I find myself becoming the sort of proud owner of a nickel 29-2 with 4 inch barrel that has what has to be the worst scratch job ever on such a lovely gun. The story is that, right below the cylinder latch, there was once a sticker of some sort. Someone, somehow, for some reason used a ...screwdriver to remove it. Needless to say, it has left the gun horribly disfigured. Appears to not be through to the metal but it's hard to say for sure. From reading my search results, it appears that Smith is doing refinish jobs for about $250 or so, but do you think they would be willing to tackle something so horrific? And the second part of the equation: would nickel or the new black "blue" be a better choice? I realize that the success of any refinish lies mainly in the preparation but I'm concerned that there may actually be a low spot where the scratches are to be polished out. I'm no expert, but I assume they remove the nickel, then polish, then refinish...is that right? If so, they may really not know what they are up against until it is stripped of its current nickel plating. Seems like a real crapshoot to me, but I just can't let this gun pass me by, regardless of its condition.
Any input at all regarding the feasibility of such a job, the time and cost, which type of finish is more desirable, etc is very much welcomed and sought after. Did I mention that I'm no expert? Thought so. Anyway, any and all guidance is appreciated.

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Emore

Pictures would help. Chances are it can be fixed if you want to spend the money.

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Even older, even crankier....

I'll get some pics up as soon as I figure out my good camera. All I have at the moment is the cell phone and it doesn't show the damage at all.

I am thinking that spending the money is my only choice as it is too hideous to not do so. My question regarding that angle is: would S&W be the best choice of who to use for the work?

Thanks for the reply.

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Emore

Smith and Wesson or Fords. Chances are that you would get faster service from Smith, but possibly higher quality from Fords.

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Even older, even crankier....

Thanks. I'll give them both a call and see what they say. Meanwhile, I'll try to get some decent pics up here.

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Emore

S&W can do a great job, be it blue or nickel.
Couple of years ago I had them do a complete overhaul and refinish on my 29-2 that I'd purchased new back in the day.
That one turned out nice:

Last May I sent them a 6-1/2" 29-2 for similar work.
Presently, S&W are over 9 months behind even looking at these jobs to estimate them. Maybe by next March?
Never used Ford's but all I read is positive, but they're noted as being slow, too.
Wondering how long THEIR wait is these days.

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-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

Taroman,

Did the rosewood grips come on your model 29? Bought one new about the same year a 29-2 6 1/2 inch blued and it has the same smooth rosewood grips on it. Perfect reblue job on the 29.

The grips in that picture are Gancalo Alves. I have several sets of both Rosewood and GA presentation grips like his.

OP-
you may have a wait on your hands right now with S&W, but they do top notch re-finish work. I had them do one for me a couple years back and it is better by far than the original finish that came on the gun, which was originally pretty good to begin with.

It came with the regular GA target stocks.
I purchased these from another member of the forum and refinished them.

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-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

Smith & Wesson gave me a freebie on a new old stock nickel 22-4 I purchased recently. It was a pleasant surprise, and the first time I had sent a gun to a manufacturer. It came back looking great, and turned around in just a few weeks mid-panic. It was a great experience all around. It also had a massive scratch along the barrel, big dings in the crown, and they also fixed an ill-fitted side plate. I feel bad every time I holster/handle it. I want it to look new forever.