Hi I am considering buying a 4" 19-2 nickle with pronounced front sight pins. The finish is really dull though. The price for these that are in good condition with box and papers are going at auction for $1400 and up. I can get this for under $500. I was considering buying it and sending it off to S&W to get it renickled. Has anyone ever had S&W do a renickle job and were you satisfied with the results? I have contacted them in the past about getting my 19-4 " reblued and they told me the gun had to be 1957 or newer.
I know that it will not be the same value as one that is in original condition. I would really like to have one that looks great for my collection though and I am thinking that this one could be restored to great condition and I would not have a ton in it. Any suggestions?

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Metal polish and a rag are a lot cheaper than a re-nickel!

Try that FIRST and then, if you don't get the results you want, think about selling or possibly a re-nickel.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Agree with Gil, go slowly with a light abrasive - remember you are removing the plating with polishing and you don't have to get it factory shiny on the first try. Good luck (and we need to see the "after" photos)!

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I echo the sentiments above. You will be amazed at what some Flitz and wax will do for that gun. I bet it will absolutely shine. Once you refinish, it will never be original again. But, you have to buy it first!

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Some collect art; I shoot it!

BTW, if you can get that one for under $500, it's a really good deal.

If the revolver in question is really priced at $500.0 or less, go buy it before the seller sobers up!!

Indeed! Hard to find that price these days.

U didn't buy it yet?

If Fritz doesn't polish it the Simi chrome polish will go lightly. Body sweat with a iph can dull nickel or stainless.

Check for an "N" marked on the rear of the cylinder. This indicates a factory nickel finish. There are some aftermarket finishes that are a dull silvery color "Armaloy" I think is one.

Thanks gentleman. I will buy it today. Grips are not original but it does have n stamped on rear of cylinder. I have diamond target grips for it. By the way I contacted Smith & Wesson out of curiosity . They said it was to old for them to re nickle. I thought the cut off date was 1957. Once I receive it I'll try the polish first. Then I'll post more pictures. They said it was 1962-3. I usually try to pick one up in better shape but they are scarce and when they come up my budget is usually tapped from other smith purchases. I picked up a pre 28 five screw for a shooter a couple of months back. It had been nickled by a company in NC. I was not satisfied with their job at all! Gun shoots great though. I started collecting 19's 4 " last year. Now I'm hooked. Need to go to rehab! The pronounced front sight pins are my biggest weakness.

Congrats on your decision! Don't forget the before and after pics.

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Some collect art; I shoot it!

Lets see some pics of that Pre 28. I just picked one up myself a week ago , 5 screw, may of 1954.

I just bought 19-2. I'll get pics as soon as I pick it up. I'll send pics of pre 28 four inch renickle asap.

I have never used a nickel service revolver, but I have worked with officers that have. IIRC Hoppes #9 will dull the nickel

I have a 29 no dash low serial number that has the same front sight configuration. Would that be correct for that pistol?

I beleive so. I also have a four screw 29 no dash that has pronounced sight pins.

I've had great success using Mothers Mag Polish. I don't use a rag, except to polish out the haze. Using my finger insures I don't get too frisky with the polish.

Nickel will haze over time, and it will oxidize. Just go slow.

It's in. Now I just have to pick it up. Pics should be soon.

Can't wait to see the after pictures. As others have said, something like mothers mag, used lightly and lovingly on small areas at a time will bring back any shine that is left. Just don't go crazy.
After the lite polish, use some wax and hand buff it.
Good luck

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Patriots Forever!!

Hi sorry for the late updates. It's hunting season and I have been in the woods. The 19-2 will need to be redone I think due to the wear on the extractor rod. I am going to ask s&w one more time if they will do it. If not I will be contacting FORDs.

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If the rest of the gun isn't bad why not just have the ejector rod renickled.

If you plan on using this as a working gun I would keep it as is. If you want a nice example of Nickel buy a safe queen. Getting it redone could go to 400. or so for a couple hundred more you get a better investment +1.

What? You must refinish the gun due to wear on the extractor rod? LOL.

You do realize the rod immediately shows wear from usage, right? They never look like new unless the gun is never used.

I don't know where you got that $1400 figure but a nice one could be found for a lot less than that. I would not buy a gun planning to have it refinished. Doing it lowers the value to where you have more in it than it's worth. If you want a new looking gun you should buy a new looking gun.

I would polish the gun and restore the shine to the nickel and ignore the lose of finish on the rod. But it's your gun and your money so you do what you want.

BTW- EPA rules and restrictions in recent years make it very difficult to get nickel plating done.

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No life story has happy end.

I have been watching auctions for a year.GB,GA,AA & GI. I will double check my saved searches but I do not beleive I have seen a nickle 19-1 or combat magnum come up for sale. I hope they do next year. My budget for this year is wore out.😃

Hi Saxon, I appreciate your posts and have learned from your comments on other threads. I don't know , as stated above I based that figure on what I see the nickle ones 19 no dash & 19-2 nickle. I have not seen any that were in great shape go for anything less in the past 12 months. Is there another site that I should keep my eye on?

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Well another decision to make that I probably won't make due to indesiveness. You know it's the same with cars as well. I bought a 1975 Ford bronco with low miles ten years ago. Very little rust , ranger trim. The hood is a little faded but the rest of the paint is really good shape. I was going to paint it but all my collector buddies say don't touch it its a survivor. It's still unpainted cause I can't decide what to do. LOL. I know its not a smith but at least it falls within the right years for this section. BTW I'm also a sucker for old gas signs.

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I need to find a couple of 1975 19's to go with it. I'm crazy like that. Or as my daughter says dad your cray cray.

Just curious - Did you try buffing your 19 with a mild polish?

Larry

The dull finish can be polished back to bright nickel.
NOW ! saddle up and go purchase that Model 19, NOW!

(why are you not enroute ?)

I'm an early Bronco fan myself. I probably wouldn't paint that one if it was mine. Looks good to me anyway.
And I hate to see the Broncos that have had the rear fender wells cut for big tires too. Ruins the original design which is a beautiful, clean look.

I already bought it

I agree whole heartedly! My ranger stripes are cracked and the paint on the hood is faded. BTY I am also a sucker for gas signs. I would never cut mine. I have thought about adding air to it & a roll bar so I can install 3 point seat belts for my kids.
I did call Fords today. It looks like a hi polish re Nickle will run about $320.00. I will polish some more and then decide.