Can this pistol be restored?

[jymbee]

Found this old pistol in a stored away container. Doesn't appear to be a particularly valuable pistol even in mint condition but given it belonged to our grandfather there's something of a sentimental attachment. I was wondering that even though it's in horrible shape is it even possible to restore it or is it beyond any kind of restoration at this point?

 

[jymbee]

Forgot to mention, if it's not apparent, the pistol is a Hopkins & Allen 32 caliber pistol.

 

[jeff9366]

The inside is probably as corroded as the outside. Restoring internal bits, especially springs and sear, is probably not possible unless parts are available, which I doubt.

You could be looking at 40 hours of specialist gunsmith labor @ $50 per hour, plus cost of re-nickling, another $250. Value of the piece would then be NO HIGHER than it is now.

 

[M5farms]

Looks like its in decent shape, a good smith could take a look and see if it has any issues , FWIW my mom has a blued version (bought at a pawn shop) of it in her car door. Ive shot it several times and its a handy little gun.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Sure it can be restored, you will just have to keep throwing money at it until they get it where you want it!

SR

 

[bigtiller]

I wouldn't try to restore it. Spray it with a clear finish and hang it high on the wall in the workshop. It will make you smile every time you look up at it.

 

[bcp]

"Made functional" is cheaper than "restored."

Bruce

 

[jymbee]

"Made functional" is cheaper than "restored."

Bruce

Got it. Thanks to all for the input. I'm thinking the financial considerations at this point are outweighing the sentimental ones.

 

[JRobyn]

In your shoes, I'd leave that one exactly as-is and proudly display it for "historical" significance, and then order one of these -

NAA-22MC-BTII – North American Arms

to keep in your pocket to remind me of grandpa.

 

[RNeumann]

Got it. Thanks to all for the input. I'm thinking the financial considerations at this point are outweighing the sentimental ones.

The sentimental ones a huge (IMHO) as it is. What a beautiful display piece of family history. Knowing that it can’t/doesn’t fire makes it a piece that can be displayed rather than locked away or hidden from view.