Questions about refinishing a S&W Model 910/915?

lrrifleman · May 28, 2016

I am contemplating purchasing a LEO-type Model 910 or 915. The examples that are within the range of a fixed income are showing significant holster wear on the alloy frame.

Can alloy frames be refinished to an original style blue finish? If so, how expensive does the process run?

Finally, my long time gunsmith has passed, and the few "'smiths" in my area I wouldn't trust loading a cap gun. Can anyone recommend a shop from whom they have had a good experience at refinishing an alloy framed handgun?

Thanks in advance for your assistance!

colt_saa · May 28, 2016

You can not blue aluminium

Personally I would not spend the money to refinish a value series S&W. If you are buying an inexpensive shooter leave it as an inexpensive shooter.

If you want something pprettier, add a few hundred bucks and buy a prettier gun.

Cummings Custom Refinishing does great work and their ceramic Cera-Hide finish is great. once of my pocket 9MMs has the slide done in their house black color. It has been holding up great for the last 5+ ywears.

Their CP-II is superb. My old duty SIG P220 had the slide done in this finish. Super slick and so far wears like iron.

Look at their site, look at the prices of having a good job done and know what you have ahead of you.

These are some examples of the work

Images courtesy of CCR

Cummings Custom Refinishing

bigggbbruce · May 28, 2016

The frames a anodized. Can not be redone to original. Cerakote is one way to improve the look but not the same.

Waiting and finding a better example is my recommendation.

jfd · May 31, 2016

A few years ago sent a BLUED CS9 to SW for total re-blue ALLOY frame and steel slide....they did a BEAUTIFUL JOB on the ALLOY frame as well as the slide. Can't remember exact cost, seems like somewhere around $150.

TTSH · May 31, 2016

bigggbbruce said:
Waiting and finding a better example is my recommendation.

Another vote for finding a gun that doesn't need to be refinished. Time and time again, I've been far better off waiting for a better condition gun than I ever would have been trying to get a relatively inexpensive beat-to-heck gun refinished.

But that said, if you are determined to buy a used S&W aluminum-framed gun that needs refinishing, I would send it back to the mothership for sure. However, I am not a painted handgun kind of guy. Wouldn't ever own one in a billion years. Please take that into account.

BTW, I am surprised that you are interested in refinishing the frame only and not the frame and slide.

Usually, on a black/blued "value line" gun, it's the slide that starts to look ratty/ugly first.

BAM-BAM · May 31, 2016

TTSH said:
Another vote for finding a gun that doesn't need to be refinished. Time and time again, I've been far better off waiting for a better condition gun than I ever would have been trying to get a relatively inexpensive beat-to-heck gun refinished.

But that said, if you are determined to buy a used S&W aluminum-framed gun that needs refinishing, I would send it back to the mothership for sure. However, I am not a painted handgun kind of guy. Wouldn't ever own one in a billion years. Please take that into account.

BTW, I am surprised that you are interested in refinishing the frame only and not the frame and slide. Usually, on a black/blued "value line" gun, it's the slide that starts to look ratty/ugly first.

What he says^^^^^^^

That said I've had a police and security guard 6904 and 915 frames redone in Cerakote..... to get a reverse two tone.......my local gunsmith charged $70 +tax to do the frames in a matt stainless look!!!!

0849 · Jul 27, 2016

jfd said:
A few years ago sent a BLUED CS9 to SW for total re-blue ALLOY frame and steel slide....they did a BEAUTIFUL JOB on the ALLOY frame as well as the slide. Can't remember exact cost, seems like somewhere around $150.

jfd,

On the CS9 did they also re-do the Chiefs Special logo on the side so that it looked nice and original (laser etching or however the lettering is done)?

Questions about refinishing a S&W Model 910/915?

lrrifleman

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colt_saa

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bigggbbruce

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jfd

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TTSH

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BAM-BAM

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0849

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