Nickel issues

[OldSparky]

Nickel has starting flaking. Happened the last time I shot it. It's a model 29-3. It was factory nickeled, it has the N stamps. Not sure if it's the original finish or a refinish. I've only owned it about a year.

Any way to keep it from getting worse?

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[sonora]

It's close to the cylinder gap. I wonder if hot gases and abrasion from unburned powder could have started this flaking of the Nichol?

 

[glenwolde]

Any way to keep it from getting worse?

Nope, other than never shoot it again. Is there an "N" stamped on the rear face of the cylinder?

 

[Dougaz]

I'd be screaming at someone ... Probably S&W but that's just me.

 

[Jason Demond]

I'd be screaming at someone ... Probably S&W but that's just me.

Why?

The gun is nearly 40 years old, and the OP is not the first owner. What in the world would S&W have to do with anything? There is no warranty on a used gun.

 

[rockquarry]

I've had plenty of S&W nickel revolvers and still have a few that are more than thirty or forty years old. Mine have always been cleaned with Hoppe's #9. I've never seen the finish fail like in the photo, but I suppose a flaw is possible - or maybe abuse or rough handling of some sort.

 

[stansdds]

The 29-3 was produced during a period in time when quality control was at a low point. There might have been an issue during the plating process, resulting in the finish flaking. I suppose it might also be that some pretty hot reloads were fired through this revolver and the hot gasses damaged the nickle finish. Aggressive cleaning agents could be another source of damage. Seeing as how this is an old revolver and the OP is not the first owner, we really don't know.


S&W is not likely to cover this as a warranty issue due to the age of the revolver and the current owner is not the original owner. It's either learn to live with it or send it somewhere for refinishing, which is expensive.

 

[gwpercle]

I'd be screaming at someone ... Probably S&W but that's just me.

Being Southern born and raised My Mom had a rule ... " Be Nice"
I discovered a long time ago that if you were nice to others they were much more willing to help you than if you screamed at them . You would be amazed at what I can get by just being nice to someone , it's very easy..don't scream be nice .
Gary

 

[rosewood]

There is no warranty on a used gun.

Hmm, maybe stated, but I have had them repair several guns I bought used with out question.

Rosewood

 

[rosewood]

I would at least call S&W and ask them. They can tell you to pound sand, or they might say "send it in and we will take a look at it". They usually pay shipping both ways. Doesn't hurt to call.

Rosewood

 

[Bullet Bob]

It doesn't hurt to call. No need to be a jerk and scream though.

 

[OldSparky]

Yeah I'll call them and see what they say. I'm pretty sure it's the factory finish since the hammer and trigger aren't nickeled which is usually the first indication it was a refinish job

I have a model 27 no dash that is factory nickeled and it's still in excellent condition. Maybe this one was just a fluke

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[peterdeb]

Being Southern born and raised My Mom had a rule ... " Be Nice"
I discovered a long time ago that if you were nice to others they were much more willing to help you than if you screamed at them . You would be amazed at what I can get by just being nice to someone , it's very easy..don't scream be nice .
Gary

Absolutely, start out by saying "I need your help".

 

[gwpercle]

I would at least call S&W and ask them. They can tell you to pound sand, or they might say "send it in and we will take a look at it". They usually pay shipping both ways. Doesn't hurt to call.

Rosewood

Call and Be Nice .

 

[Babysitr]

I'm not sure they even nickel any more??? they may not be able to help that revolver, if they wanted to...I'd still call

 

[nutsforsmiths]

I have that same flaking with one I have......okay, it's an Iver Johnson top break from 1895! Totally different nickeling process, and much older.

Seriously, I'd have to agree that the flaking is caused by something that occurred during the finishing process at the factory . I own a 29-2 I bought used and it was used a lot and kind of abused. It has some dings and dents in some places where the nickel has chipped away, but not flaking like yours. Give S&W a call and see what they say. Couldn't hurt.

 

[Jason Demond]

Hmm, maybe stated, but I have had them repair several guns I bought used with out question.

Rosewood

I have as well, and one was clearly marked Detroit Police on the back strap.
The last gun I sent off for repair, was a model 27 of the same vintage as the OP's 29. Original owner and all, and still paid for the repair. That one run about 150 bucks.

It doesn't hurt to call and ask them for help. They have never asked me if I was the original owner for anything I have had them fix, but none of them included finish issues.

I suspect that S&W would have to send the gun out to be refinished elsewhere.

 

[rosewood]

According to their webpage, Nickel is an option for refinishing.
Performance Center(R) Precision Gunsmithing | Smith & Wesson
Rosewood

 

[Mrnurse]

TO FORDS FOR REFINISH. 6 MONTH TURN TIME.

 

[bananaman]

My 1st and only nickel gun was BEAUTIFUL! 29-2. It did not function anything like it looked! The cylinder kept binding when shooting. It went to the gun smith on 2 different occasions. No progress made. Gone now. BOO-HOO! Bob