metalife hard chrome finish

stmry · #1 06-13-2011, 11:35 AM

I'm considering purchasing a 4" 29-2 virtually perfect condition 99% mechanically and finish wise. It has been metalife Hard-Chromed. Would you pass on it, and what do you think its value in its condition is? Thanks

old bear · #2 06-13-2011, 11:57 AM

By the virtue of it being refinished it can't be a 99% revolver. It can be a 99% refinished revolver. If you like it the way it is and the price is right, whatever that may be, go for it.

M29since14 · #3 06-13-2011, 12:15 PM

It would depend on the gun and the price. If priced attractively, and the work was top-notch, I might buy it. But, as has been said here so many times, it is usually not possible to recover refinishing fees, but sometimes sellers try.

I have seen quite a few hard-chromed S&Ws, but never at a price I considered worthwhile. After stainless guns came along, interest in the idea pretty much vanished.

one eye joe · #4 06-13-2011, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M29since14

It is usually not possible to recover refinishing fees, but sometimes sellers try. After stainless guns came along, interest in the idea pretty much vanished.

I would search for a clean, used 4" Model 629, without a lock. The Mountain Gun in .44Mag would be my preference......

Maximumbob54 · #5 06-13-2011, 12:45 PM

From a collector stand point it has little or no value.

From a shooter, range gun, hunting gun, back up gun, do anything gun it is now as close to corrosion proof as you are ever going to find. I also happen to think it looks pretty good. Make sure it was done right and there is no flaking around the front of the cylinder or barrel. Me, being me, I would snap it up. I don’t have a P/R 29 but if you get buyer’s remorse and are anywhere near North Florida then I have a 6 inch 29-3 and six inch 29-5 that I would trade you for that in a heartbeat and maybe even offer you a few bucks on the side. I love hard chrome finish.

One Eye Joe, that is one sweet 629 MG. I love the Ahrends you put on her.

one eye joe · #6 06-13-2011, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximumbob54

From a collector stand point it has little or no value.

From a shooter, range gun, hunting gun, back up gun, do anything gun it is now as close to corrosion proof as you are ever going to find.

One Eye Joe, that is one sweet 629 MG. I love the Ahrends you put on her.

I agree with you MaxBob, and THANKS for the kind words.......

NFrameFred · #7 06-13-2011, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M29since14

It would depend on the gun and the price. If priced attractively, and the work was top-notch, I might buy it. But, as has been said here so many times, it is usually not possible to recover refinishing fees, but sometimes sellers try.

I have seen quite a few hard-chromed S&Ws, but never at a price I considered worthwhile. After stainless guns came along, interest in the idea pretty much vanished.

This /\ /\

It's a very tough finish that looks good and holds up well. Great for a shooter. But reduces any collector value the gun might have had. It's like magna-porting; if you want it, and you like it fine - go for it. Just don't try to convince anyone else in the know that it's an "enhancement" that increases the value of the gun when you decide to send it down the road . . . . . (FWIW I'd sooner buy one that was Metalifed than magna-ported)

safearm · #8 06-13-2011, 03:25 PM

I had a Colt SAA hard chromed so I could use it for Cowboy Mounted Shooting (black powder blanks). The hard chrome finish stands up well, even to corrosive black powder. If you want to use the gun as a shooter, hard chrome is one of the best finishes, much better than nickel.

one eye joe · #9 06-13-2011, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NFrameFred

This /\ /\

It's a very tough finish that looks good and holds up well. Great for a shooter. But reduces any collector value the gun might have had. It's like magna-porting; if you want it, and you like it fine - go for it. Just don't try to convince anyone else in the know that it's an "enhancement" that increases the value of the gun

VERY well said, Nframe.............

stmry · #10 06-13-2011, 07:56 PM

Thank you for all the responses.

.357magger · #11 06-14-2011, 07:12 PM

Been looking for a reasonable 27-2 beater to have hard chromed for over 2 years. Shy of stainless, it is imo THE most durable finish on the planet for firearms. Better than ANY of the polymer based wonderfinishes of recent years and powder residue just seems to wipe off.

So, if you're considering a shooter, definately grab it if the pricing is in line with your expectations. Only thing I'd add is a comment about collectors vs shooters/acquirers/etc. For every die hard collector out there, there are 4 or more shooters who will buy a used gun if the action is tight and the looks appeal to them. If not more than 4/1. Have seen that waaaaaay too many times over the years to disregard it.

Enjoy your new magnum.

Snapping Twig · #12 06-14-2011, 08:02 PM

FWIW, back @ 90 I had a 29-3 Classic Hunter, a blued gun, that I wanted to make into the ultimate hunting handgun. I had it hard chromed, ported, green sight insert and several other improvements.

Here it is:

Today there are those that get curled toes looking at what I did to a fine revolver, but truth be told, it's mine and that's the way I like it.
Still own it and it shoots very well indeed.

one eye joe · #13 06-14-2011, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snapping Twig

FWIW, back @ 90 I had a 29-3 Classic Hunter, a blued gun, that I wanted to make into the ultimate hunting handgun. I had it hard chromed, ported, green sight insert and several other improvements.

Here it is:

Today there are those that get curled toes looking at what I did to a fine revolver, but truth be told, it's mine and that's the way I like it.
Still own it and it shoots very well indeed.

That's a beauty...........

Ironhand · #14 06-14-2011, 08:35 PM

Hmmm...

This may be the way I go with my 28-2 someday. Since it's been refinished already, there is 0 collector's value left, but since it's still an S-prefix N-frame, as a blaster it's second to none.

williamlayton · #15 06-14-2011, 08:42 PM

If you want outstanding durability and prettier than stainless then buy it.
Unlike many here, I buy guns to shoot and don't look for pfrofitability---but I do want shoot ability and duurability.
I like blued and don't care if it wearsand then i get 'em re-blued when the blue is gone.
I think it is a shame to buy a gun that NEEDS blueing but some won't because of some fear they are going to ruin value.
Blessings

Maximumbob54 · #16 06-15-2011, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snapping Twig

FWIW, back @ 90 I had a 29-3 Classic Hunter, a blued gun, that I wanted to make into the ultimate hunting handgun. I had it hard chromed, ported, green sight insert and several other improvements.

Here it is:

Today there are those that get curled toes looking at what I did to a fine revolver, but truth be told, it's mine and that's the way I like it.
Still own it and it shoots very well indeed.

It makes my toes curl for a very different reason. I like the green sight insert. I may have to try that. That capped Hogue is a great finishing touch as well.

.357magger · #17 06-15-2011, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snapping Twig

FWIW, back @ 90 I had a 29-3 Classic Hunter, a blued gun, that I wanted to make into the ultimate hunting handgun. I had it hard chromed, ported, green sight insert and several other improvements.

Here it is:

Today there are those that get curled toes looking at what I did to a fine revolver, but truth be told, it's mine and that's the way I like it.
Still own it and it shoots very well indeed.

ANYONE gonna try and tell me this would not sell on a gunshow table? Or that you might not want to check it out, play with it, and see what the owner had it priced at?

Didn't think so.

Die hard collectors, no offense intended or implied.

NICE looking magnum.