"parts kit" amateur gunsmithing

[adowns]

Last summer I bought a Colt Agent for a good price. However the cylinder didn't quite make it to the locked position until the trigger was pulled all the way back. And in single action the hammer would travel 1/4'' further back after the sear clicked into position, as if the hammer or trigger or both had had metal removed. I assumed it would need a new hand, or the old hand lengthened, and a new trigger or hammer. I bought one of the "parts kits" auctioned on GunBroker. It came from a Cobra. The parts were virtually new. The cylinder in the kit didn't have a turn line! The sideplate screws were perfect. I disassembled the Agent and started by trying to replace the trigger but the old safety lever was slightly different and wouldn't hook onto the new trigger. Then I thought "Wait a minute. I have a complete set of matched action parts from an almost new revolver. Why not exchange the whole lot of them?" I did and it works perfectly. Perfect timing. Nice trigger pull. No push off from cocked position. And the new trigger and hammer look lots better than the old ones. I didn't use the cylinder, crane, and sideplate that came with the kit.

I talked with the seller and asked him where the parts for his parts kits came from. He replied "Various sources." I imagine they came from gun buy-back programs or police trade-ins. The only bad part is that a nearly new Cobra was destroyed. But I'm glad the parts were salvaged to make my Agent like new again.

[rhmc24]

Congratulations. It is possible. I have built up several older Colt automatics, 1902s & 1905s from parts gathered from 'various sources' & collecting parts now to make a New Service.

[adowns]

I'm also collecting parts to make New Army work again. It is fun to get them back working again, but it's not good economic sense. I always spend more than a working pistol would have cost originally.

[rhmc24]

I agree it's not economic in the usual sense and my New Service project will be an example of $500-1000 into it and have a gun worth the same after weeks of work - but it's time well spent for the sense of accomplishment you get. OTOH, for scarce guns it can be a different colored horse - which I experience. Colt 1905 and 1902 Sporting automatics are sought after by collectors, only about 6000 made. I have bought badly distressed guns or enuf parts to assemble one at $500-1000, put in 20 hours work to prep for new lettering and blue, another $500 to pay for that. So I have about $1500 in a gun worth that or a little more. In my estate, my Son or Son-in-law in 20 years may profit from my labor. Here's a couple before/after examples:

[adowns]

That is a beautiful restoration. Restoring a junk pistol is sort of like working a crossword puzzle. There is a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment when it is done.

[Collects]

rhmc24, that is a spectacular rescue of some old worn out parts into gorgeous antique showpiece Colts!

WOW!

[dbltaper]

nice rhmc24 houme do you have role marke you slides

[Holdin McGroin]

I have go change my shirt now due to drool spots, thanks a lot.

[rhmc24]

I do all the removal of pitting and polish them to mirror polish, then send to Turnbull's to put on the letterings and blue. Turnbull's has dies that stamp the lettering into the metal, just like Colt did originally. I have had work done by three other 'restorers' and they replaced the letterings with laser or high speed spindle engraver - none of them looking like the original but Turnbull's is great.