S&W refurbish questions.

[jz2sw]

I took my 4566tsw to the range yesterday. What a good pistol. Easy to shoot. I wish .45 ammo was less expensive and more available. I didn't get in nearly enough shots. Here are my questions. The pistol is a LE trade in. I asked S&W about a refurb on the pistol. The service is a couple of hundred plus shipping. Has anyone had that done? typically, what do they do? I assume they refinish and replace worn parts? anything else? Is it worth the money or should I just shoot it as is? the pistol shoots fine, but does show a lot of holster wear. its the top pistol pictured.

 

[BMCM]

Perhaps more info than you were after but, here's how I did mine:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/260143-my-next-project-4566tsw-makeover.html

As far as S&W's work goes... Searching the forums you'll find find some folks very happy with the results and others not so much.
I do get the sense the the true craftsmen of old with real skills have been mostly replaced with kids and CNC machines.
My default position is spend the $ on tools and do it myself

Cheers
Bill

 

[GaryS]

I'll start with my standard "I am not an expert" disclaimer. However, I have read a lot of 3rd generation threads here and have seen a pattern of answers on this topic.

It seems that the most work that a used LE gun needs is new recoil and main springs. If you search around the forums, I think there is at least one thread on cleaning up the finish on your own.

Since your 4566 is stainless, it shouldn't have a lot of wear on the slide, frame rails, and other parts.

You probably know that replacement grips are readily available for that 45xx guns. That's if you want to replace the ones that came with the gun.

Nice gun, enjoy!

 

[jz2sw]

I have new grips - stock - that I haven't put on yet. It seems to function fine with the main and recoil springs, since I haven't shot any other s&w .45 I don't have anything to compare it with. If I don't send it back I will order a set. The fact that it is stainless sold me on the gun, but it looks like there is some finish that is wearing off. and the rivets where the rail was are kind of beat up. I like a lot of what Bill did to his in the second post, I will think about that as an option.

 

[epj]

I have resurrected the finish on a number of gen3 SS guns with a scotch-brite pad. If the finish is really bad they can be glass beaded and will look virtually new. Mechanically there is very little to wear out other than possibly springs. The little flat trigger reset spring just forward of the mag well ocassionally breaks. It is not necessary to the function of the pistol and in fact left off some models.

 

[armorer951]

I have an old 5906 that is also an LE trade in. I replaced the grips and springs...... and blasted off the crud and scratches with silica. Turned out great. Stainless is very easy to rehab!