John K for you
About 2005 I picked up a 1958 vintage Ruger Single Six in Corpus Christi pawn shop for $80.00. It haze zero finish and a frosting of fine pits over 80% of it, but it looked good on the inside and was tight. I sold the X-R3 frame and grips to some guys who were looking for such things. I handpolished the pits out and gave it and
Alex Hamiliton (San Antono)gave it a black satin Gun-Kote. I fitted a XR-3 RED frame and polished it bright and installed walnut factory grips. Both of these were in my parts box from some long forgotton trade. I did a trigger job and went to the range.
The pistol shot every bit as well as my K-22 and the sights were spot on. When all of the accounting was done, I have $40.00 in this pistol. I picked up the old shuck at a gun show for another $10.00. It is made by Brinson Saddlery in Reno NV. All in all, it turned out to be one of my better projects.