So about 6 mos. ago, I picked up a 15-3 snub from a co-worker, sight unseen. I offered 300, even though he said it was a mdl. 10. What he had was a very poorly stored revolver, no box, with some minor rust and pitting. The previous owner apparently decided he could remove some pitting on the left side of the frame, which seemed to be with 400 grit sandpaper. It looked pretty bad. Since it seemed barely fired, and very tight, I honored my offer. I took it to the range, and it did just fine. I smoothed out the scratches, and cold blued the area, and kept it soaked with clp. I didn't touch it for about 3 weeks, and when I pulled it out, I saw an ugly orange color in one of the pits. Oh hell no. I have always wanted a handgun plated by Mahovsky' s Metalife in PA, (in business for over 40 years) but never had one in poor enough shape to warrant sending one out. This one qualified. Needless to say, this is the end result, and I could not be more happy. The original grips were in poor condition, thus these Pachmayers. So this one is a keeper. Darn. Only letting me load 1 pic...
15-3 snub
- Thread starter rmw
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Wyatt Burp
Member
This is the first time I find myself NOT saying I think the hammer and trigger should have case colors. It just looks great.
Good save. It should make a great carry gun.
The plating is chrome or electroless nickel?
BTW, very nice!!
BTW, very nice!!
rmv - Your Model 15 looks fabulous - what a great save! I have a .32 1903 Colt that's even rougher than yours & I would like to get it plated. I'm sorry for a nosy-ish question, but hopefully it was less than $300? I'm smart and good-looking 
but I don't have much money 
but I don't have much money Firearm Plating -Mahovsky's Metalife
Check his price list. You WILL be pleasantly surprised!
Check his price list. You WILL be pleasantly surprised!
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Ivan the Butcher
Member
My EDC is a 49 no dash that was refinished by Metalife several decades ago (way before I owned it!). I wore it every day for the last 11 years straight with very little effect on the finish!
Ivan
Ivan
Wow. That is beautiful! I don't carry a revolver for personal defense. Just my personal choice. I'm 73 now. I've carried a handgun, daily, for almost 50 years. The short radius open sights are a no-go for me now. I've carried a Hellcat with a red dot for over a year now. It will be the last EDC I will carry. It's perfect for me.
But if I did, your 15-3 setup looks perfect. Maybe ad a red front sight insert. I have a spare 15-3, that is actually in nice shape. I am sorely tempted to send it off to Ron for the hard chrome treatment.
I checked Ron's website. His prices are seam very reasonable.
But if I did, your 15-3 setup looks perfect. Maybe ad a red front sight insert. I have a spare 15-3, that is actually in nice shape. I am sorely tempted to send it off to Ron for the hard chrome treatment.
I checked Ron's website. His prices are seam very reasonable.
Yes, the prices are very reasonable. I appreciate that you know where you are in your journey, and have chosen what works for you. I have painted the front sight red, but do wish it had a white outline rear. Maybe I can change the blade. If you send it in, you won't be disappointed.
I had a similar experience, a Mod 19 left in a gun run and a small fire in the house. Gun rug got damp and forgotten about. You can imagine the crust of light rust, and just a sprinkling of light pitting. I had Metaloy of Berryville Arkansas do it and was well pleased. Finish wears like iron.
yugolovr
Member
I think it turned out great, and I hope you enjoy your model 15.
I never paid much attention to the advancements in gun finishes. My Mod 15 carry gun has some high spot wear that I keep at bay with touch up blue. Now I'm thinking about permanent solutions that will wear better than the original blue. Thanks for all the information and pics.
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The gun looks great but you know it needs some flashy grips to go with that bright shininess, don't you?
