Is this old gun safe to use?

reader99 · 03-19-2003, 03:53 PM

My husband has had a small handgun (sorry, I know nothing about guns, to specify what it is) for about 35 years. It has never been fired or cleaned, just sat in a drawer.

Is it any good any more? If so, do we need to do anything to it before using it? If not, what would cause it not to be good anymore?

Thanks for your information!

Reader99

Geech · 03-19-2003, 04:28 PM

Guns can keep for a long time, but your best bet would be to take it to a local gunsmith and have him check it out.

wes · 03-19-2003, 04:38 PM

I agree with a gunsmith. If you could tell us more about it,such as who made it,model,ANYTHING that's written on the gun, we could maybe help you a bit more.

oneastrix · 03-19-2003, 07:32 PM

Both of the above posts are on the right on the money. The gun should have words written on it that would allow us to identify it for you.

First thing first, and I in no way mean to insult you, do you know whether or not the gun is loaded? As you said you are new to guns. If you don't know whether or not it is loaded, don't touch it. Find somebody there who knows how to handle it. Ammunition is good for a long long time......I would hate for you to have an accidental discharge.

Second, is it a revolver or an automatic? In other words, does it have a cylinder in the middle of it, or does it have a magazine (clip) in the handle, or at least a place for one?

Just some starter questions. Welcome to the site! We'll try to assist you in anyway we can!

Mon Bathan · 03-19-2003, 07:43 PM

Welcome to G&G.

Give us more details so we can we can probably assist you more.

You're the second female member who made a post to the site.
-----------

Miss SS... you now have a colleague around

Mon

Doglips · 03-19-2003, 08:36 PM

Gunsmith is the best bet...in terms of is it safe to fire....most likely needs to have someone physicly inspect it to see if rust (since never fired or cleaned....about the only thing I can think of) has caused a problem.
If you look on the sides of the pistol you should have beable to find the name and calaber...if you post that people can give you some more infromation..... Some companies warenty their firearms for life.

Welcome abord...always nice to see new people.

Shaun · 03-19-2003, 08:36 PM

I agree with everything 1* is asking as I am under the idea that you may not be very familiar with firearms.

oneastrix · 03-19-2003, 08:47 PM

I'd just hate to see somebody hurt themselves.............at leat reader99 came looking for advice instead of just fooling around.

reader99 · 03-20-2003, 01:56 PM

OK, got the gun here, it's a cute little thing but heavy. Silver color, the handle has a dark amber plastic plate screwed to each side, which is a little loose. Has tab to cock it like the old Westerns, and round thing where the bullets go which turns easily and all the holes are empty. The little holes have discolorations around them, making me wonder if it was used when DH bought it. No visible rust.

Writing: "Clerke 1st" in a banner.
"Mfg by Clerke Technicorp
Santa Monica California"
By the barrell, "22LR"
On the bottom of the butt "282422"

Does the fact that all the holes are empty mean it isn't loaded, or could there be one inside somewhere?

If it is any good, how can one sell it - I know Ebay won't allow it.

Thanks!

Reader99

PAPA G · 03-20-2003, 02:08 PM

cheap gun, not worth much. what you call tab is the hammer, the round thing is the cylinder where the cartridges go. its not very good for target or defense use. if you do sell it it won't bring much. sorry

Doglips · 03-20-2003, 02:26 PM

22 LR ammunition is realy inexpensive to buy/shoot (from$1 to $4 for 50 rounds..bullets). If you have a shooting range (usaly under guns in the yellow pages) close to you they can teach you to shoot. What you have is called a revolver...the bulletts go in to the cylender (round thing)....empty holes are good...means not loaded ... the pilstol is very simple to use and being a 22 LR is a great pistol for the first time shooter...but that is something that you just cant show/teach over the internet.....most ranges (indoor or out) usaly have people who are willing to help/teach new people for free....
Not sure what state you are in....but the local range/gun store can let you know about the gun laws in your are.....
Hope this helps.

Big Dog · 03-20-2003, 06:04 PM

Doing a search on "Clerke" I came up with a couple items at the Guns & Ammo aucton site:

A .22 revolver similar to the H&R and Iver Johnson types:
http://www.gunsandammoauctions.com/a...p?Item=7949144

A .32 model very similar:
http://www.gunsandammoauctions.com/a...p?Item=7936816

The stamping in the frame makes me think these guns are made of Zamak, a cheap zinc alloy used in the lowest grade guns. In the LEO world, these type guns are called "Roscoes" - a derogatory term due to their cheapness. I wouldn't try to use it for self-defense, and it likely isn't accurate enough for a decent plinker.
Best bet is to turn it in on one of those "buy-back programs" - you'll get more money than a pawnshop will give you, and if it's destroyed, it's no loss.

If you do want a decent gun to buy, just discuss what your needs are, and the guys and gals here can steer you to something good but still inexpensive.

