M19-3 refinnish qeustions

[casey k frame]

I have a question and am in need of some assistance.
I picked up a M19-3 from a local retired LEO it was his off duty gun, it has some significant holster wear. It shoots like a dream and I'd like to turn it into my carry gun\ go to gun for anything if need be. So here's my question should I:

1. Strip polish and re-blue ($50)
2. Sand blast and re-blue ($50)
3. Cerakote (?)
4. Ship to S&W and let them do it (?)

 

[A10]

Or, #5, shoot it, enjoy it, and allow the character of the gun to stay as is. All that wear tells a story. As an LEO gun, it has been used for good things.

If you must refinish the gun, I'd go with either the S&W refinish or go to someone like Fords. If it's gonna be purty, might as well do as good a job as possible! You might not want to shoot it after it comes back though......sometimes guns are just too pretty!

 

[Hapworth]

You plan to carry and make it your "go-to for anything" gun?

Don't refinish it unless it truly makes you happy to do so -- the new finish is going to start wearing as soon as the gun goes in the holster.

Speaking of -- take the money you'd spend on a refinish and put it toward a quality carry holster instead, and several types of defensive ammo to shoot at the range and determine which one's right for you and your new gun.

 

[Ga Johnny]

#5........

 

[Maximumbob54]

Or if you want a real carry finish that would last several lifetimes you could get a satin or brushed chrome finish from someone like Mahovsky or similar.

 

[squidsix]

I would leave it alone. It will cost more (total cost) than a LNIB model 19-3 in the long run. Carry and shoot this one, and save up for a pretty one down the road. You'll thank me later.

 

[TAROMAN]

Or, #5, shoot it, enjoy it, and allow the character of the gun to stay as is. All that wear tells a story. As an LEO gun, it has been used for good things.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^What A10 said!^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

[Imaposer]

Probably won't be popular around here, but for a non SS, "go-to for anything" working gun I would choose Isonite QPQ from Coal Creek Armory. Maybe even applied after polishing instead of blasted, if you prefer a little classier polished finish.

Coal Creek Armory Custom Finishing And Refinishing

Knowing me, if I got a fine blued refinish, it would then be too pretty for me to use as you describe. Leaving it alone and using as is would be my second choice, but for a working/carry/do anything gun I'd just prefer something requiring less upkeep and concern than a traditional blued gun.

At the very least, and of the 5 options listed, it would replace number 3 on the list.


But, that's just me....