Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Semi-Automatic Pistols > Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols
o

Notices

Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols Other Smith & Wesson Semi-Automatic Pistols from the 1950's to Present


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 07-27-2013, 01:57 AM
Timmy2 Timmy2 is offline
Member
3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS 3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS 3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS 3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS 3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS  
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Arizona
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times in 6 Posts
Default 3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS

Have an opportunity to pick up a 3914LS, Slant dust cover , LS rollmark. The finish is in need of a "re-do". Due to my location and fondness/durability for the Robar finishes , this is where it would be going. My question is , How would changing the appearance to a bi-tone , and elimination the rollmark affect the value / desirability should I ever decide to resell it?..... OR as I have seen in other posts ...would I just be better off sending it to S&W to get refreshed?
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #2  
Old 07-27-2013, 11:00 PM
Timmy2 Timmy2 is offline
Member
3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS 3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS 3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS 3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS 3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS  
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Arizona
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times in 6 Posts
Default NO opinions?

WOW 100 looks...no opinions ?
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 07-27-2013, 11:21 PM
GaryS's Avatar
GaryS GaryS is offline
Member
3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS 3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS 3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS 3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS 3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Republic of Texas
Posts: 11,345
Likes: 9,368
Liked 17,263 Times in 6,632 Posts
Default

They are rare, because they were only made for one or two years. I don't know if they are desirable to collectors though. Most of the attention goes to the 3913 variations, not the 3914 versions. I have a 3914NL, but it's only marked as a 3914 without the roll mark. I don't know if that's more or less rare than yours with the roll mark.

All of which is to say that you have to make that decision. If you plan to use it as a shooter, then Robar or any other finish will be fine. If you think it has collector value, then you'll want it returned to factory fresh condition.
__________________
Can open, worms everywhere.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 07-28-2013, 12:44 AM
TexasG's Avatar
TexasG TexasG is offline
US Veteran
3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS 3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS 3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS 3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS 3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS  
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Cibolo, Texas
Posts: 323
Likes: 511
Liked 96 Times in 74 Posts
Default

Without a picture/s of the original - I'm just thinking that it's worth more left alone. But, if the frame is trashed, the slide's trashed, maybe it's the way to go. S&W didn't make a lot of that model so I lean towards leaving it stock.
__________________
Glen
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 07-28-2013, 09:28 AM
Dot_mdb's Avatar
Dot_mdb Dot_mdb is offline
Member
3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS  
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Florida, USA
Posts: 707
Likes: 173
Liked 213 Times in 120 Posts
Default

I would leave it alone. I like the look of those guns with a little wear on them. You will never get your money out of the refinish. But if you decide to refinish, go with S&W.

Bill
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 07-28-2013, 11:05 AM
XAVMECH XAVMECH is offline
US Veteran
3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS 3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS 3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS 3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS 3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Whidbey Island WA
Posts: 1,089
Likes: 2,372
Liked 901 Times in 309 Posts
Default Refinished guns

Most of the time, refinished guns are a "pass", when I'm looking at a particular series. Exceptions, of course. I have a Kimber Ultra Carry, that I had the slide Cerakoted, and have no expectation of ever selling... Generally, the Stainless/Anodized 3rd GEN stuff seems to hold up better than the "Black" versions, finish-wise. Have you requested a quote from S&W to refinish this piece? If you ever plan to resell it, it may be a consideration worth the extra dollars spent.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 07-29-2013, 10:30 AM
VTHokiesDuckHunter VTHokiesDuckHunter is offline
Member
3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS 3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS 3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS 3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS 3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS  
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Upstate SC
Posts: 560
Likes: 30
Liked 229 Times in 118 Posts
Default

Robar does a very nice job. I would trust them with my guns.

That being said, with the one you have, I'd send it to S&W for a factory refinish. My EDC is a 4014. If it ever gets to the point where it needs refinishing, it will go to Smith for a Melonite slide/re-anodize frame job.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 07-29-2013, 12:07 PM
cpeblue cpeblue is offline
Member
3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS 3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS 3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS 3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS 3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS  
Join Date: May 2011
Location: to close to Chicago
Posts: 676
Likes: 622
Liked 402 Times in 218 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by VTHokiesDuckHunter View Post
Robar does a very nice job. I would trust them with my guns.

That being said, with the one you have, I'd send it to S&W for a factory refinish. My EDC is a 4014. If it ever gets to the point where it needs refinishing, it will go to Smith for a Melonite slide/re-anodize frame job.
I've never called CS about this but will they re-anodize a frame ?
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 07-29-2013, 12:28 PM
6actual's Avatar
6actual 6actual is offline
US Veteran
3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS 3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS 3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS 3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS 3914LS Finish modifications-THOUGHTS  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Stuart, Fla
Posts: 470
Likes: 1,071
Liked 586 Times in 217 Posts
Default

If you plan to resell someday, I would say that a refinish historically will diminish its value as a collectable item. I will usually pass on a refinish or otherwise altered pistol if I am buying unless there is documentation showing known reliable vendors doing the work. If the Smith factory will freshin it up, I would go in that direction as it will "hurt" its value less. Robar does exceptional work if you do go that way though. It will make your pistol an exceptional looking and durable shooter and perhaps a better than original but as a collectable item... I would keep any documentation from either place that did do the work as it will help somewhat in retaining the pieces value. If you mean to keep, carry & shoot I would go with Robar no problem.
__________________
It is the Indian not the arrow
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
3914LS How common are they? Dparker Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols 36 05-19-2016 10:51 PM
Any thoughts on CCW modifications to J Frame Sights? aterry33 Concealed Carry & Self Defense 13 08-18-2015 08:50 AM
Brand new 629 fit and finish seems poor. Thoughts? Invisible Hand S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 12 03-31-2013 10:30 PM
Don't judge a gun by its finish-Your Thoughts? Silversmok3 The Lounge 10 06-19-2012 08:16 AM
WTS 3914LS **SPF** Cashdog GUNS - For Sale or Trade 9 10-02-2011 03:11 AM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:49 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)