I just shipped a recently purchased 29-2 to S&W to have it refinished. It had "ghost" stains on the side of the barrel that appeared to be from leaving some type of fluid on it too long. When I got it back, the old stains were gone but there were new ones on the cylinder and the underside of the barrel. A customer service rep suggested I polish them with gun oil and a clean rag. So, I did. But they're still noticeable albeit more of a hazy appearance rather than a clear outline. Was I expecting too much to get it back "like new" without any stains? Should I ask for a refund or send it back for a "do over"?

I'd invest a little time in taking well-lit pictures that clearly show the problem, contact S&W again letting them know you're dissatisfied with the work and let the pictures show why. Taking your description at face value, S&W should refinish again on their dime.

Post the pics here, too.

Current refinishing reports on S&W vary considerably, with some members happy and other not. Most seem to agree the shop's not quite what it used to be for refinishing. It is inarguable that the type of refinishing S&W used when your 29-2 was new isn't the method or material they use today.

Alternately, you could eat the cost and use a demonstrably top refinishing shop and get precisely what you want.

I'd give S&W a chance to make it right, though...

I agree - let them make it right! I'm sure it cost you almost $300 bucks with the freight and for that you should not have to eat it and send it out to another re-finisher. When you call S&W have them send you a call tag so you do not have to eat the return freight either. And....... I believe you are correct in thinking it SHOULD look like new again!

I've had a couple of guns re-blued by SW with beautiful results. I'd call em up and ask for a return tag to send it back to be done properly. Calm explanation of your concerns should get the desired result. More often than not I've found their CS dept to be responsive to my concerns and requests.

In the future, if you need a gun restored send it to Fords. They do a great job on S&W's.

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George Jamison

People here have even reported hazy finishes on their brand new blued S&Ws (my 25-13 is slightly hazy in spots). They returned them to S&W & they corrected the problem. I don't see why this wouldn't apply to your situation too. Call them back.

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Waiting for the break of day

I would not only call Smith&Wesson but more important, send them an E-mail so you can trace the actions take. Keep records of who you talk to and ask for a supervisor.
When you pay that much for service you expect it to be done right. You shouldn't have to polish the gun after you get it.
I know that it took me 5 calls and 4 e-mails to get my gun right but once Corporate was involved I was taken care of better than I thought I would have been.

I agree with Jamison….. use a high quality independent shop that has a track record with high quality factory like work. The factory smith shops for refinishing just don't possess the craftsmanship that should be consistent with what your paying. Colt has the same problem. You shouldn't feel like your rolling the dice when giving them a gun to refinish at a premium.