K22 M17 4 Screw Barrel Question

[Elvis Ray Bob]

Hi Folks, I have this beautiful K22 #K3591xx that is in excellent condition with exception some good pits in the L/H side of barrel. the damage is only to the barrel and small edges of rib but look bad. Question is, Do I send to S&W to have repair & reblue to barrel or is a specialized Gunsmith better? All repair and refinish work is to barrel only. It's always going to be shooter but would like it to look better than that smear of Cold Blue!! on an otherwise really nice 22 S&W. Opinions?

 

[Camster]

I think that you need a specialist.Smith might decline to work on a gun of that vintage,plus their bluing process is different from when that gun was produced.
You might send them the photos for an opinion.

 

[murphydog]

If it is model stamped the factory will refinish it, but they will do the entire gun. In an instance similar to this, I sent a cylinder in need of a refinish and the yoke to an experienced shop (George Roghaar in FL), and he was able to match the two blue finishes very closely.

 

[Targets Guy]

1959 was a good year. Such a shame. Take it to a specialist.

 

[Elvis Ray Bob]

Thanks That's as suspected. I have about a $100-150 budget. Removing the barrel is for a craftsman for sure. The finish on the rest of the revolver is beautiful. Just a quick buff a clean up the edge of the rib
Funny! When my younger generation shooting buddies shoot this, They are amazed at the simplicity and extreme accuracy of the S&W 22!

 

[JSR III]

If it is going to be used as a shooter then I would not bother. Collector value is hurt by the blems but any refinish will remove all collector value.

If it really bothers you then have it done but realize that you are doing it for you and you alone and will never get your money back.

 

[Elvis Ray Bob]

Thanks Jim, I know, but it looks bad. I have already a really nice collection of S&W .22 revolvers that I don't shoot and I'm not trying to improve resale. I'm looking to improve appearance my one of my favorite range guns. I don't want to refinish the whole gun, just spots on the barrel. It's got spots of cold blue on it now. I know It's really minor work but takes skill. I'm afraid S&W factory might make a big deal. I was fishing for any experiences with a gunsmith with S&W experience that could remove and dress up the barrel, reblue barrel, and reinstall barrel without cracking or galling the frame. I don't have a large investment in this K22 so it's a little project. Regards,

 

[model70hunter]

I think you answered your own question. If you can't live with it have it redone. Collector value is already gone.

I have been there, I feel I understand your angst. Your focus will always be on the blems rather than the 10 ring.