Well I found solid steel at 21 1/2" so I have rare Wells Fargo BH coach gun now. At 22" I could push a screwdriver through the barrel.
I put all the parts back in the receiver and it locks up tight, cocks and fires. All the internal parts that have serial numbers were with the parts I received. If you have never been inside a B (I had not) everything is polished and finished to perfection, very nice! After a very close inspection the gun is not that bad!!!! and it is going to get brought back to its glory.
The bolsters need welded but the transition to the sides and tang will allow you to blend it.
The hinge pin area on the left needs welding and can be blended with the recess.
The upper tang needs welded and it can be blended.
The forearm iron and release would best be replaced and engraving duplicated.
The trigger guard needs welded and blended.
The face of the receiver will take somebody that can machine the repairs back to flat perfection. I think that will be a challenge.
The trigger plate is in great shape.
All in, it will be cheaper than any B on the shelf and a gun saved. Only 38 B's in 28" Damascus barrels is cool enough, besides it was probably a gift from the Pittsburg Pirates to Honus Wagner in his second season that will be brought out in the factory letter.
The toughest part of the project will be the 1 years in process. I will get the wood and barrel straightened out first and then get the receiver done later.
Any leads on barrels would be greatly appreciated!
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