I started taking out some guns from the safe to clean and inspect. I thought I'd go through a couple, but started and stopped at my 39A. It was the first time I broke it down to clean. It is a little disconcerting banging the left side of the barrel to break it apart and I had to watch a YouTube video to be sure.
Of the firearms I own, this is the last one I would sell. My father did not have many guns. He shot tons before he was married and had kids. This was the only one that wasn't stolen during a break in when I was 10. The Ruger Black Hawk .44 was his favorite, and the low lifes that stole it most likely just threw away the leather gun belt he hand crafted.
I did not ever get to fire it. They missed this 39A, because it was in a gun case among the clothes. So this is my only heirloom gun.
I've got two questions on this. First, the serial is Y22xx. From what I've been able to Google, I'm see this as 1964 for date of manufacture. Is that right?
The stock is hand rubbed linseed oil. Dad described how they stripped it down and then coated and rubbed (and repeated many times). He kept it in a zippered case, with some felt lining. This has joined with the stock a little and made it slightly furry. I also feel a little wood grain. My plan is to pull off the stocks and use a heat gun and some light steel wool to dress this down. Is that the right move here? I don't want to do anything bad to the stock.
I think I'll be taking this out for some tree rats this season. I'm sure dad will tag along in spirit.
Of the firearms I own, this is the last one I would sell. My father did not have many guns. He shot tons before he was married and had kids. This was the only one that wasn't stolen during a break in when I was 10. The Ruger Black Hawk .44 was his favorite, and the low lifes that stole it most likely just threw away the leather gun belt he hand crafted.
I did not ever get to fire it. They missed this 39A, because it was in a gun case among the clothes. So this is my only heirloom gun.I've got two questions on this. First, the serial is Y22xx. From what I've been able to Google, I'm see this as 1964 for date of manufacture. Is that right?
The stock is hand rubbed linseed oil. Dad described how they stripped it down and then coated and rubbed (and repeated many times). He kept it in a zippered case, with some felt lining. This has joined with the stock a little and made it slightly furry. I also feel a little wood grain. My plan is to pull off the stocks and use a heat gun and some light steel wool to dress this down. Is that the right move here? I don't want to do anything bad to the stock.
I think I'll be taking this out for some tree rats this season. I'm sure dad will tag along in spirit.
Last edited:
