Smith& Wesson model 457 want to refinish

[corvino]

Hello everone,
I'm new to this forum and I have a question.
I have a S&W model 457 that the finish is wearing off of it and has a few good scratches on it. I either wanted to cerakote it, or or possibly strip the finish off of it and just leave it a stainless steel look. I know the slide is stainless and think the frame is aluminum.

My question is, what should I do, cerakote it, possibly like an all black or od green. Or should I strip it and leave it like a stainless look? I know if I don't reblue it im prone to rust, but im willing to take extra care.

How should I start the process of stripping it and what type of sandpaper and stuff should I use?
I bought the gun cheap, so I dont mind investing a few bucks in to it. I think I paid around $200 for it.
I'm doing this from my phone so im usure how to add photos from here, sorry in advance.
I just wanted to get your opinions and see if anyone has done it to the same or similar gun before and possibly has a photo of it or can give me some tips, like what type of sandpaper, and is this too much trouble to go through for this gun.
I really love this gun, but might just trade it off for some AR parts to complete my new build.

Again, thanks for any and all input and info you guys can provide me with and I hope to hear from you soon!

Thanks,

Mike.

 

[corvino]

I found out how to add pics.

Sent From My Galaxy S3

 

[oldandslow]

corvino, 2/12/13

There should be two models of the 457, the 457 like you have with a black aluminum anodized frame and a blued steel slide. The 457S should have the stainless slide. Yours looks like my 457, that is a blued slide and not stainless. If you remove the bluing on the slide that leaves you with a bare metal slide which rusts easily.

Since your frame looks pretty good the easiest way to get a good refinish on the slide is to have it coated by a refinishing company. I had mine done in hard-chrome at Welcome to TechPlate, Inc. are our specialty is plating Tooling, Molds and Firearms.. Their prices were reasonable and they had the slide back to me in 3-4 weeks. Take a look at their website and email Marshall for any questions- he's been very helpful in the 13 firearms I've had refinished at his place.

The 457 is an excellent gun. If you decide not to keep it there are many who would happily buy it from you. A home refinish job will not be as long lasting or as good in appearance as a well done professional job. Good luck.

best wishes- oldandslow

 

[mr.hipp]

Cerakote was $125 that was for degreasing, media blasting, then Cerakote. I could not find a wolff spring kit for this gun so I ordered all new springs from S&W directly and that was $18 shipped. Gun was $300.

 

[pfcustom]

We are in Western North Carolina. We are a full service shop and a Certified Cerakote applicator. Be happy to get you Smith looking and shooting like new.
Thanks: Phil
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