Refurbed 66 back from S&W

[VictorLouis]

This was one of last year's batch sold-off by Sportsman's Warehouse that there's been several posts about. One tale was that many had come from S. America, and yet another, Puerto Rico. Both locales sharing that lovely, tropical humidity. Suffice to say, once the grips came off...OMG, the nasty brown stuff. Rear sideplate screw was likely rusted shut, I didn't try to find out. Ditto the forward sight tenon screw. I decided to bite the bullet, and pay to send her off. I asked for the 'satin', original style finish, if at all possible

It's pretty clear that it was polished. The grain on the cylinder appears that it was done in a rather 'twirling' motion, leaving the polishing marks in a rather X-pattern around the curves. Nothing like the standard finish, which is at a right-angle to the straight lines of the cylinder. Note the bottom inside of the trigger guard, and what was left at the right rear of the recoil shield, and rear sideplate screw. For the money charged, I had assumed (hoped) that a new(used?) sideplate would have been fitted.

I am ambivalent about the results. I've posted here to get your feedback.

 

[VictorLouis]

...and some more close ups

 

[VictorLouis]

...and the final

 

[ken158]

Well, you gotta take the cost of the gun and refurb into consideration or just wait for a better one to come along. Since you didn't say what have in the final project, I would hate to be over $500 in that one if I was going to flip it or just keep it as a truck gun.

 

[UncleEd]

Yes, what was the cost of the gun
and then what was the cost of
S&W refurbish, minus any shipping
costs you may have incurred?

As to the pitting in the backstrap,
perhaps S&W didn't want to
diminish or lesson the sharpness
of the serrations. Would you
have accepted flattened down
serrations?

 

[Old_Cop]

I would have suggested using a grey scotch pad in a front to back or back to front pattern. You still could if you are unhappy with S&Ws work. You know what assumed stands for, right?

 

[sigp220.45]

I bought one of the Sportsman's Warehouse rusty 66s and went the DIY route. I had to cut the Pachmayr's off, then it was into the soak for a week. I had to replace the rear sight blade because it broke off when I tried to straighten it.

My gun had also been polished by an "I like shiny" cop from the Policia de Puerto Rico, so I got some grey and maroon Scotch Brite pads and had it looking ok after a few hours.

I got mine because it was cheap and I didn't want to sink any more money into it. I already have a nice 19 snub so I gave this one to my nephew for his birthday.

I'm with you on the "refinish" by S&W. That is definitely not a return to the original finish, more like a selective polish job. It seems like a bead-blast would have given it a closer look to the matte finish.



Should I buy this 66-1 snub? Update - still there so I got it.

 

[oink]

It was obviously in pretty bad shape. I think it looks pretty good considering. It was never going to be a new gun. It should be a great EDC or nightstand gun. Heck, put some fancy grips on it, slide it in a carved holster and take it to your next BBQ.

 

[Nightowl]

It is not a collector gun and never was, so the important thing now is how does it function and how well does it shoot?

 

[PatriotX]

Pitting can be addressed by addition of material [microwelding] or removal of material [polishing/grinding]

All things considered, results look acceptable. Have you met pigpen?

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...gpen-edit-engraved.html?636086=#post140985018

 

[ladder13]

I probably would have just done Scotchbrite, but not my money nor my gun.

 

[twodog max]

IMO for a rusted up revolver with pitting under the grips, frozen screws I think the results are acceptable. I you paid a bundle well that was your call before you started. It was not and is not now a collectors piece, carry and shoot it a lot with no reservations as the new disappeared long ago in some tropical climate.

 

[Jack Flash]

I am always interested in seeing just what the possibilities and limits are for a gun sent to S&W. Thanks for posting this.

My takeaway from this is that they can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear and they don't try. They made it more or less presentable and (hopefully) 100% reliable functionally.

I too would like to know the initial purchase price and the refit/refurbish charges.

 

[colt_saa]

Based on your description, I think the revolver looks pretty good.

If the photos were in focus and possibly better lit maybe we could tell more

However you knowingly bought a rusted firearm then sent it off for a makeover. It sounds like your expectations were too high

They only had so much to work with

As others have already pointed out, this was never going to be more than a shooter

I am guessing that Smith & Wesson gave you a price/estimate before starting the work. You could have had it sent back untouched if the price was too high

I have bought more than one finish challenged/rusty firearm in my day. As long as they are mechanically sound they are very good starting points for engraving projects which will be blued or buffed after the embellishment is completed

 

[sikacz]

Considering your description, I'd be perfectly happy with the end results. Go shoot it.

 

[minconrevo]

If the cylinder notches are any indicator of the rest of the 66, it's pretty low miles. Overall the revolver looks pretty good now, certainly should be a solid shooter. The grip frame under the Goodyear's is ugly but key word is "under" as new grips will cover.

 

[MrG5122]

I watch these regularly on GB. I don't know what you have in it, but in today's market comparable 66 snubs are hammering in the $900-1000 range. LNIB $1200-1500.

 

[Chukar60]

Without pics of the before condition it is impossible to gauge the work that was done.
Based on your description, I would be happy with what was done.
It is a shooter grade at best and always and forever will be.
I learned my lesson years ago and spend no money on guns making them into something they are not already.

 

[mikerjf]

I go by the philosophy that you can get whatever you want as long as you are willing to pay more than it's worth.

(As a result, I don't have much, but I like what I have.

 

[TAROMAN]

Stainless beater gun, looks OK for what it is.