Anyone have any comments of S&W rebluing. I have a model 36 I was thinking of sending to the factory to have it reblued.

I sent a pistol to them not long ago for re-blue, they did a really nice job but their communication process leaves a lot to be desired. I thought I did my homework covering all details of the process to include cost via customer svc phone call before shipping and had a host of problems once they received the gun, all related to confusion over what i wanted done (even though detailed note went attached to gun) and what the cost would be. Provided them two contact phone numbers which they never called when clarification was needed, it simply sat on a shelf for wks, apparently while they awaited a phone call from me wanting to know the status of the work requested. Apparently, this is (unfortunately) somewhat common with S&W and might possibly be avoided if you are lucky enough to speak with a knowledgeable person in Customer Svc either before and/or after you ship your gun. I ultimately received top-notch svc from two individuals in CS, Paul at ext 3877 and Kate (ext unk). Despite the aggravation, I was very pleased with the quality of work and once confusion was resolved, turn-around time was not too bad. Good luck.

How much do they charge for a re-blue ? How does it affect the value of gun if it is re-blued by the factory, excluding vintage and collectable pieces?

A re-blue always lowers the value, as far as I know.

To a collector I'm sure you're right. As a shooter, prolly not so much.

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NRA Benefactor

Thanks for relating your experience. I'm a little unclear about the communication subject; they didn't understand that you wanted it refinished??

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Jim
S&WCA #819

They are capable of some very nice work. Standard price is $200, if I recall correctly. You can go to the S-W website and get the prices from the Performance Center page. Precision Gunsmithing - Smith & Wesson

I have a 581 that had some significant road rash, and they did an outstanding job on it.















My sad (ok, not really) 581 story

A refinish will only enhance the value to the owner, and will significantly diminish the value of a collectable in the eyes of many. No regrets here, though.

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ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

2hawk, that re-finish looks great.

2 hawk,

Do they stamp the grip frame with a rework date when they refinish like they used to?

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Jim
S&WCA #819

No, the is no longer a factory rework proof mark.

The 8 3/8" early "S" prefix M29-2 shown below was a factory refinish after a new cylinder was fitted to replace one with a bulge and the barrel set back a turn. It was uniformly excellent. I did have to wait for a while for it to be completed however because, according to Vito in the Performance Center, the polisher who needed work on it before the refinish was out with a heart attack. He stated that the people who still had the level of skill necessary to perform that level of finish were becoming few and far between in Springfield. It was beautiful when finished, however.





Bruce

I understand that S&W will not reblue older models, but not sure of the cut-off for "older models". I would like a reblue on an issue model 1917 as I have no intention of ever selling it. However, I've read that they won't touch the pre-war handejectors.

Good question, and I appreciate Bruce chiming in. I didn't think so, but I wasn't sure. So I took some photos of the butt markings to see if any members thought they had marked it.





If I had expected this to come out as well as it did, I s'pose I might have taken some "before" photos, but I really didn't think it would be anything more than a utilitarian finish. They apparently still have some good polishers working, and know how to make an old gun shine.

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ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

My Mrs gave me her dad's Chief (off duty) after he passed on. She applied for her permit and unbeknownst to her I sent it off to S&W for reblue. It was about 70% when sent in. I requested their Hi Gloss Blue and sent a nice letter explaining it's history. It took them a little over 4 months, but was worth the wait. They did an incredible job and knocked off $50 bucks from the estimated price of their bright blue finish. She got her permit and was she ever surprised. I had to show her the paperwork from the factory, she thought I traded her dad's gun for a new one.

I would definately send a gun back to the factory, just don't expect it back in a week or two, ain't gonna happen.

"I understand that S&W will not reblue older models"

Currently, I believe that they will not work on Pre-Model numbered guns. This is because it is S&W's policy not to return a gun to the original owner in an unsafe condition and they no longer inventory parts for pre 1957 guns. That said, there are a number of companies in the States who can offer a similar level of refinishing work.

Bruce

Does S&W refinish nickle guns?

Lee Jones(Celtgun)

From the S-W gunsmithing link I posted:

"High Bright Polish (Blue, Stainless Steel or Nickel) $250"

Precision Gunsmithing - Smith & Wesson

You'd probably want to call to get the details of a work order straight. Also, the factory usually shuts down over the holidays, so I wouldn't expect any fast turn arounds this time of year. HTH

Happy Thanksgiving, All!

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ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

On the left side of the grip frame near the 'toe' it looks like numbers stamped there. That is the normal location for stamping a re-work date. I just can't make out the numbers so can't tell if it's a date or not.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Jim, "E24" is what is stamped in that location. I am pretty sure that no rework stamps are present, but I am not 100% on that.

Happy T-Day!

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ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

[QUOTE=ifjpm;136203476]Anyone have any comments of S&W rebluing. I have a model 36 I was thinking of sending to the factory to have it reblued.[/QUOTE) There is a really nice lady named Roselyn that I met this week over the phone at the factory. She handles their payment system. I had a problem getting ahold of her. I asked her machine to call me back. After waiting 3 days and not receiving a call I was getting steamed. The problem was I screen all of my calls via my answering machine. I never did get a call from S&W,but got several from a place called IDENTIKIT. I finally noticed their number was the same as S&W. The next time I saw that number on my machine and answered it was Roselyn. She said they used to own the company,,but sold it. It still comes up on the I.D.that is sent out. She apologized and was very nice. I also talked to a guy named Matthew in customer service that was nice and tried to help. Just thought this may help if someone is trying to contact them.

I had a Model 36-6 refinished in the standard blue...was very pleased with the work..

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MSG US Army

Will a reblue use the new bluing method that people have complained about?

[QUOTE=Freischütz;139383356]Will a reblue use the new bluing method that people have complained about?[/QUOT

Yes it will,and too bad because they can finally go back and do a great polishing job.