Several years ago I purchased a model 740 through GB and let's just say it didn't arrive in the condition I was hoping for.  It had the most amount of rust I have ever seen in a stainless gun.  The guy had apparently stored it in a holster in his basement in the middle of the Amazon rainforest or something.  I decided to make a project out of it more out of lust for a 357 Max than common sense.  Here are some shots of how it arrived.    

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http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg12/ernmere/Gun%20Stuff/bDSC02550.jpg

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The barrel nut was completely stuck to the barrel.  I ended up having to screw the combination out of the frame.  Amazingly enough the bore was in good shape.  The barrel threads required quite a bit of TLC.  I ended up giving up on the barrel nut and just ordering a new one.  

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg12/ernmere/Gun%20Stuff/DSC02553.jpg

Well a lot of elbow grease, sandpaper, and Dremel Scotch Brite wheels later I had this

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg12/ernmere/Gun%20Stuff/DSC02599.jpg

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg12/ernmere/Gun%20Stuff/DSC02593.jpg

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg12/ernmere/Gun%20Stuff/DSC_9859.jpg

All and all it didn't take a lot of skill, just a lot of work.  I never did get all the pitting out but I was able to take care of all the rust.  When it was done I drilled and tapped the scope mount myself with my drill press and a few jigs.  I was a ton of fun to shoot.  In a moment of weakness a couple years ago I sold it. I'm still kicking myself over that decision.

I love to see everyone's DIY projects so I thought I'd show mine. 

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