For the past couple of years, I have been shooting a refinished no dash model 18, which I love. Recently, I picked up a very nice pre-18. At first, I had planned on selling the refinished model 18. Then I thought it would be neat to re-refinish the model 18 with a more durable and corrosion resistant finish like hard chrome or NP3. Any suggestions on what to do?

Since it has already been refinished and therefore out of collector status, choose the finish you like and enjoy.

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

My 18 was originally blue. In the 70's it was sent to Smith and nickeled. That nickel finish has held up very well.

__________________
S&W Accumulator

Now that would be a neat gun! A classic old school model 18 with a space age NP3 finish? That would be an indestructible woods carry gun as well. How about the Walter Birdsong Black-T teflon finish? Some performance center guns have that finish and it is like a flat black color.

The only downside to any of these options as I see is resale. There will be a limited amount of buyers looking for something like that or would appreciate those finishes on a Model 18. Whereas, alot more people would not be bothered by a professionally applied reblue. Reblue will diminish its collector value but it wont destroy it unless it was done poorly.

If you do choose one of the new space-age finishes, make sure you bring us some photos and a review!!

I'd have to agree... collectable value aside, a good re-blue or nickle won't effect resale, but anything else will be a hard sell to Joe Q. Public.

I have been debating doing the same thing with an old Model 18-2 .
While a nickel finish would probably net some great results,
I am really leening towards a hard chrome finish for several reasons,

1) While S&W made a handful of experimental SS Model 18's they never made them as a regular cataloged item.
2) Would match my Model 67.
3) Durability without using "Paint ".
Definately keep us posted on your results.
PS ..if you do go for nickel make sure to keep the hammer/trigger in the original case color.
On the other hand if you go with hard chrome refinish them in hard chrome as well.

I not interested in resale value, just want to have a unique revolver with a protective finish.

What finish would look the most like stainless steel?

If I have the gun refinished, what options do I have for the trigger and hammer? Do they also get finished or leave as is?

How much am I looking at to have the gun refinished?

Thanks!

I would consider Fords Black Nickel finish, it is truly outstanding. Extremely high gloss, with color somewhat reminiscent of a high quality blue, and the protective qualities and reflectivity of nickel. It would really stand out, yet still be along traditional coloration lines. As to cost, any high quality refinish will cost between $200 and $400. It will be something you do for your own satisfaction, not for resale value.

Check out Robar's website. NP3 looks like what you're looking for and it looks just like a satin stainless finish. That probably would look really nice and give you the all weather protection you want as well.

IC