03-19-2003, 03:53 PM	#1
reader99 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 2	Is this old gun safe to use? My husband has had a small handgun (sorry, I know nothing about guns, to specify what it is) for about 35 years. It has never been fired or cleaned, just sat in a drawer. Is it any good any more? If so, do we need to do anything to it before using it? If not, what would cause it not to be good anymore? Thanks for your information! Reader99

03-19-2003, 07:32 PM	#4
oneastrix Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 5,213	Both of the above posts are on the right on the money. The gun should have words written on it that would allow us to identify it for you. First thing first, and I in no way mean to insult you, do you know whether or not the gun is loaded? As you said you are new to guns. If you don't know whether or not it is loaded, don't touch it. Find somebody there who knows how to handle it. Ammunition is good for a long long time......I would hate for you to have an accidental discharge. Second, is it a revolver or an automatic? In other words, does it have a cylinder in the middle of it, or does it have a magazine (clip) in the handle, or at least a place for one? Just some starter questions. Welcome to the site! We'll try to assist you in anyway we can! __________________ There's no one more thankful to sit at the table, than the one who best remembers hunger's pain. Last edited by oneastrix; 03-19-2003 at 07:35 PM.

03-19-2003, 08:36 PM	#7
Shaun Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 8,619 Images: 1	I agree with everything 1* is asking as I am under the idea that you may not be very familiar with firearms. __________________ "Homeland Security is the responsibility of an armed citizen" ME http://webpages.charter.net/s.s.v/

03-19-2003, 08:47 PM	#8
oneastrix Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 5,213	I'd just hate to see somebody hurt themselves.............at leat reader99 came looking for advice instead of just fooling around. __________________ There's no one more thankful to sit at the table, than the one who best remembers hunger's pain.

03-20-2003, 02:08 PM	#10
PAPA G Guest Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: somerset, kentucky Posts: 11	FUGIDABODIT!!! cheap gun, not worth much. what you call tab is the hammer, the round thing is the cylinder where the cartridges go. its not very good for target or defense use. if you do sell it it won't bring much. sorry

03-19-2003, 04:28 PM	#2
Geech Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 50	Guns can keep for a long time, but your best bet would be to take it to a local gunsmith and have him check it out.

03-19-2003, 04:38 PM	#3
wes Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Loveland Co Posts: 1,905	I agree with a gunsmith. If you could tell us more about it,such as who made it,model,ANYTHING that's written on the gun, we could maybe help you a bit more.

03-19-2003, 07:43 PM	#5
Mon Bathan Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Philippines Posts: 255	Welcome to G&G. Give us more details so we can we can probably assist you more. You're the second female member who made a post to the site. ----------- Miss SS... you now have a colleague around Mon

03-19-2003, 08:36 PM	#6
Doglips Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Cocoa Florida Posts: 9,088	Gunsmith is the best bet...in terms of is it safe to fire....most likely needs to have someone physicly inspect it to see if rust (since never fired or cleaned....about the only thing I can think of) has caused a problem. If you look on the sides of the pistol you should have beable to find the name and calaber...if you post that people can give you some more infromation..... Some companies warenty their firearms for life. Welcome abord...always nice to see new people.

03-20-2003, 01:56 PM	#9
reader99 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 2	OK, got the gun here, it's a cute little thing but heavy. Silver color, the handle has a dark amber plastic plate screwed to each side, which is a little loose. Has tab to cock it like the old Westerns, and round thing where the bullets go which turns easily and all the holes are empty. The little holes have discolorations around them, making me wonder if it was used when DH bought it. No visible rust. Writing: "Clerke 1st" in a banner. "Mfg by Clerke Technicorp Santa Monica California" By the barrell, "22LR" On the bottom of the butt "282422" Does the fact that all the holes are empty mean it isn't loaded, or could there be one inside somewhere? If it is any good, how can one sell it - I know Ebay won't allow it. Thanks! Reader99

03-20-2003, 02:26 PM	#11
Doglips Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Cocoa Florida Posts: 9,088	22 LR ammunition is realy inexpensive to buy/shoot (from$1 to $4 for 50 rounds..bullets). If you have a shooting range (usaly under guns in the yellow pages) close to you they can teach you to shoot. What you have is called a revolver...the bulletts go in to the cylender (round thing)....empty holes are good...means not loaded ... the pilstol is very simple to use and being a 22 LR is a great pistol for the first time shooter...but that is something that you just cant show/teach over the internet.....most ranges (indoor or out) usaly have people who are willing to help/teach new people for free.... Not sure what state you are in....but the local range/gun store can let you know about the gun laws in your are..... Hope this helps.

03-20-2003, 06:04 PM	#12
Big Dog Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Posts: 10,412	Doing a search on "Clerke" I came up with a couple items at the Guns & Ammo aucton site: A .22 revolver similar to the H&R and Iver Johnson types: http://www.gunsandammoauctions.com/a...p?Item=7949144 A .32 model very similar: http://www.gunsandammoauctions.com/a...p?Item=7936816 The stamping in the frame makes me think these guns are made of Zamak, a cheap zinc alloy used in the lowest grade guns. In the LEO world, these type guns are called "Roscoes" - a derogatory term due to their cheapness. I wouldn't try to use it for self-defense, and it likely isn't accurate enough for a decent plinker. Best bet is to turn it in on one of those "buy-back programs" - you'll get more money than a pawnshop will give you, and if it's destroyed, it's no loss. If you do want a decent gun to buy, just discuss what your needs are, and the guys and gals here can steer you to something good but still inexpensive. __________________ Moderator of: AR15/M16, M14/M1A, New/Beginning Shooters and Militaria/Collectables.