Looking for knowledgeable recommendation for refinishing S&W blued pistols.. I have read good and bad about Ford's in Florida.. Any sugestions ?? Thanx.. George K.

Why not send it/them back to the mothership?

You might want to contact Craig Sturlaugson of Craigs Gunsmithing in Medina, Mn. He does various types of refinishing including hot bluing. They have a web site.

It depends, what's the vintage of the gun and if you want it to look factory authentic.

If it's originally Carbonia blue, most current and S&W re-blued finishes won't match. But there a few who come pretty close.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

High Bright Polish - $275
Bead Blast Stainless (Slide) - $110
Bead Blast and Blue (Frame) - $110
Bead Blast Stainless (Frame) - $110
Bead Blast and Blue (Entire Pistol) - $170
Bead Blast and Stainless (Entire Pistol) - $170
Anodize Aluminum Frames (3rd Gen. or newer) - $150
Glass Bead Nickel (except Stainless) - $220
The Mother ship is the Way to Go.....
At about $ 225.00 in total coast.

how does one ship a gun to smith and Wesson and how much are the shipping costs

FEDEX
About $15.00
To discuss Smith & Wesson Performance Center Services call 1-800-331-0852. Please have your serial number available when calling for information.
Silver GT

I spoke to S&W about refinishing an early#19-3 and said they will never be able to match the old finish. Chemicals and procedures have changed.
This #19-3 has the mirror bright blue finish . You can shave looking at the reflection, looks like BLACK CHROME.. I'm sure all know what I'm talking about.

Thank you all for your help. I will research all the options mentioned.... Has anyone used Ford's Refinish in Florida ???

Shave or Shot ?.
I Shave Using a Mirror.
Not the Gun.
Schick Shaving Gel
Works Wonders.
A S&W 5906 is hard
to use for Shaving.
Silver GT

Opinions are mixed. I have not, but I've read many posts on this and other forums of those who have.

Apparently when the old man retired, the son took over, new employees came aboard and some old valuable Smiths and Colts were ruined. Some won't trust them again. Some say they're work is good again.
If no one comes forward with testimonials, do a search.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

The current factory bluing method leads to a more black-appearing finish than older methods. If the underlying metal is polished and smooth you will 'probably' be happy with the result.

To answer the sending question, I think the best way is having an FFL holder do this by USPS Priority Mail, insured. The factory used to give a professional discount for guns sent this way but I don't know if this is still true. Both UPS and FedEx require handguns sent by non-licensees to go overnight; there is no law against less expensive methods, but if a gun sent this way is lost your recourse options may be limited.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I have used "Ford's' several times in the past. Fords is very good BUT very expensive

Thanx for your help. Good info, didn't know father left the business. ALLWAYS happens when a child takes over control.. What a shame to ruin a established, quality operation.SHAME.....

Just a small bump here. Has anyone sent anything to Ford's for rebluing relatively recently and received positive results back? Alternatively, does anyone have any before/after photos of a gun sent back to S&W for rebluing? I'm contemplating choosing the latter option for a high-bright reblue of my Model 10-6.

I do not know present days procedures at S&W. however in the not too distant past I have sent revolvers back to them, after filling out the Form on their web site. Then came their estimate via USPS, and if agreed to, S&W sent a FEDEX prepaid label for sending to them. After work completed, they sent it back.
I had no problems with S&W procedures.
R

Some members on the Colt Forum have used Ford's recently for Colt Python Royal Blue level polishing and bluing.
The problems happened a few years ago with a new employee who was totally incompetent.
Apparently the owners failed to proper monitor his work and several Pythons were ruined.
This seems to have been corrected.

They report that Ford's standards are back up and they're again doing excellent "Wet look" 1950's level Python Royal Bluing.

If you're uncertain, use Glenrock or possibly Precision Bluing.
Glenrock is well known in the industry for doing ultra high level bluing for custom gunmakers who need the absolute best.

Glenrock Blue - Gun Bluing, Firearms Restoration and Refinishing

Precision Bluing | America's #1 Bluing Company!

Precision is up the road a bit, nice to know in case I need their services.

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Sure you did

I have had Bobby Tyler, Tyler Gun Works, Friona Texas, has done a couple of projects for me. Excellent work at a fair price, with reasonable turnaround time.

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shrade

Funny, quality blueing is ALL about the polishing. That's where the job is done right or wrecked. We've all seen a few of the latter..