Ford’s Refinishing Result
- Thread starter jmclfrsh
- Start date
Looks awesome! I have a 28-2 with them right now. It was nickled at somepoint after it left S&W, but it was cloudy and chipping off at the muzzle. Ford's is redoing it in the proper matte blue. They have had it since June. I really can't wait to get it back! Helps that the only money I have in it is about half of the cost at Ford's (a friend got me a gift certificate to get me to have it reblued). Thinking about getting a set of those Altamont cokes for it.
Triathloncoach
Member
Ok, being charitable, I'm uncouth. 
I looked through their website. Approximate cost to reblue a 17-2?
I looked through their website. Approximate cost to reblue a 17-2?UPS and FedEx charge you for a gun because they can! Fed regs state ONLY an FFL can ship a firearm via USPS! Therefore a private party must ship via FedEx or UPS and the Fed Regs state you must tell the shipper what he is shipping! Deep in the fine print of the FedEx and UPS regs there is a clause that a firearm must ship by Overnight shipment, so they charge what ever they feel like charging that day!
jcelect
Extremely nice! Stunningly beautiful!
Triathloncoach
Member
That's good to (finally) know.
JGR_LV
Member
Ford Blue or S&W High Bright?
Thanks, Ralph! If I followed this correctly, you shipped the the factory guns back to S&W for the refinish. Did I get that right? Do you, or does anybody else out there have any experience with S&W's refinishing of an abused gun? I just picked up a Model 49 (no dash) with a J-prefix serial number in the low 200K range. The gun appears sound in all mechanics, but like most of the breed, it spent most of its life in a holster or pocket and has some rust and what I'd describe as light pitting on the top strap and upper frame. I'm planning on using it as a carry gun, but I'd like to clean up the cosmetics a bit. It looks as if it started with the S&W Bright Blue. S&W's website quotes $275 for "High Bright Polish," exactly the same as Ford's "Ford" blue. Any recommendations?
BTW, Ralph, I did finish one set of replica grips for the Straight Line, not perfect, didn't exactly reproduce the reverse teardrop profile, but close. I got busy with work and moving, but I'm about 10 days retired and relocated to Prescott, AZ now, so I'll have time for a second try, as soon as I get my shop set up. Thanks again!
Jim Rickett
Thanks, Ralph! If I followed this correctly, you shipped the the factory guns back to S&W for the refinish. Did I get that right? Do you, or does anybody else out there have any experience with S&W's refinishing of an abused gun? I just picked up a Model 49 (no dash) with a J-prefix serial number in the low 200K range. The gun appears sound in all mechanics, but like most of the breed, it spent most of its life in a holster or pocket and has some rust and what I'd describe as light pitting on the top strap and upper frame. I'm planning on using it as a carry gun, but I'd like to clean up the cosmetics a bit. It looks as if it started with the S&W Bright Blue. S&W's website quotes $275 for "High Bright Polish," exactly the same as Ford's "Ford" blue. Any recommendations?
BTW, Ralph, I did finish one set of replica grips for the Straight Line, not perfect, didn't exactly reproduce the reverse teardrop profile, but close. I got busy with work and moving, but I'm about 10 days retired and relocated to Prescott, AZ now, so I'll have time for a second try, as soon as I get my shop set up. Thanks again!
Jim Rickett
Three years ago my friend sent in a rusted and pitted 29-5, which also had major mechanical issues.The factory repaired and re blued in their standard finish.The gun came back looking new.The only drawback is the jet black blue they currently use is known to be a little delicate against certain solvents.
I know it's off topic, but the rule applies to non longarms. A non FFL can ship long arms through USPS.
Yes---both guns back to S&W---more than a few years ago.
Abused gun-----my only experience was with a pre-war Magnum (very abused), and I have only the back half of the story---having not seen the gun before it went back to be resurrected. The (re) finish was of the matte blue variety---very matte. I suspect the surface was glass bead peened (maybe even shot peened---possibly both) rather than polished. I suspect that was done to create as even an appearing surface as possible after they had dealt with the all but the worst of the irregularities as best they could. It was a nice looking gun---just not shiny. This was 20+ years ago, and I don't know what they do/can do/will do these days. I've seen Fords take fugitives from a junk yard, and bring them back----recut logos and lettering---the whole nine yards. This sort of work is not inexpensive.
I'm glad the grips worked out for you---the second time around will be easier.
Ralph Tremaine
OP
jmclfrsh
Member
Thank you for all the kind words!
For me, I think if you are getting refinishing done, especially blueing, Ford's might even be a better choice than the factory lately if it is a gun you are planning on keeping. They told me they won't release one unless it looks like something they would put in their own gun case. And now I sure do believe it.
I prefer the blue of the older S&Ws than the blackish finish they now use, and it did not have a problem with common gun solvents. They would be a huge factor in my decision, but that's just me and we all think differently.
I'll bet that after some shooting and holster time it will look just like a factory nickle job; my .44 29-3 nickle finish is very similar, and the Ford's finish actually looks a little crisper in person.
I'm not knocking a factory S&W nickle finish, though! I wanted to be clear on that. These are beautiful guns, no doubt about it, and I sure am glad they make them.
For me, I think if you are getting refinishing done, especially blueing, Ford's might even be a better choice than the factory lately if it is a gun you are planning on keeping. They told me they won't release one unless it looks like something they would put in their own gun case. And now I sure do believe it.
I prefer the blue of the older S&Ws than the blackish finish they now use, and it did not have a problem with common gun solvents. They would be a huge factor in my decision, but that's just me and we all think differently.
