19-4... Refinish?

[brucev]

In a recent thread ( http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-smithing/387597-mistake.html ) reference was made to the refinishing of a 586 using black chrome.

I have a nice little six inch 19-4 that didn't cost me the proverbial arm and leg. Part of this was b/c I found it in a little small town gunshop where such a pistol is in low demand. Part of the reason for it not costing me a kings ransom is that it has some finish wear, etc. It is a wonderful shooting revolver with TT & TH & TS and the partridge front sight.

I am in a quandary. Currently I only have $280 in the revolver. I realize it's value is only a a shooter. Is refinishing it worthwhile? It is not my heart throb... i.e., I don't lie awake at night thinking about it. But I enjoy using it. As is, I can take it and drop it in my holster w/o concern. But, have been thinking. Would appreciate the thoughts of those who have had similar type shooter revolvers refinished. What finish did you use? Who would you recommend? Cost? Sincerely. brucev.

 

[tlay]

You can send it back to S&W if you want to wait for awhile or you can send it to Fords in Florida. They do a great job and don't take as long. I had one done in 2 months. If you are a veteran tell them and you get a discount. Can you post a photo of your 19 so we can tell if it is worthy of a refinish?

 

[Iggy]

You can spend a more money on the re-finish than you paid for the gun and not gain much in value. It will also be too pretty to put in a holster and enjoy.

Don't ask me how I know this.

 

[Stu1205]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

What he said ^^^^^


Stu

 

[TM333TX]

Sent a 29-2 back to S&W for a nickel finish. 2 months and it was home. Beautiful. Had read, heard it would take longer. Glad it is home. It was not well cared for prior to when I got it and the blue around the yoke and one side of the cylinder was an eye sore. Looks really good now.

 

[Hapworth]

Everything you point to in your OP strongly indicates don't refinish -- you'll gain no value monetarily or in "pride of ownership", and likely lose it as a shooter for fear of damaging the reblue.

 

[wiskerchew]

I too got a old pre-model 36, 5 screw for about the same but the finish was shot. Very clean w/ no pitting so decided to send it back to S&W for a refinish. Been gone now a few months so eagerly waiting for it to return.

 

[Shootbrownelk]

I've seen a few guys have their S&W revolvers reblued/refinished.
And when they get them back, they go right into the safe and they quit shooting them. Don't want to scratch the new blueing. Forget it Bruce, just shoot the hell out of it and don't worry about giving it owwies.

 

[Nframeguy]

As some have said, a refinish probably won't add enough value to offset the cost of having it done, but.... If you plan to keep it and a refinish will make you happy with it then do it.

I like my guns to look good. I would have it done if it were mine.

Kevin