Smith wesson 1903 32 long

Ts_1911

Ts_1911

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I have the opportunity to buy this for $250.00. I kind of like it because its old but the picture is all that I know about it. I wish it was blued but its nickle plated. Could it be refinished? Obviously it dosen't have much value? But kinda want to maybe have a little project gun. Is it somthing that can be saved or not worth the hassle.
 
I bought one in worse shape than that one for about half that price several years ago. I fixed the mechanical issues and did a slow rust blue on it. Its a hoot to shoot!!!

I equate the 32S&W long to a big 22 lr round. I cast and handload for mine so its penny's per round to shoot. Its just a fun little gun and round to have. You have to be careful though, the 32s will start to multiply after you get your first one.
 
cold1 said:
I bought one in worse shape than that one for about half that price several years ago. I fixed the mechanical issues and did a slow rust blue on it. Its a hoot to shoot!!!

I equate the 32S&W long to a big 22 lr round. I cast and handload for mine so its penny's per round to shoot. Its just a fun little gun and round to have. You have to be careful though, the 32s will start to multiply after you get your first one.
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Was yours nickel also when you got it?
 
Ts_1911 said:
Was yours nickel also when you got it?
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No it wasn't. I have no idea how to strip the Nickel. I have seen several references to send it to a nickle plater to have it stripped. I've been told that the cost is reasonable but I don't have any firsthand knowledge.
 
cold1 said:
No it wasn't. I have no idea how to strip the Nickel. I have seen several references to send it to a nickle plater to have it stripped. I've been told that the cost is reasonable but I don't have any firsthand knowledge.
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Start with "Ed's Red" a 50/50 mix of acetone and automatic tranny fluid. Strip it down and let it soak for at least a week - proceed with caution thereafter. Your patience will be rewarded.
 
Ts_1911 said:
Oooh thats purty! I checked and brownells sells nickle remover. I would then try rust blue, to try and make it like yours, but I have never done anything like that before.
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Again, would start with "Ed's Red" Happy to send the OP some pics... My goal would be to preserve as much of the original finish as possible. If the Ed's Red doesn't work as you'd like, you've lost nothing.
 
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jfanatic said:
Again, would start with "Ed's Red" Happy to send the OP some pics... My goal would be to preserve as much of the original finish as possible. If the Ed's Red doesn't work as you'd like, you've lost nothing.
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I like the eds red idea thanks!
 
Ts_1911 said:
I like the eds red idea thanks!
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Once you give it a nice soaking (grips removed as well as the cylinder assembly if possible - grips for sure though - and be careful with their removal as well!), proceed with patience and caution with the soft touch of a Scotch Brite pad. Patience is your friend here. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at the results.
 
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jfanatic said:
Again, would start with "Ed's Red" Happy to send the OP some pics... My goal would be to preserve as much of the original finish as possible. If the Ed's Red doesn't work as you'd like, you've lost nothing.
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Hey, any chance you could post pics of your "stripper days" in the projects thread or some such? I like learning how to re-do stuff... Would love to see how Ed's Red works on metal finishes.

I understand it's also used as a cleaner/solvent, yeah?
 
Windini said:
Hey, any chance you could post pics of your "stripper days" in the projects thread or some such? I like learning how to re-do stuff... Would love to see how Ed's Red works on metal finishes.

I understand it's also used as a cleaner/solvent, yeah?
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No idea how you know I was a stripper, but happy to! I think I'll be on good footing if I post a few here....... I wasn't as patient as I could have been with this one, but gives you an idea of what might be possible.M38_3.jpgM38 soak.jpgM38_post clean.jpg
 
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This one looks like a still from the intro to a 70's TV crime drama! :D



M38 soak.jpg
 
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Another "list" for another day! ;)

Also, for us that grew up on Hoppes.......and still use it, this 50/50 mix smells great!!!!
 
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Not looking for any, flush with the stuff, was just curious. Thanks for sharing the link though.
 
jfanatic said:
Not looking for any, flush with the stuff, was just curious. Thanks for sharing the link though.
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Yea was just showing how crazy the price was. What gets me is even the weird calibers are scarce and high priced, I mean how many people could possibly have 32 long and decided to run out and buy it all up.
 
jfanatic said:
Start with "Ed's Red" a 50/50 mix of acetone and automatic tranny fluid. Strip it down and let it soak for at least a week - proceed with caution thereafter. Your patience will be rewarded.
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I am familiar with Ed's Red. I have made and used it several times. The recipe is considered safe for blued and Nickel finishes. I'm not sure how its supposed to strip nickel.
 
cold1 said:
I am familiar with Ed's Red. I have made and used it several times. The recipe is considered safe for blued and Nickel finishes. I'm not sure how its supposed to strip nickel.
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Wasn’t suggesting to use it to strip it, but rather an attempt to preserve the existing finish.
 
I have a gazillion cases and 98 gr wadcutters, load mild for my Walther bullseye gun.
Maybe you can find a set of dies?

Sold my matching revolver tho.
 
jfanatic said:
Wasn’t suggesting to use it to strip it, but rather an attempt to preserve the existing finish.
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I misunderstood your post. It sounded like eds red could be used from stripping.

I agree with you that its great for cleaning and preserving whats there.
 
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