Refinishing a Model 66-8?

[BoulderTroll]

Hello all,

I have an idea I can't get out of my head, and it will likely seem silly, but I'd like to find out if it's doable:

I have a Model 66-8 that I enjoy, but I'm just really not a fan of stainless looking guns. I don't want to buy a different revolver, since I like the gun in every way except aesthetics. I see that S&W offer a (pricy) service of high polishing stainless steel. I'm trying to get as close to a blued look as possible, with a gun that is currently bead blasted stainless.

I've heard that finishes like Ionbond will have a glossy or matt finish depending largely on the finish of the metal surface underneath. Do you think I could get a fairly blued look by having the gun high polished and then Ionbonded? Or is there a better way to go about this? Or simply give up the idea? I realize after all is said and done, I'll be at roughly the cost of a new revolver, but I really don't want or need to buy another revolver at this moment.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Rpg]

Seems like the easiest way to get what you want is to get a M19.

 

[RGNewell]

I once had a Model 53 black nickeled..
The finish was beautiful. And you can nickel stainless steel.

 

[BoulderTroll]

Seems like the easiest way to get what you want is to get a M19.

Easiest, for sure. No argument from me there.

That said, I have a couple reasons for wanting to do it this way. First is that I just looked at new S&W prices, and even a couple expensive refinishing services would put me well south of the price of a new Model 19. Second is that I like the features of the 66-8, such as the beefier frame (for a more steady magnum diet), and the ball detent for the cylinder. As I said, I'm quite happy with the gun itself, and think I'd like it better than a 19. I'm just not happy with how it looks.

 

[BoulderTroll]

I once had a Model 53 black nickeled..
The finish was beautiful. And you can nickel stainless steel.

Thanks for the suggestion, that is not something I'd considered, but is worth looking into.

 

[M29since14]

It's an interesting idea. Is Ionbond something like Melonite? If I were in your shoes, I would contact a reliable refinishing service that does that type of finish and get some details from them about disassembly/reassembly, polishing, types of finish (matte, glossy, etc.), and of course cost. I'd want to know if they have experience with revolvers, and maybe ask for some photos of revolvers they have refinished. I think a black Melonite 66 would make a nice weapon, providing the work is properly done.

Since considerable disassembly is going to be required (ex., you mention the ball detent lock of the yoke, and of course the shrouded barrel), I'd be keen to see that part of the job is competently done. If I had any doubts about this, I'd keep looking.

Good luck with your project. If you have it done, I'm sure some of us would be interested in before-after pictures, and your impressions.

 

[BoulderTroll]

It's an interesting idea. Is Ionbond something like Melonite? If I were in your shoes, I would contact a reliable refinishing service that does that type of finish and get some details from them about disassembly/reassembly, polishing, types of finish (matte, glossy, etc.), and of course cost. I'd want to know if they have experience with revolvers, and maybe ask for some photos of revolvers they have refinished. I think a black Melonite 66 would make a nice weapon, providing the work is properly done.

Since considerable disassembly is going to be required (ex., you mention the ball detent lock of the yoke, and of course the shrouded barrel), I'd be keen to see that part of the job is competently done. If I had any doubts about this, I'd keep looking.

Good luck with your project. If you have it done, I'm sure some of us would be interested in before-after pictures, and your impressions.

I'm FAR from an expert on finishes, but Melonite and Ionbond are a bit different, and I have more experience with Ionbond. Melonite is like Glock's Tenifer, it's a surface treatement. Ionbond is what SIG Sauer call, "Nitron", and is an actual coating (but not a baked-on finish like Cerakote). I like Nitron because it holds up extremely well, and as I said, supposedly it can be made quite shiny if the metal underneath is polished enough.

But you make a great point about making sure they are familiar with revolvers. I'll have to call around to some.

 

[3rdgeargrndrr]

My initial thought. Youre nuts.
Second thought. Sleep on it for a few weeks. Wear dark sunglasses when you shoot it. It will look dark.
Third thought. Ion Bonded DLC or one of the dark Titanium PVD if you absolutely must. And post a new thread on a gorgeous gun.

 

[BoulderTroll]

My initial thought. Youre nuts.
Second thought. Sleep on it for a few weeks. Wear dark sunglasses when you shoot it. It will look dark.
Third thought. Ion Bonded DLC or one of the dark Titanium PVD if you absolutely must. And post a new thread on a gorgeous gun.

This is not the first time I've considered doing this to this gun. So far, your "sleep on it" advice has prevented me from doing anything rash to it for a couple years...but it's an idea that just won't go away. This time I'm getting pretty serious about trying.

 

[3rdgeargrndrr]

This is not the first time I've considered doing this to this gun. So far, your "sleep on it" advice has prevented me from doing anything rash to it for a couple years...but it's an idea that just won't go away. This time I'm getting pretty serious about trying.

Just do the gun a favor and put a nice gold bead front sight on it when youre done

 

[BoulderTroll]

Just do the gun a favor and put a nice gold bead front sight on it when youre done

Already got one sitting in the safe! That and the non-adjustable rear sight that is built like a tank. I just have never gotten around to sending them to anyone to install.

 

[amlew1911]

At one time Clark Custom offered Ionbond on their revolvers, but no longer do so. It had something to do with the finish not adhering properly in the area were the barrel meets the frame. Also, in my opinion, the Ionbond brand of PVD doesn't really look like bluing because it is dark grey in color.
However, the black PVD finish offered by Richter Precision comes pretty close.

 

[BillBro]

Yes, send it to Patriot Polishing and then have it Ionbonded, you'll love the look, I know I do. I think it's just what you're wanting.

 

[BoulderTroll]

Well, I contacted Mark at Evolution Armory to find out about Ion Bonding it. He confirmed that Ionbond does mimic the surface below the finish. In other words, if the gun is bright polished in the white, it will be a bright polished appearance in black. I've since seen a couple photos of bright polished ion bond, and it looks nearly indistinguishable from blue.

That said, he mentioned that they generally won't Ionbond bright polished guns, because since the treatment shows every minor imperfection, it's difficult to make it appear flawless. He also mentioned that they don't disassemble and reassemble revolvers, but if I can find someone to do that part for me, they are happy to do the finishing.

Long story short, it sounds like my goal is achievable, it just may be pricy and a hassle logistically.

 

[ruggyh]

Give JRH Gun Smithing a call he call do it turnkey, polishing , disassembly and reassemble.