Hi
Wanting to have my blue? or is it black? 59 refinished, I would prefer back to original, though I like the nickel 59s I've seen, also any suggestions on performance upgrades as this might/ I would like it to be/ become my primary home defense weapon. Are there any issues ie ammo etc. I've had this weapon since '95 and have only fired FMJ target ammo through it. I know it will destroy any collector value, but is there any? Besides this weapon was given to me by the wife of a friend of mine; shortly after he died in a plane crash...so I will never part with it.

Thanks

Hi
Wanting to have my blue? or is it black? 59 refinished, I would prefer back to original, though I like the nickel 59s I've seen, also any suggestions on performance upgrades as this might/ I would like it to be/ become my primary home defense weapon. Are there any issues ie ammo etc. I've had this weapon since '95 and have only fired FMJ target ammo through it. I know it will destroy any collector value, but is there any? Besides this weapon was given to me by the wife of a friend of mine; shortly after he died in a plane crash...so I will never part with it.

Thanks

The factory finish is anodized aluminum with a blued slide. The last time I checked, S&W will NOT refinish anodized guns or change finish to nickel.

You will have to search out a specialty refinishing shop, and with all the EPA and state restrictions on electroplating/anodizing shops, that will not be easy.

The early M59 pistols were recalled for feeding/extraction reliability problems and repaired at S&W Service Centers. Other than being a first generation S&W semiauto pistol and the first of the high capaicty "wonder nines" there is no real collectors' value.

Thanks for the quick response. I called S&W a couple years back in regard to refinishing and as you stated they do not. I was looking for any recommendations as far as reputable refinishing/coatings service.

Spoke with S&W cust serv today; per my serial number my 59 was manufactured in '77 and that the model 59 was introduced in '71...so I'm guessing mine is not an early model.

It may not be original, but about fifteen years ago I had my LW Colt Cmdr .45 NP# plated by Robar in Phoenix AZ. I have carried it daily,shot it extensively, never oiled it and never had a problem with it. Lots of other finish choices there also.

www.robarguns.com/

LOTS of places will nickle that for ya, the re-anodizing is a little tougher to find.

http://www.google.com/search?c...ra&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

http://www.trippresearch.com/osdoc/chrome.html

I've seen handguns that were given electroless nickle finishes, and they proved extremely tough and durable. I believe Robar does them. The EN finish was developed for aerospace use, specifically for critical bearing surfaces that had to be lightweight and durable. Give Robar a call.

At one time Ford's would re-anodize frames. Don't know if they still do it or not. If I wanted a durable finish I'd look at industrial hard chrome. I used Metaloy years ago and was happy with the results.

www.originalmetaloy.com

Thanks. I'll give Robar a call today.

Should contact Ford's Custom Gun Refinishing. I've had a few guns refinished by Ford's and their work is excellent. I just called them a few days ago about polishing my police trade-in 4506-1 and they said they can polish it to a bright finish or stainless type finish. I've never gotten a nickel finish but I've gotten bright and brushed chrome and they both still look perfect. Chrome is much harder than nickel and won't wear. And they still do anodizing according to their price list.

I also noticed the anodizing service, they could possibly restore my 59 to original by re-anodizing the frame. Though the hardchrome sounds interesting.
I'll contact them today.

Thank you and the rest of you for the great suggestions!