Having a custom model 25 made into long colt with a short barrel and round butt. Thinking of the brushed hard chrome finish. Anyone have a photo of a revolver with this finish? How do you like it?

A reoccurring topic on this forum is a member claiming their flash chromed model 28, 19, etc. is a rare 28 or 19 made out of stainless steel. Even though I should have known better I bought a customized brushed chrome 1911 thinking it was stainless. I figured it out after getting home. That's the best way I can describe what the thin chrome finishes like Armoly look like.

Please treat us to pictures of your project .45 when it's done.

This is a 29-2 that was bought in 1972 and hard chromed in 1973. It has been to some to nasty places and fired many times. It shows almost no wear. I know how many of you think it is sacrilege to refinish such a classic gun, but this finish, IMO, is beautiful in looks and function, and it wasn't so "classic" at that time because everyone wanted a "Dirty Harry" model with a 6 1/2" barrel. My dealer at the time handled everything for me, and I have no idea who did the refinishing. I distinctly remember paying $60.00 to have it done. I have been offered stupid amounts of money for it, but so far have been able to resist.

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Nice finish on a nice revolver I really like those stocks; are they Herrett Bill Jordans ?

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John

Yes, they're Jordan Troopers. They are amazing at absorbing recoil, and look even better in person.

Here's a fine looking Model 15

I seldom buy a re-finished gun........

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I’m your Boogie Man, uh huh.

This is a 19-4 that had some moisture damage. The finish is by Metaloy of Berryville, Arkansas. I had previously had a 1911 frame done by them which was used in competition for 20+ years without showing much wear. It is a tough finish.


Be sure to leave the hammer and trigger alone, also the front sight. I did have all the other internal parts coated. After a couple hundred rounds it is a slick almost self lubricating type of finish.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Thanks very much. The guns look great. You have helped in my decision to do hard chrome satin.

Hello, that sounds like a great project, sounds like my 3" 629-4 RB, I love the 45lc. FYI I have had MANY guns plated by Bob cogan @ accurate plating and weaponry APW great results, some were done in the late 80's and still in great shape. Check it out!
Good luck!

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CPO

Bob Cogan would be the guy who I'd send any gun to for HC treatment, he's excellent

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I’m your Boogie Man, uh huh.

Python done in Armoloy hard chrome back in 1984

Why leave the hammer and trigger alone? I'd think it would slick them up, too, and the dimensional change on the sears wouldn't be more than the flash chrome S&W does?

Model 19-3 bought new in 73. Nickel plating began to flake from solvent. Was sent to AWP (then located in FLA) for Hard Chroming somewhere around 95.

No photos, but I have a story. Way back when, I wanted to carry my own revolver for duty. It required approval from the chief. The policy was no one could carry a nickel plated or chrome handgun, but stainless steel was allowed. After the chief saw my brush chromed 28-2, he said that it looked like stainless. He approved it for carry. I wish I still had that Highway Patrolman today.

Hard chroming a M25 sounds like an interesting projects. Metallurgists will tell you carbon steel is significantly stronger than stainless. It's superior in every category. The only real advantage stainless steel has is it's corrosion resistance. A hard chromed M25 would have the strongest construction possible and corrosion resistance on par with stainless (in addition to some other benefits). The best of both worlds.

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~ S&W aficionado in training ~

I like Hard Chrome.

I had my eye on a beater 19-4 and 28-2 with the thought of doing some light customization, and then getting it Hard Chromed.

Not brushed finish but Matte hard chrome years ago to 1917 Colt New Service. Still looks great.

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C & L

+1 on going for it! My old partner and I must've refinished 20 guns between us, every one with Armoloy. Absolutely gorgeous finish.

That's who is doing my 25. He is also replacing the acp cylinder with a LC cylinder. Great guy to talk to.

I had a 4" 28-2 that had a finish "problem" that I had redone. I Love it. I just picked up a 6" 28-2 with worse "problems" that I'm thinking about sending off to get done also.

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Gone but not forgotten-RIP Dad

I really like hard chrome finishes on a gun that is going to get a lot of carry and use.

My Delta Elite done in hard chrome;



It has a few shiny spots in hight wear areas, the ambi safety for one but a little cleaning and it looks as good as new. It was refinished about 8 years ago.

I bought this 610 after it had been refinished and I am pretty sure it is hard chrome.



I find hard chrome to be a durable, attractive finish.

bob

What wood species is that grip? I really like the looks of it! And a great looking gun to!

Thanks,
John.

^^^^^

It has been a while since I got them but IIRC it is rosewood.

bob

Thanks for the info!

John.

MR73 in HC. Thinking about HC the pre 28 Highway Patrolman. What do you think to HC or not HC the pre 28?

Thanks

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Very nice finishes on some good looking handguns. Nothing wrong with taking a serious, working or hunting handgun and putting a handsome protective finish on it. These aren't safe-queens, they will be used for their intended purposes.

Rich

METALIFE Very durable, looks like satin stainless steel.

Hard Chrome Plating & Electroless Nickel Plating, Armalloy & Gun Bluing by Mahovsky's Metalife

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