I've had this come through on my nickel Colt '70 Series. Try a baking soda lemmon juice paste first. If it doesn't work, try some diluted LimeAway. If you start using abrasives initially, it may look worse than it does now.
622 VR rescue thread
- Thread starter Slidemuzik
- Start date
dsanders3906
Member
Man, those 622 VRs make me and my 422 feel inadequate.....Darn good looking pistols! I love my 422, I never knew they made VR....
dustbusterplus
Member
I recently acquired a 622VR with slight rust on the slide. Has anyone tried the mentioned things to repair it? I mistakenly got it thinking I would just use scotch brite on the sides and blast the top strap like a stainless 1911, that is until I looked more closely at the finish in person.
If anyone had tricks or tips for rust similar to the pics shown above, I'd appreciate it.
Regarding disassembly, I completely tore down a 422 and it isn't too bad expect for actually pulling the sideplate off. I have some pics I got on taking the side plate off on another forum I'd have to track down if anyone needs them.
If anyone had tricks or tips for rust similar to the pics shown above, I'd appreciate it.
Regarding disassembly, I completely tore down a 422 and it isn't too bad expect for actually pulling the sideplate off. I have some pics I got on taking the side plate off on another forum I'd have to track down if anyone needs them.
OP
Slidemuzik
Member
- Joined
- Jan 25, 2013
- Messages
- 344
- Reaction score
- 121
Dust, unfortunately I think your options are limited. I have not heard if any of the above has worked. If it were my gun I think I'd contact S&W to see if they might help. I'd first explore the lifetime warranty (nicely) to see if they might cover it because it seems to be a common issue with the VR's. Even if they didn't cover it in warranty, would they refinish? I think they are discontinuing the 22a/s which appears to have the same, or very similar finish. I wouldn't wait in case that affects their ability to do the refinish.
Second choice would be to take it to a good reputable company that can refinish it. I've seen a VR refinished in black with wood grips and it looked really nice. Don't know how it was durability wise, as the black finish on the 422's showed wear on the sharp edges if you look at it wrong. You might consider another color like Flat Earth, etc. A little too trendy for my taste, but companies seem to be selling plenty of them.
I frankly can't see that hurting the value beyond it's current condition, but I'm sure plenty would disagree with me on that. Proof would be in the pudding to see what it auctions for. Would it sell for enough to cover the cost of the refinish plus what you have in it now? Probably iffy, but I have to believe it would have more interest.
If you'd post those photos of the disassembly that would be great. If you'd consider a video with close ups, that would be even better! It would get consistent views, I'm sure.
Last edited:
Glad I finally found this blog, been looking for something similar for 622VR Enthusiasts. I enjoyed the posts about the 4.5 in versions, interesting to find out they came in Fixed sight versions also.
Yes, the finish on the slide can be a problem but I've only encountered minimal rust on one of mine. Another one (I have 7) was located in a pawn shop and someone had removed all the finish with a buffing wheel to the point of an almost Nickel or chrome finish, plus it was filthy. It's looked like some sort of gangster PIMP gun. It needed a better home. The shop was willing to negotiate on price and got it fairly cheap ($300). Cleaned it up at home (definitely crusty on the inside parts), but it ran just fine afterwards. It just looked awful, plus it had some noticeable scratches and abuse. I found a guy locally that did Ceracote, had it refinished in Polar Grey, which is like a "Battleship" grey. OK, so it's not factory or a knock-off fake, but it sure looks better than before and I'm not ashamed to take it out at the range. In fact, I often get compliments, but so few people are familiar with the gun, I've found.
Glad to have found info on the 4.5 VR's. Nice to know how many were made. Any chance of someone posting the "Starting" S/N's and ending S/n's?? I have one 4.5in, adj. sights, black grips. I will visit often now that I know about this page.
Yes, the finish on the slide can be a problem but I've only encountered minimal rust on one of mine. Another one (I have 7) was located in a pawn shop and someone had removed all the finish with a buffing wheel to the point of an almost Nickel or chrome finish, plus it was filthy. It's looked like some sort of gangster PIMP gun. It needed a better home. The shop was willing to negotiate on price and got it fairly cheap ($300). Cleaned it up at home (definitely crusty on the inside parts), but it ran just fine afterwards. It just looked awful, plus it had some noticeable scratches and abuse. I found a guy locally that did Ceracote, had it refinished in Polar Grey, which is like a "Battleship" grey. OK, so it's not factory or a knock-off fake, but it sure looks better than before and I'm not ashamed to take it out at the range. In fact, I often get compliments, but so few people are familiar with the gun, I've found.
Glad to have found info on the 4.5 VR's. Nice to know how many were made. Any chance of someone posting the "Starting" S/N's and ending S/n's?? I have one 4.5in, adj. sights, black grips. I will visit often now that I know about this page.
OP
Slidemuzik
Member
- Joined
- Jan 25, 2013
- Messages
- 344
- Reaction score
- 121
Welcome to the forum. Hope you'll find it helpful and look forward to your experiences in return. Are all 7 of yours VRs?
vigil617
US Veteran
Welcome to the Forum! A guy with 7 622VR pistols is definitely welcome here!
You'll find that Slidemuzik is the authority on these around here. Thanks to him, I was able to buy my first a few weeks ago, and I really enjoy both owning and shooting it. Mine has been picky about ammo (CCI Mini-Mag 40 grain exclusively, so far, among the couple of types I've tried), but it is a ton of fun to shoot.
We have a saying around here, "Pics or it didn't happen!" I can't wait to see photos of your stable of these. They are rare birds, and increasing in price, and I'm lucky to have a friend like Slidemuzik who put me on to one for $400 that was practically "new and unfired".
