WARNING ABOUT FORUM MEMBER VM!!

Gun 4 Fun · #1 01-14-2009, 05:03 PM

I sent some K and N frame stocks out to VM to have refinished. I just got them back today, and OH

MY

GOSH!! They are beautiful! I had read that his work was nice. Nice doesn't begin to describe what he did for me. I had talked to him several times on the phone, and he said I wouldn't be disappointed, That is a huge understatement to say the least!! Think I'm happy?

Now for the warning part. If you have him do any work for you, you will become addicted to it. I know I am now, and don't need any more firearm related addictions. I will be looking for some more wood to have him refinish for my other personal guns.

Thanks again VM!!

Gun 4 Fun · #2 01-14-2009, 05:03 PM

I sent some K and N frame stocks out to VM to have refinished. I just got them back today, and OH

MY

GOSH!! They are beautiful! I had read that his work was nice. Nice doesn't begin to describe what he did for me. I had talked to him several times on the phone, and he said I wouldn't be disappointed, That is a huge understatement to say the least!! Think I'm happy?

Now for the warning part. If you have him do any work for you, you will become addicted to it. I know I am now, and don't need any more firearm related addictions. I will be looking for some more wood to have him refinish for my other personal guns.

Thanks again VM!!

GF · #3 01-14-2009, 05:27 PM

Yep.

We're lucky to have him here and he's the man to have fix-up a set of grips.

Big Lou · #4 01-14-2009, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by GF:
Yep.

We're lucky to have him here and he's the man to have fix-up a set of grips.

+ 100

BuzzardBilly · #5 01-14-2009, 05:39 PM

Just completed a trade with VM.
Top Notch!!
Thanks Mike.
BB

RedBerens · #6 01-14-2009, 06:08 PM

How much does he charge to refinish them?

VM · #7 01-14-2009, 06:15 PM

Thanks for the title Tim - didn't know I had a heart condition, did you?

RedBerens - I get $30 for a refinish on target stocks and that includes return shipping.
Let me know if I can help you

1blindref · #8 01-14-2009, 06:28 PM

any before and after pics??

dcb · #9 01-14-2009, 06:33 PM

how bout some pictures/
dave

Gun 4 Fun · #10 01-14-2009, 06:39 PM

I have some before and after picures for you.
I'll have to get everything set up and loaded, but they'll be up tonight. My photog skills may not be the best, but you'll get the idea when you see what he did for me.

ladder13 · #11 01-14-2009, 07:06 PM

Mike aka VM is a good guy and true craftsman. Deal with confidence.

Iggy · #12 01-14-2009, 07:08 PM

He does do a nice job and is a good guy to deal with.

Firehouse · #13 01-14-2009, 07:18 PM

Here is my 4" model 29 with a set of grips that VM re-finished for me. The first photo has the original target models installed. The second photo is of the grips that were factory target stocks but VM trimmed them down for me considerably. They are beautiful. Thanks VM!

Sorry for the bad photography.

devilfrog1911 · #14 01-14-2009, 07:23 PM

VM's work is top notch. I purchased a set of smooth K frame magnas from him some time ago and they are currently residing on my 2" 15-3. VM is also one of the resident grip gurus on the forum and can give you answer about anything S&W grip related.

winchester1 · #15 01-14-2009, 07:27 PM

I've had a few dealings with Mike and he is definately top shelf.

Gun 4 Fun · #16 01-14-2009, 08:05 PM

Sorry for the picture quality but here are some before and after photos of my N frame football stocks on my 25-2. I got them at a local gun shop which is what the photos with multiple stocks are. The set with the bad chips in the bottom are what Mike re-did for me and are on the 25-2.In the picture of the bottom of the stocks, the set on the left is the chipped ones after Mike got done! Oh, and by the way, the guns are propped up on Shoo-boy's new prop-rods. You gotta get ya some! They are even S&W headstamped brass I sent to him!!

The last pictures are of the stocks on my 25-5 he did at the same time. Unfortunately, I didn't have any before pictures.

You can be sure he'll be doing more for me!

greenberry · #17 01-14-2009, 10:21 PM

Great looking grips. I know I will send him grips if I ever get a nice set that needs some "face" work.

JayCeeNC · #18 01-14-2009, 10:24 PM

Hear, hear!!

VM is a southern gentleman and a true craftsman.

bamabiker · #19 01-15-2009, 07:13 AM

VM is a great guy to deal with or just to know.

sparkman10mm · #20 01-15-2009, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bamabiker:
VM is a great guy to deal with or just to know.

ROGER THAT!!!

SixWillDo · #21 01-15-2009, 01:07 PM

When I looked at the after pictures the first thing that came to mind was DAMN! I'm not doubting your story, but are you sure those are the same grips?

