Colt SAA .32-20 questions
Okay, I'm a complete gun novice, and I've registered because you folks might know the answer to my questions. I've had to go online to a number of sites just to get enough terminology to write this, and to identify the gun in question via web photos.
I've inherited from my deceased father a Colt Single Action Army Revolver, 32 WCF (.32-20), 7 1/2" barrel, black composite grip (without the "Double Eagle" imprint), serial # 231,9XX. My online homework suggests that the serial # seems to put it as a "First Generation," of which Wikipedia tells me 43,284 were manufactured in this .32-20 caliber. I suspect that Dad picked it up during his service in WWII.
Alas, the gun has a fair amount of surface rust and pitting. It also appears that at some point, the revolver was dropped onto a hard surface, causing a bit of damage. There are some scratches and nicks on the barrel and cylinder; the ejector unit pin's front-end thumb slide is broken off where it protrudes on the left (though the interior spring is still intact and working); and finally, the base pin is broken off, with a small piece still embedded in the base-pin bushing.
In all other respects the weapon appears to be in very good, tight working order. It cocks just fine, and the trigger action is smooth. The bore is dirty, but doesn't look rusted or pitted.
I'd like to sell the gun. If, based on my description so far, you think this is worth pursuing, I'll be happy to take and post photos.
I've inherited from my deceased father a Colt Single Action Army Revolver, 32 WCF (.32-20), 7 1/2" barrel, black composite grip (without the "Double Eagle" imprint), serial # 231,9XX. My online homework suggests that the serial # seems to put it as a "First Generation," of which Wikipedia tells me 43,284 were manufactured in this .32-20 caliber. I suspect that Dad picked it up during his service in WWII.
Alas, the gun has a fair amount of surface rust and pitting. It also appears that at some point, the revolver was dropped onto a hard surface, causing a bit of damage. There are some scratches and nicks on the barrel and cylinder; the ejector unit pin's front-end thumb slide is broken off where it protrudes on the left (though the interior spring is still intact and working); and finally, the base pin is broken off, with a small piece still embedded in the base-pin bushing.
In all other respects the weapon appears to be in very good, tight working order. It cocks just fine, and the trigger action is smooth. The bore is dirty, but doesn't look rusted or pitted.
I'd like to sell the gun. If, based on my description so far, you think this is worth pursuing, I'll be happy to take and post photos.
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Hi, Robert, and welcome to the forum.
Your Colt was manufacture in 1902 and the parts you described are fairly easy to replace. You can remove the light rust with very fine steel wool soaked in gun oil but don't do any more than that.
Pictures would be very much appreciated by all as Colt SAA's are always of interest. Just upload them to a picture hosting site and post the link or images here.0 -
Spider, thanks! I do have a cleaning kit, but I'm paranoid about doing anything that will diminish the value. Before I tidy it up, does anyone else want to give a second opinion about my doing that? And should I even attempt to clean the bore? 0 -
It would be best if you posted quality photos, before doing anything to the Colt.
Here are instructions for posting photos to the forum.
http://forums.gunbroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2592940 -
quote:Originally posted by RobertTheWriter
Spider, thanks! I do have a cleaning kit, but I'm paranoid about doing anything that will diminish the value. Before I tidy it up, does anyone else want to give a second opinion about my doing that? And should I even attempt to clean the bore?
If you're that worried, then I agree with Rufe. Please post good, clear,closeup pictures and we'll do our best to assist you.0 -
Thanks, folks. Will do, probably tomorrow a.m. 0 -
Here it is: 
The bright light of the flash makes the rust look worse than it looks in real life, and I've done nothing yet to clean it up. I'm sure I can make the finish look better. Still, your advice is welcome.
Thanks0 -
Great job on the photos! I think you are going to be very happy with the prognosis!!!! I will let the experts call this one! I will however say that you will most likely get more money for your gun if you do not touch it!...some of us pay big for rust!...[:D] 0 -
Your revolver should clean up nicely. Use extra fine steel wool (or "Chore Boy" copper wool available at your local grocery store) soaked in gun oil and lightly rub the rusted areas. Clean the bore with some Hoppes #9 nitro solvent on a brass brush and then clean with a soft cloth patch. Once the bore is clean, finish it up with a light coating of oil. Clean the moving parts with cloth & an old toothbrush and lightly oil.
You can get your missing parts here: http://www.coltparts.com/pt_saa1late.html
You can download an owner's manual here: http://stevespages.com/pdf/colt_single_action_army.pdf
Here is a detailed disassembly manual: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3901187552970 -
DO NOT use steel wool of any kind it will cost you $$$ get some KROIL ans wet the gun as well as a rag and then wrap the wet with Kroil around the pistol to keep the surface wet but all of this in a zip lock bag and leave for 48 hours Then either a brass pot scrubber or burlap bag and wipe the loose dirt and rust off you can also use Kroil on the bore of the barrel. any thing more will end up costing you money. 0 -
I'm very encouraged by your positive responses. Thanks! Sounds as if I might have a collectible.
But there doesn't yet seem to be a consensus as to whether I leave this sucker alone, or try to clean it -- or even repair it.
I'm not interested in keeping this; I'd like to sell it, but get the max value for it. If that means tidying it up, fine. But if collectors would pay more for such a piece as-is, then I won't touch it, or let anyone else do so. (Anyway, an experienced person no doubt could do a far better job bringing it back than I could.)
What are the reasons for either choice? Remember, I'm a babe in the woods here, so have mercy! And thanks again for your encouragement and input.0 -
Oh, and one more thing. Would it be worth the price to get a letter from Colt on this gun before selling it? I have no box for it, incidentally. 0
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