S&W Refinishing or not.

[OC]

I have a couple of S&W revolvers (15-2 & 17 ) that have more holster wear than I like to see, so I was wondering if the value of there would be dimished to the point that it would not be wise to send them to Blue Ridge to be re-blued. They will be enconcsed in a collection and fired very little if at all. I know that re-finishing a Colt, detracts from the value, even if done by the factory. I just don't get the warm fuzzies about current S&W detail workmanship.

 

[chief38]

OC,

I have a few 15's and a few 17's & 18's and while they are FANTASTIC revolvers, there have been plenty made and doubt that thy will ever be worth really big bucks. If they were true collectors items, I would say "do not refinish them", but if they are worn to the point where they give you a case of the jaws, I would sent then back to S&W to have them re-blued. I have recently had a revolver re-blued by them and it came out just fine. At least if they screw-up, they have the parts, know how and expertise to make it right. They are also fairly reasonable in price.

I just had Colt refinish a few revolvers for me and I have to tell you I am so pleased with the job they did, Ionly wish that Colt would refinish a S&W revolver! Their refinishing department is OUTSTANDING! They may not produce much these days, but what they are sending out is great!

Chief38

 

[OC]

Chief, Thanks for the info. I have heard good things about Colt's re-finishing, but nothing about S&W's. Blue Ridge did the bluing for Dan Wesson and it was that "Monson Blue" that rivals Colts, in my opinion. I have a couple of DW's and their bluing is great, but your point about parts is well taken. I'll have to do some thinking and drinking on this.

 

[chief38]

Well, the very early Chief's Special they did for me came out better than the original finish. The original finish was more of a satin blue and not very glossy. The color it slightly different though, because I understand that they do not use certain chemicals due to environmental concerns these days. Their older finishes were more of a real blue, and the finish they are doing now is more on the blacker side. Still, they did a fine job. I just hope the bluing they do now holds up as good as the original one did. Only time will tell.

Chief38

 

[stantheman86]

I can't stand the buffed and rounded look the lettering, logo and screw holes get from a reblue, no matter how well done......

IMO unless the gun is pitted, and I got it cheap.......I just leave them alone. Holster wear is fine with me, it shows that the gun has been "out there" in the real world and not buried in a safe.

 

[gasaman]

I had S&W re-blue a 29-4 that I bought pretty cheap for the state I reside in. This gun looked like the former owner didn't care about looks. Because this guns cylinder looked as if the guy used a cinder block to place his gun on. The factory did an excellent job, I was very pleased with the finished product. I also had them perform their Master Revolver Action Package. Sorry for crappy cellphone pic.