Revolver parts kit rebuild?

[CrystalPepzi]

This might seem like a stupid question, and this is obviously not the right place to ask about revolvers, but I've just been really curious about this for awhile now, and I thought it might be something fun to do.

I've been thinking about rebuilding a Colt Police Positive from a parts kit. The frame is obviously cut up, but I was thinking if I could maybe weld it back together using either a MIG or TIG welder. I also have access to machinery, so I can mill out some smaller pieces that are now gone, like part of the crane groove and the lower grip portion of the frame, and weld those to what's left of the frame.

Is this an achievable project that won't explode in my hand? or should I just quit thinking about it and look for something else to work on? The only other post I've seen regarding this question was from a different forum, but the guy was asking about a revolver chambered for .357 magnum, this one is .38 special.

I know nothing about revolvers, so I'd feel safer asking someone here that most likely knows more than me on this subject

here's the parts kit I'm talking about by the way
https://everygunpart.com/colt-police-positive-revolver-blued-9786.html

 

[sniperdoc]

It can be done, my mentor built a S&W M10 Victory Model from a similar kit. You will need to make a jig to keep the parts aligned. NEVER use +P Ammo in it.
Having said all that, I personally don't think it's worth the time and trouble from a financial standpoint, but if you're not counting dollars, it will be a rewarding experience. Parkerizing will help cover the welds.

 

[CrystalPepzi]

It can be done, my mentor built a S&W M10 Victory Model from a similar kit. You will need to make a jig to keep the parts aligned. NEVER use +P Ammo in it.
Having said all that, I personally don't think it's worth the time and trouble from a financial standpoint, but if you're not counting dollars, it will be a rewarding experience. Parkerizing will help cover the welds.

Thanks for the reply doc, seems like your mentor was very skilled in his trade. Was he able to fire it just fine? Was there any issues he ran into along the way? Money and cost of the project isn't too big of a concern for me; I already have access to most of the equipment I would need, or some good friends that would be willing to help out

 

[sniperdoc]

Yes, my mentor was extremely skilled.
The project took several weeks, and a ton of work. Basically, he had to replace every part except the frame. Everything was crushed then the frame was cut. He had to make a jig to straighten the frame, then reweld it. Even had to heat and reshape then rethread the hole in the frame where the barrel goes!
He eventually got it shooting, but he never really trusted it to handle anything but wadcutters.
His biggest problem was restraightening the frame, welding was just a matter of keeping the parts aligned, watching the heat, and making sure to keep all measurements in spec. (Had to fill in the cut areas)

 

[sniperdoc]

Re: My Mentor (May he Rest in Peace), he was the Best and Greatest Gunsmith I have ever known. He passed from this life before the days of the common use of the Internet; he was a WW2 Vet, and was the husband of my Paternal Grandfather's Cousin. He was an old man when he took me (a pre-teen) under his wing, and tuteledge. I will be forever grateful to him, and if I had 1/5 of his knowledge, I would be nationally renowned.
I think of, and sorely miss, him, every time I pick up a gun

 

[CrystalPepzi]

Yes, my mentor was extremely skilled.
The project took several weeks, and a ton of work. Basically, he had to replace every part except the frame. Everything was crushed then the frame was cut. He had to make a jig to straighten the frame, then reweld it. Even had to heat and reshape then rethread the hole in the frame where the barrel goes!
He eventually got it shooting, but he never really trusted it to handle anything but wadcutters.
His biggest problem was restraightening the frame, welding was just a matter of keeping the parts aligned, watching the heat, and making sure to keep all measurements in spec. (Had to fill in the cut areas)

oh wow, it was one of those kits??? I've seen those online and at gun shows, though I didn't think they were anything more then paperweights because of the damage done to them from being crushed. Hats off to him for getting something like that back to shooting condition, I'd be impressed enough if someone were to just get one of those to function anymore!

I wouldn't trust most revolvers (or any firearm for that matter) with any kind of +P ammo, I hear too many bad stories with that stuff.
Pretty sure the kit from the website is just cut in those two places, not crushed as far as I can tell, so I guess I don't have to worry about fixing those parts. Though I would need to make a tight welding jig to get the frame welded back straight, but that shouldn't be too hard hopefully.

 

[CrystalPepzi]

Re: My Mentor (May he Rest in Peace), he was the Best and Greatest Gunsmith I have ever known. He passed from this life before the days of the common use of the Internet; he was a WW2 Vet, and was the husband of my Paternal Grandfather's Cousin. He was an old man when he took me (a pre-teen) under his wing, and tuteledge. I will be forever grateful to him, and if I had 1/5 of his knowledge, I would be nationally renowned.
I think of, and sorely miss, him, every time I pick up a gun

I thank him for his service, and God bless him, he seemed like such a great person to have in your life. It must've been an honor having him as your mentor as well, and teach you about his knowledge on gunsmithing, not many people have had someone like that with them in their lives.

 

[sniperdoc]

I was most fortunate to have him in my life. He put up with my incessant questions, and patiently taught me how to use tools and equipment. He taught me about guns that I will never afford, and was a wonderful friend. Although he passed from this life almost 20 years ago, I will never forget him.