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?
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.
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!
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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.
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.
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
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.
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.
I have the same question, my father died couple of mounths ago and I found his old gun, and I wanted to try it out but i'm not familiar with guns. Its an old .32 s&w looks like a chinese one with arrows and strange symbols, also i see a date on it 1932 and its not loaded. And i can't go to the local gun smith cause the gun isnt registerd on my name and dont wanna get into trouble.. The problem is i dont want it to blow up in my face and die or lose some fingers.. what do i need to do before using this gun :s
I have the same question, my father died couple of mounths ago and I found his old gun, and I wanted to try it out but i'm not familiar with guns. Its an old .32 s&w looks like a chinese one with arrows and strange symbols, also i see a date on it 1932 and its not loaded. And i can't go to the local gun smith cause the gun isnt registerd on my name and dont wanna get into trouble.. The problem is i dont want it to blow up in my face and die or lose some fingers.. what do i need to do before using this gun :s
what state are you in there are a lot of states that don't require registration.older 32 s&w are very suspect as for as being able to handle moder day pressures can you post a picture
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nobody ever checks you for actual registration of the gun unless it is something really illegal to own in your area. ALL gunsmiths i know would understand that something that old most likely would be from a deceased family member so i highly doubt any gunsmith would be such an a-holio to give you troubles.
when i first read the original post i thought maybe after 35 years she has had enough of her husband and we are all accomplices in helping her "check" her handgun for it's use hence we did not get a description or picture of the firearm in question.
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.
I have the same question, my father died couple of mounths ago and I found his old gun, and I wanted to try it out but i'm not familiar with guns. Its an old .32 s&w looks like a chinese one with arrows and strange symbols, also i see a date on it 1932 and its not loaded. And i can't go to the local gun smith cause the gun isnt registerd on my name and dont wanna get into trouble.. The problem is i dont want it to blow up in my face and die or lose some fingers.. what do i need to do before using this gun :s
If it's a .32 rimfire you probably don't want to try to fire it without having a competent gunsmith look at it.
A lot of old guns can be used as Trade-ins when you purchase new guns...might not get you much in trade, but it gives you less of a waiting period, and it helps you get a mroe reliable weapon.
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