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06-23-2017, 11:17 PM
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Re-Finish Recommendations
Gents/Ladies,
Just purchased 29-2, w beat up bluing, from LGS. Don't have it yet, have to wait for the Socialist State of NJ permit process. When I do take possession, I Will send the gun out for a makeover. Recommendations please for top notch durable finishes and colors (black, blue, steel gray?). Also recommendations on reputable firearms refinishing companies.
Thanks in advance.
Infadel
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06-23-2017, 11:44 PM
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If the underlying metal is fairly smooth, I'd go back to the factory for a reblue:
Precision Gunsmithing | Smith & Wesson
If you desire a non-factory finish, there are several. Satin hard chrome will make it look like a stainless gun and will be virtually indestructible. Can't comment on the other multi-color finishes but someone here will. Good luck in your decision.
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SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220
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06-24-2017, 12:09 AM
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I had a rough looking Model 19 sent back to S&W and had the combat action package done on it. Great trigger and the blue finish is a Matte Blue, which I think looks pretty nice.
I am thinking about sending back a Model 10, 3 inch, for a standard reblue but am trying to decide if I want to go Matte Blue on it as well.
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06-24-2017, 08:23 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 326MOD10
I had a rough looking Model 19 sent back to S&W and had the combat action package done on it. Great trigger and the blue finish is a Matte Blue, which I think looks pretty nice.
I am thinking about sending back a Model 10, 3 inch, for a standard reblue but am trying to decide if I want to go Matte Blue on it as well.
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Thanks 326, just started researching and wasn't aware of Combat Package. I'll look into it. Do you know if S&W would inspect the entire gun & function. The LGS has a great rep but it is a used gun and I'd like to make sure their are no underlying problems.
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06-28-2017, 06:08 AM
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Although I have not used them, I've heard good things about Ford's here on the forum. They might still be able to duplicate the original Factory finish - but I'd inquire first BEFORE sending your M29 anywhere.
AFAIK S&W can NOT duplicate the original Factory finish any longer as their process and chemicals have changed.
The original Factory finish on vintage Smiths is pretty darn durable with minimal maintenance and common sense. That is what I'd want if I were to refinish a vintage model.
Last edited by chief38; 06-28-2017 at 06:13 AM.
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06-28-2017, 06:57 AM
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IMHO, other then the S&W factory, Ford's is the only place to send it. A bit pricey but they do incredible work.
Also, IMHO, I'd go with a satin hard chrome finish. Model 29's usually turn out to be work horses and that finish will stand up to almost anything.
Bob
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06-28-2017, 03:47 PM
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Super pleased with Ford's. Long wait was worth it.
My Combat Magnum had a deteriorating non factory chrome job in the late fifties.
Sent to Fords.
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06-28-2017, 03:59 PM
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Glenrock Blue in Glenrock Wyoming has done excellent work for me on 1911s and S&Ws. It's a small shop and they are running about 3 months behind at the moment due to an accident involving the owner, but it's first class work. They reblued a battered 15-6 police turnin and preserved all the correct angles and markings. They also do cerakote and parkerize finishes.
Glenrock Blue
Last edited by Inusuit; 06-28-2017 at 04:00 PM.
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06-28-2017, 04:20 PM
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Sorry for the delay in getting back to you.
Yes they do check the gun over pretty well, at least they did mine, and fix anything that needs fixing. Depending on what there is to fix it may add to the cost if it is outside of what they provide in that package.
I have sent them in two different revolvers, one blue and one stainless, and have been very pleased with their work.
The added benefit is that the action on both is superb and done by Smith. They also sent back the parts they swapped out with the handgun.
The downside is that if you are looking for an original style finish this won't be it. It is a matte blue or stainless, not the glossy blue. I do like the look though and it reminds me of the matte finish on the Model 19s that the Department of State carried.
Good luck.
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06-28-2017, 04:38 PM
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After several people on the Colt forum got VERY substandard refinish work back from Ford's, we no longer recommend them until further feedback from customers.
Apparently they hired a new person and several Pythons were ruined.
Until we find out if this was an anomaly or the way things are going to be we on the forum will not recommend Ford's.
Here's some of the top refinishers. Each offers different options and pricing so you need to do some reading on their sites:
APW-Cogan is probably the best all around gun refinisher. They're best known for top of the line hard chrome work.
