When I bought the 19-2 the cylinder would not open there were nicks and finish issues, White paint in the logo and lettering that would not come out. and now it is just like I want it. De-valued I don't think so. I'm sure I could get every penny back and then some over what I have into it but that's not the point.
LET'S TALK RE-BLUING AND REFINISHING
- Thread starter chief38
- Start date
I bought a S&W Mod. 19-4 when I graduated the academy in 1981. I carried it for about five years before we transitioned to semi auto's.
Every day I worked it was exposed to the elements, rain (we didn't cover our guns under the yellow rain coats), salt air from the ocean. Even had a chunk taken out of the wood grip fighting with a suspect.
When I started carrying my Sig P226 the Mod. 19 went into its box, and in the safe. Several years later I decided to thin the herd. Took the Mod. 19 out and sat there looking at it.
If I sell it, Im selling it as is, scars and all. I decided to keep it. Off it went to S&W. I had them go through it with a fine tooth comb. Also had them re-blue it. Now I take it out every so often and actually shoot it.
Since I decided to keep it, Im happy that I had it re-blued.
Every day I worked it was exposed to the elements, rain (we didn't cover our guns under the yellow rain coats), salt air from the ocean. Even had a chunk taken out of the wood grip fighting with a suspect.
When I started carrying my Sig P226 the Mod. 19 went into its box, and in the safe. Several years later I decided to thin the herd. Took the Mod. 19 out and sat there looking at it.
If I sell it, Im selling it as is, scars and all. I decided to keep it. Off it went to S&W. I had them go through it with a fine tooth comb. Also had them re-blue it. Now I take it out every so often and actually shoot it.
Since I decided to keep it, Im happy that I had it re-blued.
I'd really like to re-do my 10-8, but the cost would be more than the gun is worth. It's great mechanically, i'd just like a nice-looking wheel gun, other than my 15-3 or K22. I figure I'm never gonna make any money on the 10, but I don't plan to sell it.(But, you never know.) I just want to see if I'd like it to look pretty! They made a zillion of these, but someone might like a pretty one. Of course I would tell the it's been refinished. I'm not talking re blue, maybe ceracote or whatever it's called.
cmj8591
Member
This was a police gun that looked like it had been run over a few times. I sent it off to the mother ship and they did a great reblue. I thought about partsing it out it was so bad but I'm glad I didn't. It's like new now.
This was a police gun that looked like it had been run over a few times. I sent it off to the mother ship and they did a great reblue. I thought about partsing it out it was so bad but I'm glad I didn't. It's like new now.
Sweet, S&W does good work!
IrishFritz
Member
- Joined
- Dec 12, 2020
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I believe we would all agree that a collectible gun should be left alone to preserve its authenticity. "Collectible" might mean an out of production standard firearm but in pristine condition or it could mean an out of production firearm that is historically significant or so very rare as to be of interest to a gun collector in any condition. I think these guns should be left alone for posterity.
That leaves millions of good solid "Working" guns out there that are perfectly fine to refinish for their owner's enjoyment- after all, there is a lot more to owning and enjoying guns than collecting. I even think that its just fine to customize a gun to suit the owner's taste. Will that raise or lower the the value? Who cares so long as it adds enjoyment for the owner!
Of course, we all understand that there are hacks out there masquerading as gunsmiths but there are are also first class craftsmen who consistently produce great work- their guns are no longer "factory"but they are wonderful guns none the less.
I guess if I would sum things up I would say that if you have ponied up the money to own the gun it's yours to do with as you choose and really nobody's business but your own.
That leaves millions of good solid "Working" guns out there that are perfectly fine to refinish for their owner's enjoyment- after all, there is a lot more to owning and enjoying guns than collecting. I even think that its just fine to customize a gun to suit the owner's taste. Will that raise or lower the the value? Who cares so long as it adds enjoyment for the owner!
Of course, we all understand that there are hacks out there masquerading as gunsmiths but there are are also first class craftsmen who consistently produce great work- their guns are no longer "factory"but they are wonderful guns none the less.
I guess if I would sum things up I would say that if you have ponied up the money to own the gun it's yours to do with as you choose and really nobody's business but your own.
