Question Re: Bluing

[6917sctygrp]

Hello friends: I am relatively new to the forum and am getting quite an education from you all! I have searched the forum for an answer to a question I have, but haven't found one yet. Why has S&W gone to the pretty much flat black finish on their revolvers instead of the beautiful deep shiny blue they used to produce? I recently bought a performance center 586 carry comp and am pretty disappointed with the finish. I knew it would not be the deep blue of old, but the flat black finish leaves me cold. Was it a matter of cost that caused the switch. Any suggestions for my 586?

 

[Inusuit]

Others may have different opinions. I agree with your assumption that the beautiful deep blue shiny finish requires more hours of hand labor and is thus more expensive than the current finish.

 

[WR Moore]

So far as the level of polish goes, the folks who did the polishing had to work their way up. Those who did the models 27, 29 & 57 typically had 20 years or so in the polishing department. Takes time to develop the skill level and also to produce the level of finish.

Then, there's the cost issue. As it is, you've probably noticed that revolvers cost more to make than semi-autos. More machine time, more fitting in assembly. Firearms tend to be a flexible demand item. If cost goes up past a certain point, fewer people grit their teeth, economize elsewhere and spend the money on the gun. For a great many folks, it's a tool, not an object d' art.

Dunno about the color.

 

[Bullet Bob]

Money and fashion. It costs money (skilled labor time) to polish a revolver, and most consumers these days like the duller look. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

 

[Fishinfool]

I have often heard tough EPA regulations quoted as the reason bright blue went away. Don't know the extent that is true, but I do know there are other manufacturers that seem able to supply it, so?....

But yea, I would put skill / labor costs right up there as well. The huge number of plastic / black oxide finished firearms on today's market reflects current taste of a lot of today's shooters.

If that 586 is a special keeper for you, there are always places like Fords and others that are noted for their beautiful re-blue jobs, at a cost..

Larry

 

[Golphin]

That is just another reason why I try and find older revolvers.

 

[Laketime]

I just recently bought two new 586-8's Both have a decent high polish with the current blueing process being used. CNC machines are doing the polishing these days I am told.The Matt black is just what the PC decided to use on the model you got.

 

[dsf]

Hello friends: I am relatively new to the forum and am getting quite an education from you all! I have searched the forum for an answer to a question I have, but haven't found one yet. Why has S&W gone to the pretty much flat black finish on their revolvers instead of the beautiful deep shiny blue they used to produce? I recently bought a performance center 586 carry comp and am pretty disappointed with the finish. I knew it would not be the deep blue of old, but the flat black finish leaves me cold. Was it a matter of cost that caused the switch. Any suggestions for my 586?

I think the flat finish on that particular gun is deliberate - tactical intent I guess. Smith does a very good polish on other models - the 48, 15, 19, 29, etc. But even with them the finish is IMO less durable, thinner and goes right to "scratched through" rather than wearing in as we see with older models, around the muzzle and other high points.

The polish on those guns looks pretty good. Environmental constraints probably play a role in what chemicals can be used.

 

[Racer X]

I just purchased a mint used Ruger GP-100 revolver. It has Ruger's nearly black bluing, but it is polished very well. It can be done at a reasonable price point.

Not knocking S&Ws. I own 4 S&W semi-autos. The blue bluing on the 439 slide is beautiful. The rest are stainless.

 

[mrsig]

Welcome from Tampa.

 

[Goblin]

Your PC carry comp was meant to have a tougher finish to hold up to holster carry and perspiration, because the current market believes it's necessary or simply likes it better.

Some people mistakenly believe that carrying a blued revolver daily will ruin the finish in a couple of months. Truth is it takes years of use to appreciably wear the finish. Old blued police revolvers were carried for years and yes, had holster wear at the muzzle and cylinder. With proper care, a blued revolver will hold up a long time.

I'd love to see a blued version of your gun, so please post photos if you take that path.

 

[lkabug]

High polish blue or matte blue......you're welcome here.
Welcome from the Commonwealth of Virginia.

 

[Rustyt1953]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

What he said.

 

[husker51]

Welcome from the Great Plains of Nebraska!

 

[OLDSTER]

Hi from North Dakota

 

[pmanton]

Hi from Salome, AZ.

 

[S&W Oldtimer]

Wekcome from Va.

 

[Babysitr]

welcome from Illinois..check out some of the other models on their site....bright blue....not like the 0ld 27's but nice

 

[Greyman50]

Welcome from Florida and what Golphin said. Be patient, visit Many gun shops and go to as many shows as possible, nice old models are out there.

 

[Agt. Smith]

Welcome !

Welcome from Cow Hampshire !