Home - Accurate Plating & Weaponry | Cogan Custom
Glenrock is very well known and respected in the industry. A good number of top custom shops use them for high grade bluing:
Glenrock Blue
I haven't seen Elite's work lately but they have a good rep:
Elite Custom Plating -- Re-Finishing, Custom Work, Competition Guns
TechPlate is very big in the aero-space industry and offer just about all types of finishes including hard chrome:
Welcome to TechPlate, Inc. Firearms retail plating price list
Metaloy is excellent and does hard chrome work for top custom shops:
Metaloy, Industries - Professional Gun Finishing - hard chrome, blue and polymer finish
Armoloy has a number of shops, but the Fort Worth center was the first to offer hard chrome to the public.
They're one of the few who offer plating inside of barrels and chambers.
I used them extensively for some years in the 80's but after some substandard work and a "supposedly" stolen gun I stopped using them.
When they did it right it was excellent.
http://armoloyfw.com/
Robar has a great rep and offers a variety of plated and coated type finishes:
https://robarguns.com/
Reliable Plating offer specialty finishes like gold, silver, etc.
http://www.reliableelectroplating.com/index.html
The famous Turnbull company offer actual firearms restoration services and refinish jobs using the older types like the various heat blues and color case hardening:
http://www.turnbullmfg.com/
Ron's also offer old school finishes:
http://www.ronsgunshop.com/
Mahovsky has been around for many years and has had a top reputation.
Recent reports indicate they may be slipping a little. The major complaint with them has always been a near total lack of communication:
http://www.mahovskysmetalife.com/
Of the finishes available today, hard chrome is still the best all around type, and one of the very few that's considered to be a real lifetime finish.
Hard chrome is available in a variety of final looks ranging from the original satin pearl-gray, to a brush stainless steel look, to a full mirror bright look.
The final appearance depends on the metal finish since once plated it can't be changed.
Benefits are that it's harder then a Swiss file, improves the trigger pull, requires less lubrication, and cleans easier since fouling is easy to see and won't adhere to the "slick" plating.
It's very corrosion resistant, and is proof against almost all common solvents and many acids.
Standard bluing has to have care taken in picking a processor because about 95% of the job is hand polishing and that's where a ham-handed polisher can easily ruin a gun.
Due to the heavy need of hand labor costs are high and trustworthy providers are rare.
Parkerizing of the two types is a good rough duty finish, but looks best on a military type weapon.
Bright nickel is a traditional finish, but lacks durability and protection.
The newer nitride finishes are tough and hard, but the jury is still out on how good it is long term.
The newer "paint" type epoxy coatings are available in about any color you want and are usually more durable then bluing or even parkerizing, but not as good as a hard chrome or nitride finish.
Of these finishes, the best is Cerakote, which is an epoxy-ceramic mix that's being used by some gun makers and custom shops as a standard finish.
With Cerakote correct application process is absolutely critical to insure a durable finish. Unless applied strictly to the company procedure the finish won't adhere well.
Electroless Nickel is said to be very rust resisting, but it's not all that durable.
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06-28-2017, 04:41 PM
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NP 326,
I'm not necessarily looking to restore original finish, buying a used 29. However, I am looking for a dependable & durable finish and at the same time a tune-up. Fords is looking pretty good. Until I read the above!!!
Thanks for advice.
Last edited by Infadel; 06-28-2017 at 04:42 PM.
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06-28-2017, 04:50 PM
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Thanks Dfaris, I'll look into the Hard Chrome.
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06-29-2017, 05:43 PM
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For hard chrome, my first choice would be Cogan's.
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06-29-2017, 06:18 PM
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My local Gun Dealer has sent S&W and Colts to Ford and has gotten better than factory results on Finishes.
My recomendation would be Ford for a finish.
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06-29-2017, 06:37 PM
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I recently had a Model of 1902 HE 32-20 refinished by APW Cohan. It was in really rough shape. It was nickel so I went back with nickel. I was extremely pleased with their work!
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06-29-2017, 06:42 PM
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Cogan not Cohan
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07-10-2017, 04:35 AM
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I did not mention Doug Turnbull (upstate NY) who is no doubt the absolute BEST! The reason I did not mention him is his prices are also the absolute BEST (for him - if you know what I mean)! Any gun he refinishes will look like a show piece and probably cost you more than you would be willing to pay. HOWEVER, if you want the best and have the coin - call him.
