if you do move it to the correct position it doesn't lock into place. So, there is definitely some concern there.

What would you guys do with this gun? Would you want to just clean it up the best you can or try to get it fixed or restored or what? What are my options?

Oh, and where can you buy brass wool? Ace hardware isn't very close to where I'm at. Any online sources?

Thanks.