Can this pistol be restored?

jymbee · Nov 28, 2017

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 · Nov 28, 2017

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

jeff9366 · Nov 28, 2017

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 · Nov 28, 2017

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 · Nov 28, 2017

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 · Nov 28, 2017

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 · Nov 28, 2017

"Made functional" is cheaper than "restored."

Bruce

jymbee · Nov 28, 2017

bcp said:
"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 · Nov 28, 2017

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 · Nov 28, 2017

jymbee said:
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.