New Project

The pistol pictured below is an ARMSCO  59 22 caliber revolver. It was made in Nashville TN somewhere between late 1940's and  1950's by Freidmans Army Navy Store. They originally sold for anywhere between $12 and $25. The revolver is strange because you pull out the pin that the cylinder is on and remove the cylinder to load/unload the gun. The pin on mine is just held in by a small clip. Later models had a threaded pin. I guess the pin could fall out. I bought it from a guy at the range and got the pistol, a holster and some ammo for $45. There is a screw missing and one grip is broken but other than that it's all there. I did not buy it to shoot it, I bought it to see if I can fix it up.I'll shoot it a couple of times and put it away.

The gun was very cheaply made. I am not sure but the barrel is not rifled. This thing probably is as accurate as throwing bricks at someone. The trigger pull almost took two hands but after I took it apart and cleaned and oiled it it is better but still very stiff. The gun was sold to me as a working gun so I am gong to the range and shoot it before I really start working on it. I have actually found a place to get parts.

This is the gun as purchased. Note missing screw.

This shows how to load/unload.

This is it apart. There was a lot of rust and gunk on the inside.

Here it is back together with the holster and ammo.

I have found a place to buy parts and will replace all screws and springs. Possibly a new hammer in case I screw up the old one trying to get the trigger pull down to a manageable level.

UPDATE (3/27/14) - Took it to range today and it worked fine. Tough to figure out how to aim it but it shoots straight. It is now completely broken down again and sanding/polishing has started.