I bought this mechanically perfect snub for a bargain, probably because of the hideous hydrodip. Likely a Michigan SP relic with very little wear and the stainless cylinder pictured.
Anyone here want to take on the removal of dip and base coat? I don't know the status of the true finish so that would determine next steps.
If you're interested, please estimate cost to strip. I can disassemble completely and remove cyl, grips and thumbpiece. If you take it on, can it ship w/o FFL if has no cylinder? or send as a repair w/o FFL?

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An intact serialized frame constitutes a firearm. UPS/FedEx won't allow you to ship it to a FFL holder and the Post Office will only allow FFL holders to ship handguns. You'd either need someone authorized by UPS to send you a prepaid shipping label, or you'd need to have an FFL holder ship it to another FFL holder.

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I can make the FFL-FFL process happen.....thanks for clarification!

I had a hydro dipped 1911. Soaked it overnight in acetone. The top layer came right off leaving a residue which I was able to remove using 0000 steel wool soaked in acetone leaving the steel frame like new

I would definitely try the acetone soak treatment first. Then a Scotchbrite pad. If that won't work, bead blasting might be needed. That is a really ugly finish.

I knew we'd seen that gun before:
Ugliest gun - but flawless operation!

I still kind of like it ...

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What's the plan if you do get that ugly finish stripped?

The frame is aluminum. To restore, it would need to be anodized black. That would entail removing the steel barrel, which risks cracking the frame. S&W stopped that particular service years ago, just for that reason.

Could use one of the spray and bake finishes. They work very well on aluminum.

Sure thing. I just wanted to make sure the O.P. knows that attempting to restore the frame to a semblance of the original look is a risky proposition. No matter who does it. I'd still appreciate to know what the O.P. has in mind.....

I'm an old traditionalist. I don't care for matte finishes on revolvers - Birdsong, ceracote, parkèrizing, etc.
Hopefully, the O.P. will find something he likes to improve the gun's looks.

Got tired of looking at the ugly, although it continues to function perfectly and then some. Decided to send it off for blasting and Cerakote. Not perfec but much better and serviceable. I suspect the cost of restoring a blued finish is too much. Will be leaving the natural-stainless cylinder as is.