New (to me) 686-1. Maybe get it refinished?

[loveaffair#686]

Happy Thanksgiving, folks!

So here are some pics of a 686-1 I picked up this week.

imgur: the simple image sharer

It's well used, but not beaten up or anything. The third pic shows a couple of the worst dings, on the edge of the cylinder. There are also other assorted scuffs, etc., that I didn't pick up well in the pics. Anyway...

My original plan was to send it to Smith & Wesson for a complete refinishing and tune-up. Now, I'm not so sure. It looks pretty good, I think. The rest of my guns are new (except my older 629, which is "like new"), and I'll admit to being a bit on the anal side about them, not wanting to get a scuff/dent/scratch/whatever on the gun. That's not an issue with this one, so that's kind of a positive, especially since I do plan to carry it from time to time.

From what I've read on the Internet, S&W do a good job refinishing. But it looks as though their options do not include restoring the original finish of the gun...it seems that for this gun I can get a high bright polish or a glass bead finish, unless I am misunderstanding the options listed. If that's the case, it might be kind of neat to have a nonstandard finish for the gun.

Is refinishing/restoration viewed negatively in the gun community, as it is with certain other collectibles? Or perhaps this gun isn't old/rare/collectible enough for it to even matter.

I'd love to hear any perspectives, experiences, and especially general rambling on about the topic

Thanks much!!!

 

[clevolver]

It looks perfectly fine. Refinishing never adds value. Keep it like it is and enjoy a fine revolver.

 

[muddocktor]

That's not in bad shape by any means. Keep it like it is and use that pistol. The few dings in it just add character and say "I'm not a safe queen, but a working gun".

 

[Big Cholla]

Your are kidding? Right? Are you collecting guns or jewelry? If you are collecting Jewelry/art objects then IMHO you should limit your purchases to absolutely NIB. Buying used guns is never going to satisfy your needs. That handgun is the epitome of a using, self-defense, home-defense, shoot the heck out of it at the range handgun ever made. And you want to turn it into "Like New". I guess I will never understand the need in making a 'tool' into an object of art. Sure, they shouldn't be used as a hammer or a prybar, but for Pete's sake, in all candor I think you should rethink your needs.

There is a place for "Guns as Art". You can go to almost any gun related museum and see them in all their engraved, gold/silver inlaid glory. But if you have a hint of an idea that a 'gun as art' is going to also be a self-defense tool, you are handicapping yourself in what you might have to do in a real self-defense situation because your first consideration will be for the 'gun as art' and not for your or your loved one's welfare.

Yes, I'm old and opinionated. As a pistolsmith and as a firearms instructor I have seen this syndrome a few times both in the shop and on the range. Once in a while the person I dealt with could be shown the error of their thinking. And other times the person would not be swayed from placing the 'tool' first. A gunfight is an exercise in extreme time management. You must learn to self-defense shoot a handgun in such a way as to maximize the time you have to shoot accurately AND minimize the time the bad guy has to shoot as you. IF the handgun is given any consideration as to "What is this going to do to my beautiful handgun?" you are giving up valuable time in this self-defense situation. That time just might of made the difference to you and your successful defense.

Now, if your handguns are NOT to ever be used for a potential tool in a self-defense situation or are NOT to be used extensively on the range and in Tactical Shooting Classes, THEN blow me off and forget my rant about gold plating tools. .............. Big Cholla

 

[nawilson]

Looks fine to me...

Stainless steel will scratch and scuff more easily than carbon steel, but it also polishes out. Experiment with some Scotchbrite pads, and you can fine one that approximates the factory finish, if you are that concerned about whatever imperfections you see.

 

[pesty3782]

As a owner of a few 686's I can tell you that revolver looks loved. If you are concerned about the finish you can sit in front of a tv show with a cotton rag and flitz and work the stainless just stay away from the top strap and top of the barrel. She will clean up very nice.

Tony P

 

[loveaffair#686]

Ok everyone, thanks for straightening me out on this! The gun stays as is. Which is fine, because it's a great gun. It shoots great, and I'm delighted with it.

 

[muddocktor]

I'm glad to see you have seen reason.

About the only thing I would do with that pistol is to treat it to a nice set of wood grips instead of the Goodyears. I am about to do that with my 629 which I got a few weeks ago. I'm looking at ordering a nice set of Ahrends grips for it to replace the stock Hogue grips that came on it.

 

[Ridge Runner]

I think some Flitz and a little bit of time would be just fine.

 

[Nick B]

Hit those dings with some 600 grit paper. Then go over the entire gun one direction with a grey 3M pad . Finish it off with a VERY light polishing of Mothers Mag Polish and then call it finished .

 

[il Padrino]

Looks good as-is to me, maybe hit it with some 3M scotch bright like someone already mentioned. If you go the mothers mag polishing route to make it really shiney the minor imperfections will only stand out more.

 

[Harkrader]

Those aren't wear marks, they're CHARACTER!

 

[DAdams]

That looks good IMO. I read the thread first before viewing the photos and thought I was going to see some tackle box revolver.
I'd like to find one about like that.

 

[MattJames]

That revolver looks good.
I like stainless since you can take it in any direction that you like - satin, brushed, bright or mirror.

 

[imakmst]

good lookin' L-frame.......shoot it, love on it a tad, and then shoot it more

 

[scdjr]

Value.....

You all remember the sheriff tacking up the wanted poster with the butt of his .45 Colt...And just what would you pay for that Colt today....

 

[roland5color]

Leave it alone and shoot the piss out of it. I have a 586 no dash that has some blueing wear on the end of the barrel and some on the cylinder. I thought about having it redone but then I figured why. I carry it everyday and shoot it every chance I get. It was a KY State police revolver. I think the wear adds character and makes me think about the history of this great gun every time i see it. I wonder if I ever saved that trooper's or anyone else's life. Or how many miles it logged on dark lonely nights in that holster. It's a nice looking gun like it is. Just enjoy it.

 

[Dghost]

Looks good to me. Enjoy shooting it.

 

[one eye joe]

Ok everyone, thanks for straightening me out on this! The gun stays as is. Which is fine, because it's a great gun. It shoots great, and I'm delighted with it.

THAT'S A WISE DECISION. JUST ENJOY THIS BEAUTY THE WAY IT IS. THE FACT THAT IT'S ALREADY DINGED REMOVES A HEAVY BURDEN TO KEEP THE GUN PRISTINE. ENJOY IT……

 

[thomp45acp]

Leave it alone and shoot the piss out of it. I have a 586 no dash that has some blueing wear on the end of the barrel and some on the cylinder. I thought about having it redone but then I figured why. I carry it everyday and shoot it every chance I get. It was a KY State police revolver. I think the wear adds character and makes me think about the history of this great gun every time i see it. I wonder if I ever saved that trooper's or anyone else's life. Or how many miles it logged on dark lonely nights in that holster. It's a nice looking gun like it is. Just enjoy it.

You have a 586 that was Kentucky State Police issue?