Brian,
Mike is correct. Keep looking at guns. If you find one that strikes you as possible, ask here.
I am sure you would prefer to spend your hard earned money once. Look for a gun in sound mechanical shape, ie, all the parts are there and functional. The barrels are on face. There are no great areas of rust or heavy pitting. There no dents, dings or bulges in the barrels. Any one of the previous will set you back $50 to $300 or much more before you ever really begin. On the other hand, if money is no problem and you have decided you want to adopt a gunsmith, I know several that would not object.
Your dollars will be better spent on a upgrading the wood, rebluing, etc. Ask questions if you find something. Ask if you don't understand something. Ask if you are just curious. There is a deep well of information here and in the majority of cases people willing to share it with you.
Every time I read a thread here about a gun that is "new" to me, I start looking around at the dealers and auction sites. Eventually I shake it off, but every once in a while.... The real problem with "project guns" is once you have one, you start buying more of them. Soon the "waiting to done" out number the "shooters". I have more wall hangers than walls
I am not alone, a very sad state of affairs... I no longer call them wall hangers. I have officially renamed them corner guardians!
Pete
