Anyone have their revolver reblued at the S&W factory lately?

[CH4]

Black nitride is an extremely durable option that looks great, at least to my eye. It’s not a paint or plating, it actually treats the metal, making it harder and extremely corrosion resistant. It’s done by placing the parts in a 1100 degree salt bath for 30-60 minutes. I’ve done a couple Smiths. Turn around is usually less than a week.

H&M Blacknitride+™ | The New Standard in Steel Hardening

 

[Keysmia]

I had my old duty redone when I retired. Judge for yourself, and it only took them 7 months to get it back to me.
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What did they refinish it with? Cerakote? Looks like a Melonite finish or something.

 

[Keysmia]

I had this Model 19 refinished by them last year. I’m happy with it. It was rough with a lot of wear. Should have done a before and after.

 

[dmn57]

Do not use Hoppes #9 or any ammonia product on guns blued with the new S&W process. It will turn plum color.

What's the best non-ammonia product to use in this situation?

 

[kbm6893]

5 months is ridiculous for a re-blue. How long can the process take once they begin? Couple of days maybe. I’m sure they’re busy but 5 months? Come on.

 

[rwsmith]

5 months is ridiculous for a re-blue. How long can the process take once they begin? Couple of days maybe. I’m sure they’re busy but 5 months? Come on.

If it's warranty work S&W works quickly. If it's not lead times extend for months. I'm not sure if they have a big backlog of service/custom work or whether they just aren't geared for it.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

... making it my “truck” gun,

So why bother bluing it?

 

[oneeyedpete]

Because its still a S&W revolver and all S&W revolvers deserve it!

 

[lightstar_actual]

What did they refinish it with? Cerakote? Looks like a Melonite finish or something.

Beadblast and blue, entire pistol.

 

[45Smashemflat]

Here is a link to a Mark Novak (Anvil Gunsmithing) YouTube regarding rust bluing. It’s worth a watch, and if interested, he has many more going into the details. Worth the time to watch, and not hard, should you want to try it yourself.

 

[rwsmith]

What's the best non-ammonia product to use in this situation?

CLP, but SOME have ammonia. Ballistol is good. Others I would try are Wipeout Foaming Bore and SC-14.

 

[Drem]

I sent S&W my 15-4 back in March before I found out they changed their bluing process. When I received the letter with the cost I decided to go with the bright polish in hopes that I will be happy with the end result.

I called last week and it is supposedly being processed. Waiting each day now to see the charge come through my bank.

 

[b737lvr]

I sent S&W my 15-4 back in March before I found out they changed their bluing process. When I received the letter with the cost I decided to go with the bright polish in hopes that I will be happy with the end result.

I called last week and it is supposedly being processed. Waiting each day now to see the charge come through my bank.

It’s going to be a while, have patience and just wait.

 

[dmn57]

CLP, but SOME have ammonia. Ballistol is good. Others I would try are Wipeout Foaming Bore and SC-14.

Thanks. Got to poking around in the junk box and found a can of MC-7 that says 'ammonia free' right on the label...duh.

 

[Jcon72]

Do not use Hoppes #9 or any ammonia product on guns blued with the new S&W process. It will turn plum color.

IMO this should be completely unacceptable! Both products are commonly used for gun cleaning, and they need to find a consumer-friendly solution for the bluing process. Don't 3rd party gunsmiths do (better) bluing jobs all the time without the limitation of not being able to use Hoppe's #9 or ammonia?

 

[kbm6893]

IMO this should be completely unacceptable! Both products are commonly used for gun cleaning, and they need to find a consumer-friendly solution for the bluing process. Don't 3rd party gunsmiths do (better) bluing jobs all the time without the limitation of not being able to use Hoppe's #9 or ammonia?

I agree. A gun that can't be cleaned using Hoppes #9 is not acceptable. Not to mention most people don't even know that Hoppes has ammonia. Most start up gun cleaning kits in the sporting goods stores have Hoppes #9. The cleaning kit that I was issued in the police academy was a Hoppes #9 kit.