1917 Problem

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blanda1

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I know this gun is ruined in the world of collectors value but I have a question....In the area of Good Taste and the fact this gun has a very low 4 digit serial number less than 5000 and all numbers matching should this gun (i know it's my choice but I want HONEST opinions) be put back in blue and if so how would be the best to do it?


1917S%26W-X2.jpg
 
Is it painted and is it blue under the paint? If yes, and the paint can be removed with a solvent, heck yes, return it to blue.
 
I realize the cost factor vs value factor that is not really what I am asking it's just a matter of your opinion of... if the old girl should be put back to what she should look like....in other words if she was re-blued would she be more acceptable than in nickel in your opinion?
 
I am not an expert but, I would leave it alone. Its great looking nickled. To return it to blue would be expensive and as stated it wouldn't be original. For the cost you would be a long ways towards a nice original blued gun. Maybe not with a 4 digit # but unfortunately most of us can't have everything.
 
Could be my eyes or maybe my monitor but it looks like a very shiney blue to me not nickel.

As many will state, your gun your decision. If it IS nickel, then it has already been "ruined" from a purist collectors standpoint. If returned to original type finish, it will still be "ruined" to a collector as it is not original finish but a redo.

As a shooter, what difference does finish make unless in the white and in need of some form of rust protection.

So here is my .02 worth. Leave it alone and shoot it or buy a better example in original finish and enjoy it as a collectible.

Remember, we don't own these guns, we merely hold on to them for a period of time and then they pass on to others.
 
Looks to me to be a pretty fair nickel job! I too am for leaving it nickel and shooting it. They are very nice guns. This one, also, looks to be in very good condition too.
 
blanda1 said:
I realize the cost factor vs value factor that is not really what I am asking it's just a matter of your opinion of... if the old girl should be put back to what she should look like....in other words if she was re-blued would she be more acceptable than in nickel in your opinion?
Click to expand...

How do you know it's a SHE? I love when a guy calls his firearm a SHE.
Sorta makes me wonder?
 
Wife and I together 45 years. She collects Savage and Stevens. She nevers refers to her guns as HIM. I've never called any of my Smith & Wessons as a she. Just sayin, maybe something your missing.
 
I'm not a fan of nickel but that looks as good as it gets for a nickel 1917. Most are horrendously buffed and this one has the added bonus of the trigger and hammer (with the early concentric grooves) being left case hardened. That's rare, most Bubbas shine the whole damn thing. Is the ejector star still blue as well? Almost makes it look like a factory original kind of job. The ivory-like grips go with it well, and nobody has even mentioned that replacing the grips with appropriate originals would be another considerable expense.

Appreciate it for what it is (as you have indicated you will do.)
 
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It would make a fine entry level Bar B Q gun. Now you just need a pretty floral Threepersons rig Like the ones Wyatt Burp displays.
 
I also have one (5 digit ser.#) that was factory nickeled in the early 70's and the only gripe I have is that it is very hard to see the sights on bright sunny days
 
the only gripe I have is that it is very hard to see the sights on bright sunny days
Click to expand...

Try darkening them with a candle. Just hold the gun upside down over the flame but not in it and the soot will darken the metal. Try shooting that way and see what you think. Worst case scnario if it doesn't work or you don't like the look, it wipes off with a little windex. :D
 
I like it. I would have bought it. It is better off than mine. At least it has a finish.
 
JSR III said:
Try darkening them with a candle. Just hold the gun upside down over the flame but not in it and the soot will darken the metal. Try shooting that way and see what you think. Worst case scnario if it doesn't work or you don't like the look, it wipes off with a little windex. :D
Click to expand...

thanks, i'll have to give that a try
 
Blanda1
I agree with the others. The nickel actually looks nicely done. Its great you have decided to keep it that way. In case you were curious, a quality refinisher such as Fords in Florida could do such a job. But it would cost around (IIRC) $325 plus I think $100 to strip the nickel not to mention shipping. And then a likely wait of 4-6 months.
 
As long as the finish isn't chipping or peeling, I wouldn't refinish it.

It looks like nickel and that's a decent finish for it.

I've got a Colt New Service that was (at some point) nickeled, and it doesn't look like as good of a job as yours. I just wish it shot half as well as yours probably does.
 
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