I'll bet that after some shooting and holster time it will look just like a factory nickle job; my .44 29-3 nickle finish is very similar, and the Ford's finish actually looks a little crisper in person.
I'm not knocking a factory S&W nickle finish, though! I wanted to be clear on that. These are beautiful guns, no doubt about it, and I sure am glad they make them.
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I hope this is on-topic! I checked and Ford's is not registered with Ship-My-Gun. If they were, then a shipping label for up to two pounds wouldn't be costly at all. I have only shipped, before, to S&W and Ruger - and IIRC the cost was around $35. From what I have seen - taking a revolver directly to UPS (without buying a label ahead of time) and shipping to Ford's FFL address could run as much as $75. Can anyone weigh in on this - please feel free to correct my ignorance here!
BigBill
Absent Comrade
I need a ffl to ship my guns for repairs or refinishing. Factor in that cost.
I have a m28 no dash 6" barrel and a new unshot m29-10 6 1/2" barrel I'd like to have both redone in nickel. After the holidays. Fords work does look good.
I have a m28 no dash 6" barrel and a new unshot m29-10 6 1/2" barrel I'd like to have both redone in nickel. After the holidays. Fords work does look good.
BruceM
Member
To me, if bluing work is required, Ford's would get the nod over the Smith & Wesson factory. IMO, their current bluing process looks ok but lacks the durability the previous hot salts bath blue and the Carbonia oven/charcoal & oil blue provided. There are those who feel that Ford's highest polish blue is actually more shiny than the factory's and is therefore not actually a restoration of the finish. If your desire is a restoration of the finish you can always ask for the polish to be rolled back a click. As good as Ford's work is, they cannot replicate either the color or depth of color of the pre 1978 Carbonia Blue. A couple of firms who do charcoal blue claim they can get real close however.
An FFL dealer can ship a handgun USPS Priority Mail to another FFL for a very reasonable amount. If an FFL dealer ships a handgun UPS or FedEx, it must go overnight air. The only exception to this is very large firms such as Smith & Wesson who have negotiated a very low rate for shipping. Therefore, many times your FFL is by far the least expensive handgun shipping option. I have seen small dealers ship handguns FFL-FFL via UPS or FedEx ground or 2nd day air. This is a violation of the shippers policy. This is all well and good right up to the point that something is lost or damaged. The insurer will refuse to pay a claim for a package shipped outside of the shippers policy.
Bruce
An FFL dealer can ship a handgun USPS Priority Mail to another FFL for a very reasonable amount. If an FFL dealer ships a handgun UPS or FedEx, it must go overnight air. The only exception to this is very large firms such as Smith & Wesson who have negotiated a very low rate for shipping. Therefore, many times your FFL is by far the least expensive handgun shipping option. I have seen small dealers ship handguns FFL-FFL via UPS or FedEx ground or 2nd day air. This is a violation of the shippers policy. This is all well and good right up to the point that something is lost or damaged. The insurer will refuse to pay a claim for a package shipped outside of the shippers policy.
Bruce
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And Bruce said:
I know you guys are right. It just seems weird that the shippers can selectively enforce or selectively ignore the policy. This only encourages people to be untruthful about what it is they're shipping, and I don't want to do that.
When I owned a guitar store, I would receive instrument deliveries from Fedex worth $1000 or more all the time, and they were insured. I know because if any came damaged, it was taken care of. But anytime I tried to ship a guitar of this value back to the manufacturer for repairs, Fedex would say, "Nope, we can't insure guitars for more than $500." Someone at Fedex was lying to me.
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BruceM
Member
Unless there is something specific in the shipper's regulations or interstate commerce law, I do believe that somebody was lying. I would think you can insure for any amount you want within the shipper's insurance carrier's limits. However, in the case or loss or damage you would be required to prove that value in order to settle the claim.
Bruce
nachogrande
Member
CLOSE ENOUGH TO DRIVE THERE.
Nothing but an excellent experience with them. They did not try to upsell me but rather told me the standard blue was the right choice for a Marlin waffle top, they were right, and saved me $. If you have a Colt & want that old Colt deep blue, they are your boys. Still thinking (dreaming) of getting the owners manual removed & a master blue on a 2 3/4" speed six. I know, spend more on the improvements than the gun??? The grips??? I THINK it will look good.
Nothing but an excellent experience with them. They did not try to upsell me but rather told me the standard blue was the right choice for a Marlin waffle top, they were right, and saved me $. If you have a Colt & want that old Colt deep blue, they are your boys. Still thinking (dreaming) of getting the owners manual removed & a master blue on a 2 3/4" speed six. I know, spend more on the improvements than the gun??? The grips??? I THINK it will look good.
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Point 357
US Veteran
Nice! How did you get them to do that? I sent one in on their dime but they charged me $45.00 to send it back to me. And it WAS a Smith!
BruceM
Member
It may be something like a Walther PPK or a T-C firearm.
Somewhere back in my records I have Smith & Wesson's FedEx shipper's number but I'd have to search for it. Pretty dishonest to use it to ship something to somebody else.
Bruce
My shipping experiences with S&W itself have been fair. They have emailed several shipping labels for revolvers to go into them - and they recover that money, I think, by charging a $45 estimate or inspection fee. Then, in both cases, they charged $35, on top of the work itself, for return shipping. When I get the $200+ set aside to refinish my SB M10, I'm going to contact Ford's to see if they can send their FFL to Ship-my-Gun.
joeintexas
US Veteran
That is some fine eye candy if ever I saw any! Beautiful. Thank you for the pics.
OP
jmclfrsh
Member
Thanks Joe, appreciate it!