OP
Slidemuzik
Member
- Joined
- Jan 25, 2013
- Messages
- 344
- Reaction score
- 121
I'm not sure the authority is accurate, but I do have a passion for these and I've done quite a bit of research. Thanks for the kind words tho Vigil.
It gives me satisfaction sharing what I've learned and talking with other owners. When I see a good one out there that can't go home with me, I think it's just good gun karma to let those that appreciate them know about it. Look forward to hearing more from our newest club member.
It gives me satisfaction sharing what I've learned and talking with other owners. When I see a good one out there that can't go home with me, I think it's just good gun karma to let those that appreciate them know about it. Look forward to hearing more from our newest club member.
S&W collection
Wow, I haven't been here in a while. I'll try to post some pics, but I've added some to the mix. Don't really know how many I have now.
. I can't seem to figure out how to post pics from my computer files? The link for pics doesn't seem to want to accept my selection
Wow, I haven't been here in a while. I'll try to post some pics, but I've added some to the mix. Don't really know how many I have now.
Last edited:
Since this pic was taken, I've added 3 other 6" versions and one more 4.5 inch. Was watching one on G/Bkr with fixed sights. Just sold for $956, no box or ppwk......I quit bidding around $900. Too rich for me.. I buy everyone I find in Pawnshops and Gun Shows.....
vigil617
US Veteran
View attachment 186867Wow, I haven't been here in a while. I'll try to post some pics, but I've added some to the mix. Don't really know how many I have now.. I can't seem to figure out how to post pics from my computer files? The link for pics doesn't seem to want to accept my selection
Sometimes the size of the original file just won't load into the necessarily-smaller format for attaching the way you are trying to do it. I've had good luck with setting up a free Photobucket account, uploading my pictures to there, and then simply copying the image link from Photobucket and pasting it into my post here on the Forum. It's easy, and a big advantage is that the photos display larger even before clicking on them.
You've got a lot of interesting examples! Those 422 6" models with the ventilated rib cuts must have been done by someone with milling equipment, right? I don't think the factory ever produced any in that configuration; only in the 622VR 6" and 4.5" models.
I think a lot of folks were watching that Gunbroker auction last night on the 4.5" 622VR with the fixed sights. Really interesting gun that I don't think I've ever seen before; only the one with the adjustable sights.
Looking forward to more of your pictures!
Last edited:
OP
Slidemuzik
Member
- Joined
- Jan 25, 2013
- Messages
- 344
- Reaction score
- 121
You can bet I was watching with interest.
Vig, buddy... did you look at the photos I posted at the beginning of this thread? lol
vigil617
US Veteran
You can bet I was watching with interest.
Vig, buddy... did you look at the photos I posted at the beginning of this thread? lol
Well, Bill, thanks for reminding me that my memory is the second thing to go.....
And yes, I bet you were watching that auction last night with interest!
I had no idea where that auction would end up. $956 is hard to believe but it's great too -- the more these pistols become more widely collectible, the better for all of us!
OP
Slidemuzik
Member
- Joined
- Jan 25, 2013
- Messages
- 344
- Reaction score
- 121
N99, do you go by a different name on another forum? These look familiar.
I'm going to guess that the two black VR's have been refinished in black and one has swapped slides with a fixed sight 422 or 622 and an aftermarket adjustable sight put in the dovetail and it's sporting some TGT grips. The other one has the plastic TGT grips.
OP
Slidemuzik
Member
- Joined
- Jan 25, 2013
- Messages
- 344
- Reaction score
- 121
Well, Bill, thanks for reminding me that my memory is the second thing to go.....
And yes, I bet you were watching that auction last night with interest!
I had no idea where that auction would end up. $956 is hard to believe but it's great too -- the more these pistols become more widely collectible, the better for all of us!
I told the seller I thought that would sell for between $800-$1000. It definitely went for the high end. These 4.5 " vr's don't come up often, but they have been selling pretty consistently for $800 plus. This looked to be exceptionally nice, I'm really curious what it would have brought with the original box.
I can't remember what else I was going to tell you. Oh yeah. Memory being the second to go... It keeps you from being upset about the first thing to go. Don't miss what you can't remember.
vigil617
US Veteran
Eyesight.
20/20/ eyesight was the first to go.
20/20/ eyesight was the first to go.
NDFRC
Member
622vr
Very nice and informative thread on these 622's, thanks! and the more I read, the more I like my latest score.. yes a 4,5" vr !! I have been learning lately about the 2213/14, 2206, 622 and 422 family and just acquired a couple nice 422s in 4" and 6", then I see this vr and was able to capture it, because it seemed to be an allusive bird, which now I believe it is, no box though how perfect would that be but in this case- no box is fine! I am stoked!!
Very nice and informative thread on these 622's, thanks! and the more I read, the more I like my latest score.. yes a 4,5" vr !! I have been learning lately about the 2213/14, 2206, 622 and 422 family and just acquired a couple nice 422s in 4" and 6", then I see this vr and was able to capture it, because it seemed to be an allusive bird, which now I believe it is, no box though how perfect would that be but in this case- no box is fine! I am stoked!!
cherrypointmarine
Member
I just saw this thread and ran back to my safe(s). I dug mine out , but alas adjustable sights . This is the only thread I've seen about these . I also have a 22A , but the M622VR is a lot more fun to shoot . It just fits perfect in my hand , and my wife . Slidemusik , it's a shame to see such a gun treated like that , but my hats off to you for saving her !
NDFRC
Member
Great 622VR writeups, so I have a question, what's to stop someone from taking a fixed sight slide from a 622 and put it on a 4.5 VR frame?
indigo22
Member
The only thing stopping someone is finding an adjustable sight slide. Should fit and function...
