I have a K22 I inherited. 6 shot revolver. Manufacture date is 1960 and Its in great shape, very accurate, but bluing is probably 80%. Called S and W to get details for rebluing and suggested I check with forum to see if doing so will hurt value. I was just going to do it to make it look nicer.

If you're wanting to make it look nicer, and don't worry about the value, re-bluing is an option. But it will be worth more with the original finish, even if it is worn.Out of curiosity, how much did they quote you to do the job ?

I'd say no, don't re-blue it. Anything I've inherited, has remained as I inherited it. Those blemishes are character and a link to the previous owner. Ever wonder how they got there? If only guns could talk. Re-blue it and you wipe away the last visible bit of that history.

I realize that wasn't the advice you were seeking - just my 20 m$ . . . .

Reblueing a 1960,s era K22 is going to devalue it from a collector's standpoint '
Personally I would rather have a 80% 1960's blueing job , they just don't do that kind of work or use the same blueing these days.
The new blue is more of a black and not near as nice as the older blue jobs.
Clean it well with Turtle Wax Chrome Polish and Rust Remover and wax it with a good carnauba or Renaissance Wax before making a decision to reblue.
The model 58 in my avatar , after two good cleanings and a wax job, looked so good I forgot all about reblueing!
Gary

Since you're asking about value, presume you're interested in more than just personal happiness with the revolver you're looking at. If so, yes, rebluing -- even from the factory -- in general will negatively affect resale value from a pure collector's standpoint.

From every other standpoint, a shooter's especially, it will likely have either a neutral influence or perhaps very sight bump. Do not expect, even under the best sales circumstances, to recoup the cost of the reblue.

If just for you and your personal happiness, and you're not concerned about resale, do what makes you happy.

Bear in mind, S&W's current bluing process is different and many feel inferior to the bluing yours got from the factory once upon a time. There are refinishers out there who can do it the old way, if you're so inclined.

This is very helpful guys. S and W wants $275 to reblue it to gloss. Would be very interested in the name of someone who does it the old way though. Will also going to try the polish and wax suggestion. To their credit, the SW person I talked to said the new process was different and would not be the same. Going to have to rethink this.

Be very careful with polish -- even mild polishes are abrasive and can remove bluing.

Many threads here with recommendations for bluing services outside the factory; suggest a search.

If money is no object and you want the old, old methods used:

Turnbull: Welcome To The New Turnbull Site! | Turnbull Manufacturing Company

RGS Restorations: Ron?s Gun Shop. Antique Gun Restoration, Gun Bluing and Custom Gun Blueing Services


For traditional hot salt bluing at more accessible costs from highly recommended refinishers:

Glenrock: Glenrock Blue

APWCogan: ACCURATE PLATING AND WEAPONRY | APWCOGAN

GunBlue: Firearm Refinish and Restoration

Ford's: Ford's Custom Gun Refinishing - Ford's Desert Eagle Sights

Thanks so much everyone. If I get it reblued, will post before/after pics and let you know who did it. This forum is great!!!