What to do

Fazer · 01-16-2008, 10:15 AM

I just picked up this 1917 as part of a trade. As can be sen, it has seen better days. It was buried in the back yard. Surprisingly, the bore is pretty good, and it shoots all right. All numbers are matching, I can not find any numbers on the grips. What do I do with it. Any ideas.
Thanks....Chip

Ron Smith · 01-16-2008, 10:39 AM

Frazer,

There's not much that you can do. I would make a nice wooden wall plaque and use it as a wall hanger.

Ron

Imperial Arms · 01-16-2008, 02:54 PM

Let it rest in peace!!

Zamo · 01-16-2008, 03:28 PM

Heck No! If it functions fine, and shoots well, slap a coat of THIS on it and SHOOT IT!!!
Who'se back yard was it found in? I wish I could find things like that in my backyard. I have rocks and nails in mine...

Here is a link to a refinishing job I did on a 1917 DWM that wasn't quite as bad, but still in need of a new "luster":
My 1917 Shooter

wlyon · 01-16-2008, 05:36 PM

I would be extremely cautious about shooting anything that has been buried and in that condition. I can't even imagine trying to shoot it. The wall plaque is an excellent suggestion. Bill

Ron Smith · 01-16-2008, 11:49 PM

If the rust has fully permeated the metal, and at it's very possible that it has. It could go off like a grenade if fired. I would retire it, and just enjoy looking at it.

Ron

Tim Reynolds · 01-18-2008, 10:15 AM

It would make a cool looking hammer on the pistol workbench.

01-16-2008, 10:15 AM	#1
Fazer Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: May 2005 Location: Perth, West Oz Posts: 93 Thanks: 0 Thanked 6 Times in 4 Posts	What to do I just picked up this 1917 as part of a trade. As can be sen, it has seen better days. It was buried in the back yard. Surprisingly, the bore is pretty good, and it shoots all right. All numbers are matching, I can not find any numbers on the grips. What do I do with it. Any ideas. Thanks....Chip

01-16-2008, 10:39 AM	#2
Ron Smith User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 118 Thanked 245 Times in 150 Posts	Frazer, There's not much that you can do. I would make a nice wooden wall plaque and use it as a wall hanger. Ron __________________ I Still Need DWM side plate #49... if anyone runs across a nice one. What ~Rudyard Kipling~ said...

01-16-2008, 05:36 PM	#5
wlyon Lifer 2X Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: May 2005 Location: Somewhere in Montana Posts: 2,636 Thanks: 3,174 Thanked 2,559 Times in 955 Posts	I would be extremely cautious about shooting anything that has been buried and in that condition. I can't even imagine trying to shoot it. The wall plaque is an excellent suggestion. Bill __________________ Bill Lyon

01-16-2008, 11:49 PM	#6
Ron Smith User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 118 Thanked 245 Times in 150 Posts	If the rust has fully permeated the metal, and at it's very possible that it has. It could go off like a grenade if fired. I would retire it, and just enjoy looking at it. Ron __________________ I Still Need DWM side plate #49... if anyone runs across a nice one. What ~Rudyard Kipling~ said...

01-18-2008, 10:15 AM	#7
Tim Reynolds User Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 40 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	It would make a cool looking hammer on the pistol workbench. __________________ If the magazine does not match,it is a mismatched Luger

01-16-2008, 02:54 PM	#3
Imperial Arms Banned Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Malta, EU Posts: 579 Thanks: 0 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts	Let it rest in peace!!

01-16-2008, 03:28 PM	#4
Zamo User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Washington State Posts: 142 Thanks: 4 Thanked 13 Times in 9 Posts	Heck No! If it functions fine, and shoots well, slap a coat of THIS on it and SHOOT IT!!! Who'se back yard was it found in? I wish I could find things like that in my backyard. I have rocks and nails in mine... Here is a link to a refinishing job I did on a 1917 DWM that wasn't quite as bad, but still in need of a new "luster": My 1917 Shooter