Re-blasting a Pro Series Model 60 (Fixed it!!)

[GeoJelly]

I just picked up this Model 60 used. It is perfect mechanically, carry-up, lock up, tight yoke to frame, everything. But, I'm the third owner and it has had some Bubba work on the finish. It doesn't show well in the photo, but the finish on the sideplate (Flitz, I assume) is uneven plus small scratches all about.

A well-known gunsmith said he would reblast it for a reasonable price - but what does SWF think about the 'Pro Series' lettering - will it be smudged or mostly removed? Has anyone ever had this done to one of these?

[Rpg]

Ask the well known gunsmith you are considering.

I suspect he’ll have photos of his work (before and after) that would help.

[GeoJelly]

Good point sir, but I am still looking for a second opinion, if you will. Given the large number of members here on SWF, I’m guessing that someone else has had this done and can weigh in on it. If the mothership would be willing to just bead blast the sideplate, and maybe re-mark it, then that’s what I would do. But, I don’t think they will blast just parts as far as I know ...

[colt_saa]

Smith & Wesson can refinish your firearm, but as far as I know they do not re-mark the firearms afterword.

For that kind of work you need someone like Fords Refinishing in Florida, but Fords will not be at the "reasonable price" that your local guy is offering

Myself, I do not see anything objectionable in the picture that you posted.

I would probably use the gun for 5, 10 or more years and then get it refinished

[GeoJelly]

I would probably use the gun for 5, 10 or more years and then get it refinished

Good point sir, although my shelflife is probably only around another 15 years ... . Maybe I’ll just save the refinishing for later. Used to be a fella here on the Forum who would do small jobs like blasting just the side plate.

Edited: Decided to edit rather than bump this thread again. Last night I decided, since I didn't have anything to lose by doing it, to use 3000-grit automotive sandpaper on the sideplate. I went slowly with light pressure - and it is completely restored - at least to me! The sideplate still has a matte texture from blasting, but the large shiny spot, and the small scratches around the laser etching, are gone! The difference is too subtle to show in a photo, but I highly recommend using the automotive/foam-backed sandpaper on a bead blasted S&W that has been bubba-ed. The finish is slightly shinier than the original but it looks great. Thanks to all for your input!!

[ArchAngelCD]

Originally Posted by GeoJelly

Good point sir, but I am still looking for a second opinion, if you will. Given the large number of members here on SWF, I’m guessing that someone else has had this done and can weigh in on it. If the mothership would be willing to just bead blast the sideplate, and maybe re-mark it, then that’s what I would do. But, I don’t think they will blast just parts as far as I know ...

You will probably want to blast he entire revolver because it will look very uneven if only the side plate is done.

You have a very nice revolver there. IMO do it right or leave it as is.

[MetalMan]

Originally Posted by GeoJelly

Good point sir, although my shelflife is probably only around another 15 years ... . Maybe I’ll just save the refinishing for later. Used to be a fella here on the Forum who would do small jobs like blasting just the side plate.

I don’t think that a 60-15 Pro is particularly collectible (yet!) and, to my eye based on your photo, your example does not appear to warrant the expense of a refinish.

I have a standard version and believe these revolvers are meant to be carried and shot (often).

Why not put a few of your own “character marks” on this fine revolver and enjoy the voyage?

My own $0.02....YMMV.

[H Richard]

That "Pro Series" marking is a surface laser etching, and will disappear with any kind of finish blasting.

[VikingDude]

Laser engravers are becoming more and more common, perhaps there are someone not far from you that can laser engrave it after it has been re-finished. But from what I can see in the picture it don’t need any work done on it and it looks just fine.