Mod 19-5 to refinish or not

[silverking]

Question regarding my 6" combat magnum.

About twenty years ago, it was stolen from my house,recovered after 16 years, and returned to me.
The bg scratched out the ser. no. on the cylinder yolk but was unaware of the ser. no. also being stamped on the grip frame.
The gun was returned in relatively good shape but the grips were replaced with Pachmiers. How he missed the ser. no. on the grip frame is beyond me. There is a surface scratch about an inch long on the barrel just forward of the cylinder and the usual wear ring and holster wear on the muzzle.
I really am fond of this gun as it was my first handgun purchase. Bought it from my boss.
I plan to pass it on in the future and would like it to look as new as possible for my grandson.
Should I consider finding a good smith to re-blue and stamp in the ser. no. after cleaning up the yolk? It shows no rust where the finish was scratched out. The ser# is AUB60xx.
p.s. The grandson has to wait about 6 more years before he can own a gun.

 

[18DAI]

Since it will be an heirloom, I would contact Fords in FL and see what they would charge you to do the work.

Fords does excellent work, and I've been satisfied with them. Hope this helps! Regards 18DAI.

 

[jrd1976]

No on the refinish.

Find him another Model 19 in the condition you want this one to be in.

A refinish ruins the story.

 

[captainjohnsofd]

If you decide to refinish it send it to only one place- Smith & Wesson. Not only will it come back looking great but they will also restamp it. Definitely worth the expense!

 

[silverking]

I really appreciate the input----
--- 18DAI--- I have been referred to a smith here in Michigan but have not been to see him or his work as yet.Not sure about sending it out except maybe to S&W.
---jrd1976--- I kinda like your comment about preserving the history and story of the gun by leaving it alone.
---captainjohn--- as stated above--if I do send it out, it will go to S&W.
thanks,
silverking

 

[bentcam]

you said the ser. was scratched off the yoke (frame?). i had a mdl28 stolen some years back, ser. was removed, asked S&W about repair. they said if it came into their shop with frame damage, it would be destroyed. how much of a scratch??? jim

 

[PMRet]

No on the refinish. A refinish ruins the story.

What he said. Clean it up and save it for your grandson as planned, and make sure you tell him the story that goes with it.

 

[Geronimo Jim]

I would absolutely not change a thing. That is the history of the gun. There is no other gun like it in the world. Keep it as is and just realize how very lucky you are to get the gun back.