My jeweler gave me a side project.
 

We dropped off my wife's fake Rolex to get the band fixed. We started B.S'ing like we always do and we started talking about guns. He asked if I work on guns. I said I did and could, but it's not my regular line of work. He hands me a tub and says, "Can ya' fix this?"

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p...jectgun001.jpg

Apparently, this Ruger .22 went through a fire. The grips were melted away, but upon closer inspection, that looks to be the worst of the damage. I told him I'd give it a shot. (no pun intended)

I started to clean everything up and get the parts dry fit so I could see what's what. I ended up missing three pieces. One of which is the sear spring. (really important) ...but it's looking better.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p...npuzzle001.jpg

I used engine paint on the receiver and polished the barrel. (pretty sure it's nickel. It cleaned much easier than steel would have) Now all I need are some grips.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p...ostdone001.jpg

I looked around for the most exotic tree on my property to make some grips out of. Here's what I came up with. I even contoured them for your thumb and fingers. They're quite comfy. I hope the guy likes them.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p...ssembly001.jpg

As soon as everything is good and dry, I'll put it together one last time.

Nice work! We'll need a pic when it's done.

That is cool.

I wish I had some talent like that, looks good.

Will do! This urethane is taking forever to dry. Five hours later and it's still tacky on the edges. I did put it on thick though. I can't wait to give it back to the guy. He should be happy with it.

wow that is cool man!!

Very nice work.

Nice work man! I'm sure your Jeweler will really like it when he see's it.

This turned out very nice. I put it all together this morning when I got up. Check it out......

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p...epuzzle001.jpg

Beautiful work making those grips, looks like a new gun.

Thanks, Hank. I just ordered a new sear spring, so it'll be 100% again in a couple days.

wow dude nice work! i should have you come over and do some wood work at my house :)

About 15 years ago, it wouldn't have been a big deal, but now I live kinda far away.

I used to live in Quakertown, and went to Knoebel's Grove every summer.

Just a quick update...

This thing is officially a pistol again! I had some problems with a gummed up main spring. (I forgot to take it apart and clean the bore it's in) Once I got that squared away, I took it out back, loaded a round in the chamber and pulled the trigger. (point black into my fire pit) It fired, the shell casing ejected and nothing came apart. (including my hand) As soon as the sear spring gets here, It'll be a perfect working pistol again.

WOO HOO!

Very nice.

I love how the wood came out. Nice job.

Very nice.

Thanks everyone. I'm pretty proud of it.

So when are you going to go back to your Jeweler ? Or are you just gonna keep the gun ? :)

He is going to use it to get the wife a real Rolex.:p

And he will then be posting from his jail cell ,hope not.

I'm supposed to get the sear spring tomorrow. So after I put the spring in it, I'll give it back to him.

Excellent work, I dabble in firearms - but not to that extent. Maybe when I am done rebuilding cars, I will get to spend more time playing with guns. :D

I got the sear spring in finally. It works like a new one again. I'll give it back today while I'm in town. He should be happy with it.

good job man glad it all worked out for you

So how did he like it ?

He liked it alot. He gave it to his wife for an early Mother's day gift. I took it to the range and put about 10 rounds through it before I gave it back. It worked perfect.

That is so cool Alan. Boy I hope you got something good out of the jeweler. :)

He made a custom white gold and diamond wedding band to match my wife's engagement ring. It's beautiful. He charged me $200 for the ring. :D

I think that you got something good out of the deal too. Is it a surprise for her ?

No. Just something that she's wanted for a long time. We were finally able to get her her wedding ring so it doesn't look like she's only engaged anymore. :D

Great job.