I have been thinking of a lightweight .38 project for a while.
I was thinking of finding a smith model 12 or colt light weight in rough cosmetic condition and doing a spray and bake finish and a high visibility front sight (fiber optic or night sight).

I found a pair of 12-2's locally that might work. Someone put a horrible spray on finish in super cool (??) desert tan. They did a poor job or used hobby store spray paint. Both show lots of areas where the spray on finish is flaking off. The finish is gone at all the surfaces that make contact or have high wear.

One is priced at 270 the other at 350. The person at the counter did not know anything about them. The higher priced one had less finish wear. The metal in the bare areas and under the finish looks good. I did not see any pitting.

Has anyone done a refinish over poorly applied spray and bake? How much of the bad finish would I have to remove before applying a new coat?

I'm thinking I could go over it thoroughly with very fine steal wool and leave whatever held up well. Then refinish per product instructions. Or is there a chemical that will strip off the old finish? Any concerns with the aluminum frame as I strip of the existing finish.

Should I scrap the idea and just spend the extra and buy a Night Guard 315?

Last for a project gun in good mechanical condition is $270 a good price?

Unless you really know how to strip an old finish, and then professionally apply a new finish I would stay away from both of them. Remember after you refinish it you will need new or refinished grips. Then add in the cost of the new front sight, and any other mechanical work that may be needed.

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Always Stay Strong!

And don't forget the issues associated with removing a steel barrel from an alloy frame - which you should really do if you're going to refinish it properly. If I recall, this has been discussed several times on various threads. Outside of the factory (and even S&W and Colt won't do it any more) this needs to be done by a VERY experienced gunsmith otherwise you're liable to wind up with a cracked frame. And at that point your whole project is pretty well done for.

I have a spray coated Colt 1911 from 1916. I figured it would be nbo problem to strip that off chemically and see what I have. So far nothing I have found touches the stuff. Mine has some wear spots so it can be mechanically removed butn it sure is good stuff!!!

I would stay away from them. One) I a have a 12-2 like new with box most of the papers and tools. The grips and box have matching SN to the gun. It is also a 1966-7 pined barrel with diamond grips. It cost me $350. Two) I would look for a nice one with holster wear at a good price.

Paul