Should I or should'nt I...???

[Guest 808-South]

A friend of mine has a U.S revolver. 38. Top break type.... It needs to be restored. Works but it needs the spring that is in the handle. I dont know much about it. Anyone know about these pistols??

My question is, I plan to trade him my Taurus pt917c blue. Should I or shouldnt I????

Edited July 14, 2011 by 808-South

[Caster]

I've had a tote sack full of Iver Johnsons, Harrington & Richardsons, ECT. Cool little top break revolvers. All junk. I've tried restoring them many times. I've made parts for them, tracked down parts for them.....all I can tell you is, I hope you fare better than me. I've always gotten the shaft, I've yet to be able to get one to work while attempting a restoration

[Guest 808-South]

I've had a tote sack full of Iver Johnsons, Harrington & Richardsons, ECT. Cool little top break revolvers. All junk. I've tried restoring them many times. I've made parts for them, tracked down parts for them.....all I can tell you is, I hope you fare better than me. I've always gotten the shaft, I've yet to be able to get one to work while attempting a restoration

I dont know anything about this pistol. He claims its a WWII era pistol from his great grandfather. Its got a broken spring in the handle and the cylinders dont advance. He wants my Taurus for a trade. And Im not sure if, we got a even trade going and if restoring it is worth it.

[Raoul]

I've had a tote sack full of Iver Johnsons, Harrington & Richardsons, ECT. Cool little top break revolvers. All junk. I've tried restoring them many times. I've made parts for them, tracked down parts for them.....all I can tell you is, I hope you fare better than me. I've always gotten the shaft, I've yet to be able to get one to work while attempting a restoration

This^

Most of the top break revolvers are junk. They were mostly the saturday night specials of their day.

[MacGyver]

That pistol isn't worth much. Not even a Taurus. You'd be getting the short end of that deal.

[Guest 808-South]

That pistol isn't worth much. Not even a Taurus. You'd be getting the short end of that deal.

Thanks...I was really wondering if it was worth it.

[hipower]

In a word...No. Trade a functioning pistol for one that doesn't? Never.

[Guest 808-South]

I guess being old doesnt always mean its worth something.

[Raoul]

I guess being old doesnt always mean its worth something.

Yeah that describes me pretty well.

[Caster]

Yeah that describes me pretty well.

HA!!!!

[gregintenn]

I think I paid $20 for the last one I bought...ant it works. They are very low quality. Better hang on to your Taurus. I'll bet if you look closely, it won't be a 38 Special either. A box of shells will be worth considerably more than the gun.

[Randy L]

Gregintenn is correct it is most likely chambered in 38 S&W not to be confused with 38 spl and they were never issued by the military they were made by Iver Johnson they sell for $70.00-80.00 dollars on Gun Broker in working condition.

[Guest 808-South]

Yeah that describes me pretty well.

Hahaha!!!

[Guest 808-South]

Thanks guys. All your info is greatly appreciated. And have avoided me from making a costly mistake...