All,

I recently received my 1976-vintage Model 10-6 back from the "Mothership". She had some chemical etching to her barrel, which destroyed the bluing. A cold blue was enough to make her "presentable", but it irked me.

In mid March, I sent her off to S&W for a basic Service Blue finish. While there, they gave her a clean bill of health and replaced her hand with a new one I provided them. They also chamfered the charge holes at the Performance Center.

When I got her back ($260 w/ shipping), I was truly amazed at the wonderful work they did to her. Granted, she didn't have any warts that needed attention, but the overall fit and finish of the job they did was first rate.

This particular Model 10 is one of my top shooters. Attached is a picture of her in her "before" state. She shoots to the sights. The refinish of this fine revolver is one of the last things that she will need.

In the next few days, I will receive from Mag-Na-Port a set of high-polish stainless (from a donor Model 66 no dash) .265" Service Trigger and Hammer. The trigger will be radiused and the hammer will be Semi-Bobbed by the Mag-Na-Port artisans.

After I install them (along with a highly polished rebound slide), she'll be sent off to Amerigun where Chris McVety and his Team will install a front Trijicon sight (like the one they installed on my Model 13-1). The Ahrends Retro Combat grips are from Gripseller on ebay and are of Bocote (Cordia).

When the Model 10-6 is "done", I'll be sure to post pics and a range report. I wanted to let some of the folks I've spoken to previously know its progress. BRAVO ZULU goes off to The Performance Center (Vito-now retired) and Roz Sousa who wrote the work order up. Thanks for a job truly well done!

Wow, toppcop, they did a beautiful job!

That looks very nice!

It is really nice to see a happy S&W customer service customer. Unfortunately most (we hear about) are unhappy folks. I think we all know most of the people that use CS are happy, we just hear more from the unhappy ones.

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Miss My Buddy crsides!!

Very nice work.

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Oh well, what the hell.

What a beauty!

Very nice! I'm agreeing with you that that is the way to go; just pick one you like a whole lot and fix that one up until it's perfect.

Question: is that a round or square butt? I'm thinking it looks like a round butt with conversion stocks?

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But then, what do I know?

Sweet and thanks for giving new life to this fine firearm. It was worth every penny!

It does look very nice and if it was worth $260 to you then that's all that matters. But generally I wouldn't refinish a working gun.

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No life story has happy end.

M3,

It's a S/B. I messed around with a few S/Bs that were round butted. Good theory, but when you start mounting the conversion stocks, it makes you stop and think about what you've done...

I have a few special revolvers that have some custom touches. The only thing I do with the actions is to polish the rebound slide (not on the top...only the sides and bottom). I find that it'll smooth the action considerably with the factory main and rebound springs. I don't mess with anything else, as I don't want to bollix up the ignition reliability of the piece.

The old Military and Police guns are wonderful shooters, provided they were clocked from the factory for windage. I can deal with high/low, but windage issues really irritate me.

I've been blessed that my fixed-sight Models, 10-5 (2-inch), 10-6 (above), 13-1 (4-inch) and 65-3 (3-inch) shoot perfectly straight.

The addition of a good front Tritium sight is a true force multiplier. I find that the white outline around the Tritium vial really draws the eyes during daylight. It comes right into focus. I tend to hold the front sight about 1/8-inch proud in the rear sight channel. This will assist if I pull the shot under stress. I always shoot DA, hence the obligatory Combat Trigger modification by Mag-Na-Port (pictured).

Thanks for the kind words.

I've been wanting to do the same to one of mine, but just wasn't sure of the job they would do. It's nice to see they still take pride in what goes out the door. I'm sure after people see this, S&W will be getting more business. What was the turn around time?

"basic Service Blue finish"

Really? Thats an awesome blue job if they consider that "basic"....

Thanks for posting this interesting information. I am thinking about sending one to S&W myself.

What do you estimate your total investment in this gun will be?

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You're shy a few manners.

CherryPoint,

I used to be stationed there too. Did a lot of shooting at B&R and at the New Bern Police Range, next the the Weyerhauser Tree Farm.

The gun took about 6-weeks. I originally sent a request to my CS contact, Dave Valenze ([email protected]).

Dave sent me a FedEx label. I printed it and sent it off from my FFL. Easy.

After about a month, I got a quote in the mail. I thought $260 was very reasonable. While there, I asked that the charge holes be chamfered and the piece's timing be checked (they do a full-systems check anyway...). They installed a new hand. It's good for another 100K miles.

I should get the hammer and trigger from Mag-Na-Port shortly. When I do, I'll install them and send the piece to Amerigun for a new Trijicon blade. Yes, they do a WONDERFUL job!!! Look at some of my previous posts to see their work.

Nice modern touches to bring these wonderful guns into the future. The trigger and front sight are my two biggest mods. Have to have a radiused trigger for fast DA work. The front sight is what I use to put the 125gr Golden Sabers where I want them.

Thanks to all of you for the kind words. Nice to see that the Model 10 and 13 are alive and well.

Returned to you a beautiful m10 enjoy

Oiled Bocote grips from Ahrends?