Doug Turnbull Restorations:
6680 State Route 5 & 20,
Bloomfield, NY 14469
585-412-4953
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07-10-2017, 06:13 AM
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I'm with dfariswheel, Bob Cogan is the man. His refinish and mechanical work is top notch.
I'm going to get around to dropping off my Wolf & Klar 1926 my next trip down Fl way, for a nickel plate and mechanical refurb.
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07-10-2017, 09:31 AM
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Chief,
Turnbull does not work on S&W Model 29s.
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07-10-2017, 12:33 PM
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There are many local shops around the country which can do a re-blue. The only problem is that you would have to research the quality of their work. The re-bluing is very simple. The surface preparation, not so much. Better to leave it alone than turn it over to someone who polishes all of the markings and corners off. If all you want is utility, having the gun bead-blasted and hot blued would be the cheapest way to go. And it doesn't look bad. I have personally done many guns that way.
And my latest understanding is also that Turnbull does not do S&W.
Last edited by DWalt; 07-10-2017 at 12:34 PM.
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07-10-2017, 04:21 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by M1A
Super pleased with Ford's. Long wait was worth it.
My Combat Magnum had a deteriorating non factory chrome job in the late fifties.
Sent to Fords.
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The bluing looks pretty good, but I'm not feeling that CCH hammer and trigger.
I've seen the botched Colts Ford did, and they should be embarrassed by them.
There will be risked involved no matter where you go. That's why it's pertinent to make sure a refinish is something you really want and are ok with risks.
In most cases, I would just keep the gun original unless totally wrecked. Even if it only had 30% blue left, I would leave it alone if from honest use. I actually like honest worn character on my blue guns. Everyone is different though.
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07-10-2017, 08:03 PM
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[QUOTE=iPac;139661999]The bluing looks pretty good, but I'm not feeling that CCH hammer and trigger.
A Combat Magnum (pre 19) that a city police officer had chromed some place. Everything chrome including trigger and hammer. Close to 4 decades of holster wear and improper cleaning. Left it a blotchy mess.
I am very pleased with the job Fords did.
Had it been original I would have left it alone.
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07-11-2017, 11:38 AM
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A picture is worth a 1000 words.
My beater 6-1/2" 29-2 Before:
After overhaul by S&W:
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07-11-2017, 06:08 PM
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I do like the partridge front sight over the red ramp. It came on my 357 Magnum. I have the original diamond stocks saved.
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07-27-2017, 08:54 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by M1A
Super pleased with Ford's. Long wait was worth it.
My Combat Magnum had a deteriorating non factory chrome job in the late fifties.
Sent to Fords.
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M1A,
Which finish do you have now?
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07-27-2017, 09:28 PM
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Picked up my 29-2 today. I don't want change color to stainless look so I will stick with a durable blued look finish. Is there anything out there in the blued look that comes close to the durability of hard chrome?
Not sure if I'll keep the target trigger, may go with the smoother combat trigger?
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07-28-2017, 03:06 AM
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Quote:
Is there anything out there in the blued look that comes close to the durability of hard chrome?
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No!
Sorry about that.
Bruce
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07-28-2017, 06:30 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Infadel
M1A,
Which finish do you have now?
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Master Blue
Trigger and hammer case hardened.
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07-28-2017, 06:47 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by murphydog
If the underlying metal is fairly smooth, I'd go back to the factory for a reblue:
Precision Gunsmithing | Smith & Wesson
If you desire a non-factory finish, there are several. Satin hard chrome will make it look like a stainless gun and will be virtually indestructible. Can't comment on the other multi-color finishes but someone here will. Good luck in your decision.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Voyager28
IMHO, other then the S&W factory, Ford's is the only place to send it. A bit pricey but they do incredible work.
Also, IMHO, I'd go with a satin hard chrome finish. Model 29's usually turn out to be work horses and that finish will stand up to almost anything.
Bob
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Since the factory is using a different (read less appealing) bluing process, I'd go with Ford or someone comparable.
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07-28-2017, 07:11 PM
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Tough decision. I Like M1A's finished product from Fords. But I like the durability of Robar's Rougard finish (sticking with black/blued look). Glenrock in Dfaris' post looks good also.
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