Spots in the Blue on My Barrel

[chief38]

Well now that I can see the damage I might ask if some of the BETTER Re-finishing houses (such as Ford's) can and is willing to match your guns finish since we all know S&W can NOT. I'd certainly not advise re-bluing the entire gun if it's not damaged like the barrel. You could also locate another barrel in good condition but that mighty be cost prohibitive to buy it and have it fit to your gun with all the S&H charges to go with it.

Of course the 3rd option is to just live with it, but if I got your feelings correct it's needling you every time you look at it. Almost looks like someone splattered some sort of acid or caustic chemical on it by accident.

And still the last option is to reinstall the 4" barrel and call it a day!

It's a tough call! Yes the damage is evident but again not terrible for a used gun that is to be shot routinely. Would it bother me? Probably so. Let us know what you decide.

 

[chief38]

See how this photo works. This is about a good as I can do without a lightbox and some other sophisticated equipment I do not have.

I am a lousy photographer myself, but a lighter background on Blued guns does help.

 

[gwpercle]

The one up side to leaving the barrel as is or with just a touch up is you won't have to worry about damaging or wearing the finish.
Not much consolation , but it was the only bright side .

If both barrels were perfect would you prefer the 4" or the 6 1/2" ?
I ask because I lean to short barrels so the 4" would be an easy choice for me , the original barrel can be refitted w/o too much trouble or excessive expense and it is the original barrel.

For photo's take a close up of the spot, just the spot. I had proof and manufacturers marks on a gun the naked eye could not see. Close up photo , when enlarged by the large computer screen showed the marks clear as day....I couldn't see them on the gun....get real close.

Talk about being on the horns of a dilemma .
Good luck, keep us posted.
Gary

 

[bigggbbruce]

Rub briskly with an oily cloth and go shoot it. I would do nothing more to it.

If you ever sell it have the 4" put back on.

 

[Bullseye 2620]

Eureka!

Problem solved.

I just bought a second 6-1/2 inch blue 29-2 that is a 98-99% gun, complete and in the box. No spots on this barrel.

As to gun No. 1, I am going to have the existing barrel removed and the original 99% 4-inch barrel re-installed.

The interesting thing is, "who will do the barrel replacement?"

I have been doing some research amongst the previous posts on the subject of changing barrels on S&W P&R'd revolvers, and apparently, Smith itself no longer does this work since they no longer have the employees who know how to do it.

I am definitely going to check that claim out tomorrow (Monday). Several other options are named in various previous posts including Alex Hamilton, Andy Horvath, Hamilton Bowen, Ford's, Dave Clements, Frank Glenn, Bill Loughridge, and Greg Peine. I am going to check out each of these possibilities tomorrow and then post the results. It is incredible to me that Smith & Wesson no longer possesses the staff who can remove and install barrels on the revolvers that made so much of the company's reputation. Let's hope that forum member was incorrect.

 

[BruceM]

Smith & Wesson will do it for you. I would be very surprised if they won't.

Bruce

P.S. When Smith does it, they will send you a prepaid shipping label (FedEx) and you'll pay their low negotiated rate both ways. You won't be subjected to rape and pillage for UPS or FedEx Next Day Air service.

P.P.S. I prefer the 6 1/2" barrel for shooting real .44 Magnum level ammo and not the .44 Special type.

 

[apollo99]

Frank Glenn Glendale Arizona . Not cheap, but neither is your 29-2.

 

[Bullseye 2620]

Mothership Does Barrel Changes

I just got off the phone with Smith & Wesson customer service. They most certainly can and will be happy to change out the barrel on my 29-2. They estimate the wait at 12 to 14 weeks, and the cost, since I am supplying the replacement barrel, at about $100.00.

Tomorrow I will have time to contact the gunsmiths said to perform this work in the post above, and then, publish a complete list that will hopefully include wait times and prices for each of them.

 

[Bullseye 2620]

Alex Hamilton Does Barrel Changes

It's been busy here so I haven't had a chance to speak each of the eight gunsmiths (apart from the factory) that are reputed to do good jobs changing the barrels on P&R'd revolvers.

I did speak with Alex Hamilton this afternoon. He answered the phone himself on the first ring and said he'd be happy to do the work right away for $95.00 to $145.00 depending on whether machine (lathe) work is required.

I'm going to send him my Model 29-2 and both barrels tomorrow. This is no reflection of any lack of confidence in Smith & Wesson, but simply a recognition of the fact that the mothership is quoting a 13-14 week turn-around and Alex says he will do it within the week. The cost is virtually the same, although shipping to Alex will be more expensive. That's fine. I've seen his work on competition pistols and it has all been immaculate.

I'll post what I find out about the other smiths on my list of prospective barrel changers when I've got the time to finish that all up.

Hope this helps.

 

[Bullseye 2620]

All's Well That Ends Well

Alex Hamilton changed out the spotted 6-1/2 inch barrel for the pristine 4 inch barrel that was on the revolver originally, and returned it at light speed.

And I bought it a new pair of shoes.

The photos show the result. I love the combat trigger on this revolver!

A second 6-1/2 inch 29-2, in blue, and unfired and pristine arrived yesterday. I'll post photos of it soon.

I don't think I can afford to buy two of everything, but I have to say this was a fun way to celebrate my 70th birthday!

 

[apollo99]

Now send out the spotted barrel to Smith for a re-blue and sell it as such. you can recoup some of your money

 

[Bullseye 2620]

Now send out the spotted barrel to Smith for a re-blue and sell it as such. you can recoup some of your money

You think? Wouldn't it be better just to sell it as is? I guess I will call Smith and see what they want to reblue just a barrel. I know they charge $275 to blue an entire revolver. This has got to be a lot less.

 

[Bullseye 2620]

I just called Smith. They want $143 to reblue this 6-1/2 inch barrel. I'd be surprised if it would bring that much refinished or not. What do you think is the better way to go?

 

[gwpercle]

I just love a story with a happy ending.....the 4 inch barrel and new shoes look awesome plus 10 .
Time to take baby out dancing !

Sell the 6.5 as is.
Who made / where did you get the grips, my model 58 (in my avatar) says she likes them .
Gary

 

[Bullseye 2620]

I just love a story with a happy ending.....the 4 inch barrel and new shoes look awesome plus 10 .
Time to take baby out dancing !

Sell the 6.5 as is.
Who made / where did you get the grips, my model 58 (in my avatar) says she likes them .
Gary

Actually, I got these sambar stag grips from a fellow member of this forum. See: Sambar Stag Magna Stocks N frame

He goes here by the handle justjohn3, and I am sure he would love to receive a PM from you.