LOL. So true.

Why can't their new guns be just as basic??

WOW ! Beautiful bluing.

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John

All,

Thanks so much for the kind words. The blue was wonderfully executed. I did, however apply some of the green FLITZ liquid with my bare hands and took off some of rust that was left from the bluing process.

The look is still the same, but the feel is like glass. I customarily use the less-aggressive FLITZ liquid to remove surface contaminates and to polish the inside of the barrel (less friction = more velocity?)

The grips are the semi-rough textured oiled Ahrends. I like them because I break the sharp edges on the top of the speedloader cutout with a file and 1500 grit paper. I then use 3 in 1 oil to "finish" the small area. Easy.

I think $260 including shipping for those results is very reasonable although I still don't understand if the chamfering was included in that price. Also could you clarify for me whether when they send you a shipping label does your firearm ship directly from your residence and what shipping vendor do they use? Also on the return shipping do they have to ship your firearm to a FFL. I have always wondered how that works and have heard conflicting versions.
The only down side to the re bluing I can see is now it is to pretty to shoot.
I was just taking photos of a M10-6 I purchased a couple of years ago for its finish which I payed a little more for to the tune of $550. Even model 10's have gone up in price in that time when in desirable condition. I wouldn't think of a re blue on this but do have one or two others I might consider now that I see how reasonable it is. Thanks for sharing your re bluing.

Attached Images

	S&W M10-6 .38 spl. 4 inch 002.jpg (69.4 KB, 284 views)
	S&W M10-6 .38 spl. 4 inch 014.jpg (66.9 KB, 247 views)

Raylan,

I've used their FedEx labels several times. Not sure how it is in Oregon, but I usually take the piece to my FFL and have them send it with the FedEx guy that they see everyday.

When they send you the label, it's best to get the FedEx Large or Medium box from one of the mailbox places and pack the gun (in a rug or in its original S&W box. Be sure to pack it well, so it doesn't roll around and use some tape in addition to the self-adhesive strip on the FedEx boxes.

As far as shipping the gun back to you, Federal Law states that it has to go back to the address from which it was sent (or your address [of the owner]).

They've done it both types of ways. Twice they shipped it back to my FFL (no big deal) and twice back to me at my residence.

If you plan to ship it off, you'll have to use a FedEx hub (not the Mom and Pop Mailbox stores) and inform them its a firearm. This is WHY I ususally print the label, box it up and give the box to my FFL for them to give to the FedEx driver that knows them. Never had an issue...

As stated above, the chamfering, new hand, bluing and shipping was all-inclusive in the $260. Not bad considering...

All,

As promised, here's the 10-6 with the Mag-Na-Port Combat Trigger and Semi-Bobbed Hammer.

I like the feel of it. In addition to them, I installed my polished rebound slide. Although the trigger is North of 8 pounds, it's VERY smooth. The radius of the trigger helps tremendously in DA shooting, as the first Distal joint rolls over the trigger face.

The Hammer is reminiscent of the Model 547's semi-bobbed hammer profile. I like the open top holsters, but have a spur for retention, should I use a thumb break holster.

All she needs is the front Trijicon sight installed by Amerigun...

Digging that front sight

Wow!! That is sexy!! I have had a few friends ask who I would send guns to for a nice blueing job..I tell them call Smith and Wesson and see what they can do for you. In my opinion, for the price. They do a fantastic job, I surely wount hesitate to send them one of my guns and you pic just confirms that.
What a nice gun..almost to pretty to shoot..almost.

Thanks for posting those. I've got a Model 19 (no dash) that is a prime candidate for that kind of spa treatment.

Maybe my next "want."

Would you send the original grips back for refinishing also? Would you happen to know if they do that or not?

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John 3:16 .

That looks great I've got to get me a model 10 !

Six weeks is great turnaround! I had my Model 10 reblued locally because S&W was quoting 12 or more weeks. Guy did an amazing job, but I had the same as you did into it, and they didn't do anything else other than the blue. Gun feels tight but I would have liked an inspection and tune up from the factory.

I've got a 10-6 in .357mag that I just had lettered. After going through this thread and seeing the photos, I think I will get it off to S&W for a re-blue as well. It very well may be one of the NYSP guns - it was lettered to a distributor who was that agency's supplier in 1972. Working on contacting the distributor but I think they're kaput.

Smith and Wesson usually under promises and over delivers. All of the work they have done for me in years past has exceeded my expectations. Roz Sousa is my POC there. She can be reached at [email protected]

That's a great price for a 'new' gun.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

Very nice photography too!!

What's nice about the factory is that they go over the gun and replace what needs to be replaced, usually at no extra cost.
I sent a 29-2 back some 10 years ago, they recut the forcing cone, reset the barrel, replace the hand, and all fresh springs.....no charge other than the reblue.

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Sure you did

That's because you are on a first name basis with them.

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Doesn't hasta call me Johnson

Guys,

Just got my Model 10-6 back from its final step at Amerigun. There, Chris McVety and his Team of Artisans did their magic and fitted a Trijicon front sight.

