CS45 dilemma

[kcode]

I have a CS45 that I carry periodically and love to shoot. My problem is a very sharp trigger guard that tears up my middle finger even when placing the little finger below the magazine. I am left handed. My dilemma is to whether to stone the guard down smooth, which will remove the black coating or leave it as is since the frame is in excellent condition. Can the black finish be duplicated at home or will a trip back to S&W be necessary. Will the CS45 every become a collectors item and appreciate in value?

 

[Old Navy]

I think so, because they are fine looking gun and very accurate but it might take a while. Wish I had never sold my stainless model.

 

[MgoBlue]

I don't think they'll become a collector's item . . . way too many of them. If the guard is bothering you and you like everything else with the gun, go ahead and smooth down the edge and shoot the gun! At least, that's what I'd do!

 

[Old Navy]

Maybe collector item is wrong term, sought after with above above average retail is more like it. But just saying they made too many does not mean anything. Look how many thousands of S&W's of all kinds were made from 1900-1960, bet they are averaging 10 times there original selling price. In 1969/70 you could buy a surplus M1 for $50 to $100, today try 10 times that at least.

But in 69/70 a $100 was harder to come by then a $1000 is now for me.

 

[ecrawmer]

If you're worried about messing up the finish why don't you try something temporary that'll you can always take off. Try using a piece of electrical tape over the sharp edge and see if that helps. If it doesn't or if it bothers you more then take it off. Doesn't hurt to try.

 

[Cruiser RN]

You could send it to Smith and have them smooth out the area and if finish is upset they will fix it for you.I would imagine that they might do that under your warantee.The turnover time is quick.15 days for a DAO conversion and trigger job on my CS9......Mike

 

[growr]

I would take a few wraps of black duct tape or electricians tape to it first before grinding on anything. If you don't like simply peel it off.....
Randy

 

[kcode]

I appreciate the suggestions on the tape, but personally the tape would be difficult to keep in place. The front portion of the trigger guard is beveled but stops close to the transition area by the mag release button. The opposite side is beveled all the way to the grip. I think I will try to smooth out or just break the sharp edge with a stone or dremel. Does anyone know what the surface finish is? Is it an anodizing of some sort?

 

[mydogtaz]

kcode ,i have a cs45 in stainless.mine has what looks like a factory made special groove right where i rest my finger under the trigger guard.i to am left handed,and never have had that problem.maybe a factory fix??

 

[inboost]

kcode,

I have the same gripe about my CS45. The frame is anodized and any modification to the surface will break through and leave a bright silver color where the bare aluminum is exposed. On a black framed gun it will stand out very noticeably.

I called Smith & Wesson and their customer service rep told me they have a policy in place to not refinish aluminum frames I find this highly unlikely (calling S&W is like calling the DMV, you get a different answer every time) but you would do best to have an alternate plan for the anodize process other than S&W.

A very important note is that all the frame markings might go a bit soft (especially if bead-blasted instead of chemically stripped) and the white color of the text will be lost. Laser marking burns through the black anodize and reacts with the base metal hence the lighter color.

The bottom line is that if you can't live with the bright metal where you modify the frame make sure you have a good plan in place before you perform the modification. Talk with the refinishing shop about pin holes changing dimensions, the text on the frame, and the final color and toughness of the finish (I would suggest a Type 3 Class 2 'Hard' anodize in black). The frame must be completely stripped of all other parts pins etc. Will the shop do that or can you handle it? If the shop is to do the work how much do they charge and will they charge again to reassemble the gun?

Lots to think about. I can tell you from experience it helps to soften the edge on the trigger guard but the refinishing adds considerable expense to the project.