S42N8 · #22 01-15-2009, 04:19 PM

That's worth saving! Good to know.

kennyb · #23 01-16-2009, 11:54 AM

hi there vm...i tried to email but it was rejected for some reason..my question is....i have a model 16-4 32 mag.with the football cutout grips that i suspect are incorrect for this model...would you have any of the finger groove style smith grips that are original to this model?
thanking you in advance for your reply!

ol timer · #24 01-16-2009, 12:56 PM

I just completed an online purchase from Mike.

He kept me informed every step of the way. He asked for my shipping address in advance so my package would be ready to ship the day he received payment, confirmation number was provided, packaging was bullettproof, shipping was immediate and follow up was initiated.

It was a genuine pleasure to do business with this gentleman.

VM · #25 01-16-2009, 02:34 PM

SMOOTH transaction w/ ol timer - THANKS!!

"wtb" ad in the classifiefieds for combats kennyb
someone will help you out
Good Luck

Gun 4 Fun · #26 01-16-2009, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SixWillDo:
When I looked at the after pictures the first thing that came to mind was DAMN! I'm not doubting your story, but are you sure those are the same grips?

Absolutely! Look closely at the bottom of the stocks with the chips. Then look at my after picture, even though it's dark, you can clearly see the grain is exactly the same. Plus they were numbered and dated inside.

Mike is a true artisan when it comes to stock refinishing. He is also an honest guy. If you have him do a set for you, you will be amazed at the transformation!

Ae-35 · #27 01-16-2009, 04:59 PM

Hi VM looks like you're do'n great work!! how's the heart? treatment go'n well? did'nt know I had a heart problem, 3 heart attacks in a week woke up a month later. My wife said "you've had 3 heart attacks and you can't leave here alive without a transplant." Kind of suprized. Got one 3 months later. Good luck

VM · #28 01-16-2009, 05:42 PM

Ae-35 , with due respect my ticker statement was a joke toward my friend Gun 4 Fun and am sorry for joking about a serious matter.
I do not have a heart condition (that I know of). I was freaked out when the OP made the statement in the title.
Good Luck with your transplant and again my apologies.

catdad · #29 01-16-2009, 06:23 PM

I won't send my grips to anyone but Mike, what a craftsman.

Ae-35 · #30 01-17-2009, 03:29 PM

Hey , don't worry about it. Just glad to know YOU don't have a heart problem!!!!

I'm do'n fine, lot better than I have a right to. Just trying to find "and afford" a couple of smiths like I used to own.Had to sell my collection, had to put down a large chunk of bread to get listed.You know they wanted the amount insurence would'nt pay up front before they put me on the waiting list.

Centurian77 · #31 01-17-2009, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by VM:
Thanks for the title Tim - didn't know I had a heart condition, did you?

RedBerens - I get $30 for a refinish on target stocks and that includes return shipping.
Let me know if I can help you

VM,

I would appreciate if you could re-finish a set of factory finger groove combat stocks for my 629. Is there a way we can get a hold of you?

Thanks,

Centurian77
[email protected]

VM · #32 01-17-2009, 05:45 PM

Centurian77 - email sent

denden · #33 01-17-2009, 08:58 PM

VM what would be a normal turn around time? Thanks, Dennis

VM · #34 01-18-2009, 05:56 AM

Quote:

VM what would be a normal turn around time? Thanks, Dennis

Back in the mail to you within 2-3 days of me receiving

Iggy · #35 01-18-2009, 09:15 AM

Denden,

Just do it, you won't spend your money any better!!

Jay Frame · #36 01-23-2009, 05:59 PM

+1 for VM (Mike) being great to deal with on grip refinishing projects.
Jay

fyimo · #37 01-23-2009, 06:47 PM

He certainly does beautiful work. What finish does he put on the grips?

VM · #38 01-23-2009, 06:58 PM

Thanks fyimo
I use a durable spray finish that mocks factory finishes on 1960's to 90's stocks.
I like a clean / neat look. I don't care for the clogged checkering / thick look from linseed oil and other "hand applied" finishes

Hill2 · #39 01-25-2009, 06:19 PM

+1 1000% +1
Hill

Indiana George · #40 01-26-2009, 01:31 PM

Yet another plug for the former Hoosier, now living in exile in Alabama.

The grips that I purchased from Mike are flawless and beautifully finished.

They turned a couple of nice J & K frames into presentation pieces.

Thanks again, my friend.

Firehouse · #41 01-27-2009, 08:42 PM

Soooo, Mike is from Indiana? Explains the "You ain't from around here are you?" accent.