Since the gun originally came with a pinned-in front sight, it was relatively simple for his experienced cadre of gunsmiths to fit the Tritium blade.

OUTSTANDING work!!! No blemishes or scratches, save for some adhesive gum from the masking tape they used to protect the superlative bluing done by S&W.

Please forgive the copious amount of pictures. Many of you have expressed interest in the job they do at Amerigun. I wanted to show the peerless quality of work they do. I am very pleased.

I also took the liberty of attaching pics with her Magnum stablemate, my Model 13-1 that Chris and his Team did for me a few months back.

Chris has done 6 revolvers and a Model 39-2 slide for me. Al lof his work has been stunning. I can't recommend his services enough. As an aside, his bluing guy has done two guns for me. Whomever (and wherever) he is, he is a God.

Thanks for the audience!



[URL=http://s1150.photobucket.com/user/6604Marine/media/20150901_145957-1_zpsd5ehcll0.jpeg.html][/URL

It is truly very hard to beat the Heavy Barrel Model 10 for combat use. The 15 is a great Combat Gun for the .38 caliber as is the 19 for the 357.
But the 10 with the heavy barrel just points and shoots phenomenally well. Very nice pair of heavy 10s!!! One is not under gunned as long as the proper .38 load is used. Beautiful revolvers!

Very nice money well spent. The model 10 is a close second to the model 13 as my favorite Smith & Wesson . You cannot beat the look and feel of these fine revolvers. Shoot it in good health ,very tastefully done . Now I have to find a model 10 to go with my 13-2 😀

It is nice to know that S&W has somebody that actually likes their job and has pride in their work. You got a nice job on that one.

I have a revolver there now for a fix and this really makes me feel good about it. I normally do all my own gunsmithing but this was a brand new never fired gun and I felt they owed me the fix.

After seeing what they did for you I feel much better...

Thanks for sharing.

Congats!

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Jason Adams

What a great job! I have a 10-6 that is in great condition and it makes me want to do the same with mine. If possible can you tell how much it was for the front sight?

TommyBoy,

Chris McVety charged me $130 installed with shipping. He can be reached at: [email protected]

Great guys to deal with for almost anything, but for anything Trijicon, they're the go-to folks.

Thank you!

My Model 10-5 was received at S&W on Monday for a reblue. Yours is beautiful. I hope mine come back looking like yours.

wow, that came out really nice , and the way the job SHOULD be done, thanks for sharing with us, my faith in the factory is still there

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dan
NRA Benefactor,PMA

I would be interested to know if while there, they increased the trigger pounds as per Mass Compliancy. The did that to a friend of mine even thought he lives in New York State.

To all those who are constantly asking about S&W's ability to refinish a revolver as well as anyone else, or those who are concerned because they "heard" that S&W just cannot properly polish and refinish a revolver, this thread and those pictures should become a sticky.

Wow.

What a great job they did, and at a reasonable price also.

Congratulations!

You don't see many M10 barbecue guns, but that one would sure qualify in a nice carry rig. Beautiful.

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Oh well, what the hell.

If you call S&W service number from their homepage they will email you a shipping label and you can have FedEx pick it up at you home. I just did this last week for a repair issue and got a call from FedEx that it will be delivered tomorrow with the need of a signature. I have done this several times especially for Remington's that were recalled. Piece of cake easy.

Hello All!

This is my first post on the S&W forum! I recently acquired a Aussie LEO trade-in M13-4. While the mechanics appear fine, the finish is largely worn off such that I am thinking of getting the revolver re-blued as well as having the smiths take a harder look at the functional aspects of the gun. My question to the OP and all present: which type of bluing do you think I should opt for? There are several options listed on the S&W website: High bright polish? Standard polish and blue? Glass bead blue? The intended purpose of this M13 is self/home defense, so reliability/functionality is paramount. Does anyone have any other recommendations for possible upgrades/modifications? I suspect it would be prudent to keep the firearm as close to factory stock as possible, but I am certainly no expert.

Thank you in advance. Glad to be on this forum!

WOW! This has got to be one of the top coolest restoration "make it my gun" threads I have read. Congratulations on "A job well done." You and S&W and the others in this journey. It is sooooooooooooo comforting to hear S&W is still proud and careful.

Mostly , thank you for making a one of a kind Made in USA masterpiece. ENJOY! It is beautiful...

njmatt,

Any of them are nice. The matte blue is somewhat like the Highway Patrolman (kind of). What you should specify is 600 grit Brushed Blue. That will be a decent finish that will stand up. Methinks the Highway Patrolmans (Model 28) were done in this fashion.

Truth be told, it's entirely up to you.

As for the Trigger Pull issue asked above, I didn't notice any additional weight. I polish the rebound slide and its corresponding area inside the frame when they come back from being blued anyway.

Any weight added would be negated by the quality of the trigger pull. I think this one is about 9 lbs. Hard to tell, as it's very smooth all the way through the DA stroke. I don't use SA, so it's a moot point as to how much the SA pull is.

Thanks for the kind words. If I can help out, by all means...

I prefer glass bead in a working gun, but that is just me.