Factory refinish

[MrOverlay]

I have a 57-58 manufactured pre-29 that has some cosmetic issues. I guess I could call it giving it "character", but I like pretty guns if possible.

My gun is a 3 screw and I was wondering if the factory would take a gun this old for refining. I don't really care about damaging value as I rarely ever sell a gun.

I looked on their website, but didn't find an answer.



Thanks in advance.

 

[326MOD10]

I would call the Performance Center to make sure.

If just a refinish I would think so but if they find something wrong that needs repair then there could be an issue.

 

[22hipower]

Doubtful, and if they will I don't think you'd be happy with the result if you were expecting anything approaching the original high polish bright blue finish on a pre-29. If it were mine and I couldn't live with the cosmetic issues I'd sell it and buy one I liked. Lots of them for sale.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[RSinOR]

Factory Refinish

As long as you know you will not get the same blue color or anything close to it or quality workmanship that was originally applied to your revolver, a factory refinish will be ok.

There are a couple of firms that can do a much better job, at a higher price of course.

 

[MrOverlay]

I’ve used Ford’s, was just thinking of a factory refinish. Any other companies is appreciated.

 

[Fishinfool]

Should be a 4 screw gun, possibly a 5 screw depending on exact year of manufacture.

I read several times S&W will not take in pre-model number guns anymore, but you should call and check.

If you are at all particular about how the gun looks (and it sounds like you are) then you would not be happy with a factory refinish. Take a close look at a couple new blued S&W models, cause that is what you would get.

Use the "Search" function on this forum to research the topic - lots of good info and recommendations.

Before you decide on who to use, ask to see at least a couple high res photos of several revolvers they have done recently, checking for side plate gaps, dished screw holes, washed out stampings. Any decent smith can do a good hot blue, it's the metal polish & prep that makes the real difference.

Larry

 

[MrOverlay]

I'm ashamed to say I totally missed the screw in front of the trigger guard, DUH. As you noted, it is a 4 screw.

Thanks.

 

[mchom]

Curious about the extent of the cosmetic issue ?
Maybe post a pic ?

 

[MrOverlay]

Don't know if I can get a good enough picture but I'll try.

Looks like it may have been carried and not maintain very well.

There is nothing drastically wrong with it. It locks up tight and should be a good shooter. I'll work on that picture tomorrow in the daylight.

 

[Fishinfool]

I have followed a few recent threads on the forum about home rust blueing. Seems very do-able if you have a little patience, and the semi-satin blue is very good looking. Been wanting to try it, though I don't know a 4 screw pre-29 would be the gun I would want to start with..

Larry

 

[MrOverlay]

I'm mechanically declined. Anything above oil and Ren Wax I leave to someone who hopefully knows what they are doing.

 

[stansdds]

S&W's current bluing is nothing like what they were doing before 2000 and it is far from being as nice as their 1980 and older Carbonia blue finish.

 

[Retired W4]

I talked with S&W customer service a few days ago about a 19-3. Apparently someone had chemically stripped it and cold blued the entire gun. A casual cleaning pretty much removed 90% of the cold blue. The S&W website says $220 for standard polish and blue, and $285 for high polish and blue. This funky looking 19-3 shooter was really cheap but mechanically good. When all is said and done the total cost of the gun will still be way under the value so off it went. They now have the gun and when it gets to the top of the list it will be evaluated and a final estimate will be presented. So in about 3 months I hope to post pictures so every one can see what the mother ship is offering these days. Call this an experiment if you will, with a 6" K 357 that looked pretty bad as it was. Trust me, for $220 it could not look any worse. I will report back in ~3 months. This experiment won't cost you all a penny.

 

[BillyMagg]

I talked with S&W customer service a few days ago about a 19-3. Apparently someone had chemically stripped it and cold blued the entire gun. A casual cleaning pretty much removed 90% of the cold blue. The S&W website says $220 for standard polish and blue, and $285 for high polish and blue. This funky looking 19-3 shooter was really cheap but mechanically good. When all is said and done the total cost of the gun will still be way under the value so off it went. They now have the gun and when it gets to the top of the list it will be evaluated and a final estimate will be presented. So in about 3 months I hope to post pictures so every one can see what the mother ship is offering these days. Call this an experiment if you will, with a 6" K 357 that looked pretty bad as it was. Trust me, for $220 it could not look any worse. I will report back in ~3 months. This experiment won't cost you all a penny.

Thats what I love about you brother, always happy to take a "shot" for the team,, good luck on your ugly duckling,, hope it comes back as the "Golden Goose",,, you were having it "gold plated"??? No???

 

[MrOverlay]

Factory Refinish

Pictures, such as they are.

 

[kscharlie]

That gun appears to be used and not abused. Well taken care of. It has more character than any refinish could ever give it. Plus it has a gorgeous set of $500 - $600 "coke" stocks. If that gun was mine, I wouldn't even consider a refinish...by anybody. Beautiful .44 Magnum.

 

[MrOverlay]

I agree with the not abused, just used.

I think you are also correct in appreciating it as it is. Wish I knew its life story.

Back into the safe it goes.

Thanks to everyone for their input.

 

[dave1918a2]

Good move!!!!!!

 

[MelvinWalker]

That gun appears to be used and not abused. Well taken care of. It has more character than any refinish could ever give it. Plus it has a gorgeous set of $500 - $600 "coke" stocks. If that gun was mine, I wouldn't even consider a refinish...by anybody. Beautiful .44 Magnum.

Correct...No WAY I would touch that gun...You'd spend $300+ dollars to take another $400 off the value.

 

[Retired W4]

I've got a 6.5" 4 screw 44 Mag that has been in and out of a holster a LOT. Instead of a refinish I bought a Safariland 101 shoulder holster. Had my leather man, Billy make some fitting adjustments for that Inspector Callahan look. I get some weird looks at the gun shows but no body messes with me. After all, this is the most powerful...you know the line.