Leave it as is... or...!? Update 6/18/10 See Pg. 5

[big50_1]

In the last year or two, I've gotten interested in used police S&Ws mainly because they are (1) part of local history and (2) cheap. So my first was a '75 mdl. 67 inscribed with C.H.P. (California Highway Patrol). Great shape actually (used but not abused as they say) but then again stainless is forgiving.

However I just picked up a police 13-3 that dates from '82 (interestingly it has only the model number stamped on the frame at the rear of the barrel; no serial. The only serial number is on the underside of the grip.). Mechanically it's in great shape. Locks up tight and so forth. The metal is not dinged up or scratched BUT the blue finish is patchy. I'm kinda' amazed. Even the front sides of the front of the barrel are not worn as you would expect from being in a holster. My first inclination is to blue it but I know that you can just wipe it down with an oily rag after use and it will last as is for decades without any changes to the surface.

So if I leave it, it will be what it is, a mechanically good but finish challenged 13-3 that is a nice range gun OR... I can get it blued or maybe ...nickeled. I've never nickeled a gun although I own several. It might be an interesting project gun. I know that I would never get the money out that I put into it but it would look darn purty! What say you all? Here are some views of the gun: The inscription says, Sacto. Sheriff.

 

[Norton 750]

Guess it boils down to what you want to use it for. Police guns, typically, have been carried a lot but not shot much. This is not a real high value revolver in terms of collectability, but is very high on the shooter scale. I would not hesitate to refinish it to make it my carry gun.

 

[kscardsfan]

Carry gun? Hes in Kalifornia, there ain't not carrying it out there lol

 

[Camster]

+1. I think that's a good candidate for a refinish.

 

[Marshall 357]

Yep, I do too,refinish it.

 

[srgvaz]

I would keep it- As Is -once you spend the money getting it re-blued you may become hesitant holstering and shooting it. Make it a project gun without spending too much $$$. If you want a new gun it might cost you less to buy one than making this one like new. In my opinion keep this one as your shooter and keep the new gun like new. In either instance enjoy it- shoot it-

 

[dant]

that is the "perfect example of the typical police gun..." I too would not hesitate to have it "restored" ( as to original) yep, you can use it too. Just don't ride it hard and put 'er away wet........

 

[RychenCop]

i would leave it. it has character.

 

[VonFatman]

I'd only re-finish if that is what you really want...

AFTER---the gun will not appreciate enough to make it a "good use of your money"...you are not improving your "investment"...you already know this...you are going into this with your eyes open.

HOWEVER---if you desire it to look nice, by all means, go for it. It's not a rare gun and I doubt the S&W collecting world will miss it (as it's pretty much out of that arena already).

As several have pointed out...it's a personal decision. If you want it shiny...it's gonna need help.

Enjoy.

Bob

 

[dkees]

That's a beautiful piece! It's up to you, but the way it is now will turn my head quicker than anything shiny.

 

[Baldy]

I would reblue it and get some nice wood stocks for it. It will make a good range/carry/conversation piece. Good luck with it.

 

[whitecoyote]

I like it just the way it is.
The way it looks is part of its character.
On the other hand it is your revolver, and it would not be wrong to refinish it.
Either way, it is a cool revolver!

 

[Bullseye Smith]

I would hard chrome it, last many life times then.

 

[Black Knight]

Before I decided to refinish it I believe I would send a letter to or call the current Sheriff. It appears the inscription indicates Sacremento Sheriff's Office. Give them the serial number and they may be able to trace its service with the department. It would be good to have documentation from the actual agency. Who knows what it has "seen" while working. If there is no particularly interesting or important history associated with it I believe I would refinish it. If there is then I'm not sure what I would do.

 

[Cruiser RN]

I would vote to have it reblued and shoot it.Police guns are holstered but as a rule aren't shot much so it is a good candidate to bring it back to original.I bought my instructor's Detective Special from his estate,was going to leave it with his 39+ years of holster wear,but a few areas of frame rusting and light hit issues made the decision for me.I had it Royale Blued,the mechanical issues resolved,and put custom Stag grips on it.A few people said it came out too preety to shoot but I say it was and will continue to be a shooter.........Mike

 

[TACC1]

I had a pistol that had lost ALL its blue, abd was only about
forty years old. Good quality gun, but no blue. To me, guns are supposed to be blue. (That's just me!) Finally couldn't stand it
anymore, so I prepped it myself and had a shop re-blue it. Every time
I take it out to clean or exercise it, I'm glad I did!
If you do the hard work, you can get by for very little cash, and can have it blued locally. If it's total restoring you're looking at, it becomes
not-a-shooter, and you'll hesitate to use it for its intended purpose.
Just my 2-cents worth. TACC1

 

[donaldw870]

leave it

My preference is to leave it as-is. It has a lot of character. If you'd prefer it to be shiny, then that's a personal preference and certainly wouldn't be a bad thing to do to this gun.

 

[strangelittleman]

Parkerize it and put a lanyard loop on the butt!

 

[vsorrentino]

i would leave it. it has character.

I ditto that!

 

[rz625-8]

I have a old 10-9 2 inch M10 and I had it beadblasted by S&W and it I hope not rust. I got in it now with the beadblast about $350.00 total.rz625-8