Polishing a botched job on my 3913 frame/slide?

JamesArthur60

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I purchased an used 3913 and the previous owner started to polish the slide rails and the frame. The slide doesn't look too bad, but the frame is crappy. Looks like he started and discoverd it was too hard and stopped. YUCK! I've done hand polishing before using, Mothers, Flitz and Simichrome paste. Or, is there a business that can do this work professionally?
 
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I purchased an used 3913 and the previous owner started to polish the slide rails and the frame. The slide doesn't look too bad, but the frame is crappy. Looks like he started and discoverd it was too hard and stopped. YUCK! I've done hand polishing before using, Mothers, Flitz and Simichrome paste. Or, is there a business that can do this work professionally?
 
Did you look at the finishing offerings at Smith's Performance Center?

I remember that they offer a polish finish on revolvers, but didn't even notice on the semis because I was looking more for the bead blasted prices.
 
Check out the barrel polishing thread. If you use a sander and some fine and superfine sandpaper combined with a polishing dremel and Mother Mag and Wheel polish it will turn out nice (it does take a bit of time but it's not a bad project). Or send it off to be hard chromed or polished.

Jerry
 
I got this one in poor condition with marks all over the frame...I shot it with glass in my homemade sandblast cabinet at 60#...I wanted to retain the S&W markings and it really did well...a very uniform finish overall...email me if you want more details

 
Shoot me an email , I can fix it for you.

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600_600_Sigma_Slide_polished.jpg


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600_600_1911_Colt_Polishing_JR_5-08_1.jpg
 
Todd, do you polish "around" the sights on the Sigma or do you remove them?? (Reason I ask is I cant see how the front sight is removable) Mine has some sort of melted blob of plastic or something holding it on from the underside..
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The stock front sight is "melted" in place, so once you remove it your pretty much screwed. This one had a screw on front sight I replaced the stock front with. But yes I would remove the front sight to polish the slide.
 
kwbikr,

NICE work, I like that look.

Todd,

Am I correct to understand I would ship the entire gun and you strip it down, part by part? I ask because I had someone repaint a grip/frame and he did not tear it apart. I had too use a small pick to remove the overspray. Also, is it test fired after it's reassembled?
 
Originally posted by JamesArthur60:
kwbikr,

NICE work, I like that look.

Todd,

Am I correct to understand I would ship the entire gun and you strip it down, part by part? I ask because I had someone repaint a grip/frame and he did not tear it apart. I had too use a small pick to remove the overspray. Also, is it test fired after it's reassembled?

James,
Yes I completely disassemble everything and do a function test upon reassembly. I usually don't test fire customer guns for simple jobs unless they are having internal work done. But if you would like I ll test fire it a mag or two to ensure proper function before its sent back. If you want to disassemble it yourself, then you can just send in the parts you want polished. That's not a problem either.

Thanks
Todd
 
Todd,

Thanks I'll ship it away after the holiday.

P.S. Why can I not stop staring at that dancing skeleton avatar?
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Todd,

I need a street address for shipment. UPS will not deliver an entire gun overnight to a PO Box number. I left a phone message to call me.

Skip
 
This guy has a dubious past. I would not send him my firearm or parts thereof for any reason. Check him out carefully!!! Seems like lots of others have had issues with him. IMHO, you only get one go round as an internet vendor and you better bring your "A" game every time. He seems to have not.
 
Ditto on this guy todd. Considering the OP's thread is over one year old, I hope he didn't get hosed.
 
Being the OPer I probably should respond to the recent negative comments. I can tell you Todd finished my gun and all the work in a timely manner. I have no complaints with his refinishing talents. However, I did have one issue. My 3913 was returned in DAO. :confused: For some reason, it would not go to SA after the first shot. I called Todd immediately and stated the problem. He said he test fired the gun and it worked normally as DA to SA. He had me return it, he repaired it and even sent me an email video of him shooting it at his range. He also installed a Wolff spring kit free of charge. I've fired it several times with no issues and still have it for CC. Maybe a year ago he was swamped with too much internet advertising work. He was a one man shop and may still be doing all the work alone. I'll end by saying my 3913 was refinished as advertised, with a hiccup that was corrected at his cost. Also, to be honest I should report I placed an order for some accessories that took several emails to confirm they were being shipped to me. I heard nothing and eventually indicated to him later I was not satisfied with not receiving the additional items I ordered. I cancelled my order and told him I would not recommend his services via any gun forums. I received no response from him. Then unexpectedly, months latter the accessories arrived by USPS, no note, nothing. I believe he desirers to work in good faith, it is his means of living. But, at some point he may have gotten in over his head accepting a large work load. His external surface work skills are very high, but maybe his gun smithing skills can be questioned (unless he's gone to gunsmith school). I've noticed his website has grown with additional services. In fact, he still has a photo of my gun for viewing on his site along with others he refinished. As far as his current business transactions, I cannot comment.
 
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