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

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.



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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.
 
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.
 
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.

 
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.
 
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.
 
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?
 
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.
 

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