Time for a reblue?

[sipowicz]

I know. I know. Honest wear tells a story...but I’m kind of torn between leaving my dad’s Colt DS how he left it to me or putting it back to what it looked like when he picked it up brand new from John Jovino in 1969. Been looking around...can’t believe how expensive a good reblue cost. But I’m willing to pay a premium for a great job. Any suggestions? I heard precision bluing is recommended by S&W.

 

[lihpster]

Two places that have impressed me are Ford's and Turnbull Restoration. probably $$$, but what I've seen is real quality.

 

[sipowicz]

Thanks. I’m also fine with a deep black Smith like finish. Doesn’t have to be royal blue or super polished.

 

[mscook]

Post pictures of what you have please.

 

[jmiles1960]

IMO, honest wear and aging of an old firearm is part of what makes them enjoyable and valuable. I have several old Colts that are worn down to the metal patina and their character just says it all when you look at them or pick one up. Keep it original is my two cents. Yeah, it will look like brand new after the re-blue, but what about all those memories and times at the range and carrying, etc. Anyway, good luck and enjoy it!

 

[Threadkiller]

Post pictures of what you have please.

Yes please,
It is against forum rules to start this type of thread and not post pics,lol

 

[just plain joe]

I have had two of my revolvers, a Model 58 & a Model 10-5, re-blued by S & W. I was very satisfied with the work.

I have no experience with Ford's, but keep hearing good things on this forum. If I was going to have one of my Pythons re-blued, I would certainly consider Ford's.

HTH.

JPJ

 

[sipowicz]

Hard to see but lots of wear on cylinder and top strap

 

[chief38]

A vintage Dick Spl. SHOULD have a bright Blue finish! I'd look at Fords or some of the other recommended ones here.

 

[ColbyBruce]

I called S&W about five weeks ago to inquire about rebluing a flat latch #51. I was quoted a $250.00+ cost with up to a six month wait. What with COVID-19 running rampant, I might not be here in six months. I chose to pass on the refinish.

 

[tom2]

Some blue wear is one thing but if it was say, pitted or turning brown, then I might say refinish unless it was a patinated non firing antique or something. Look at this way, if you get it reblued, then it either sets in a safe or the new blue starts to be microscopically worn again if you carry or shoot alot or use it alot. If it is a safe queen, it will stay nice. Worth the money for a really top smith to refinish so it does not turn out looking like a Russian refurb or something. We have all seen the results at gunshows of someone taking a **** beater, buffing the blazes out of it, and getting the cheapest reblue possible. Hurts to look at.

 

[Nightowl]

It's a Colt. Send it back for a factory reblue, if you must reblue it. I had them reblue a Python a few years back. They did a fantastic job.

 

[jjmIII_Ruger]

Turnbull Restoration

I'd give them a shot...

 

[sipowicz]

It's a Colt. Send it back for a factory reblue, if you must reblue it. I had them reblue a Python a few years back. They did a fantastic job.

I wanted to, but I heard they don’t reblue anymore.

 

[sipowicz]

I might leave it... looks like with disassembly and reassembly most places are upwards of $450. I don’t think my dad would approve since he paid $62.00 for it...��

 

[Threadkiller]

I might leave it... looks like with disassembly and reassembly most places are upwards of $450. I don’t think my dad would approve since he paid $62.00 for it...��

Good call,
Just my opinion,but if it was a gun my dad had left to me ,I wouldn’t erase all of his history carrying that gun by refinishing regardless of how worn it looked,the more worn the better imho.

Edited to remove mushy sentimental comments.

 

[Narragansett]

IMO, leave the gun as is

 

[s&wchad]

I wouldn’t have it refinished.

Having said that, I’m impressed with industrial hard chrome. It’s not cheap, but it’s probably the most durable finish available.

 

[rwt1405]

I would not have it refinished.

Honest wear tells a story.

That story gets lost once it is refinished, IMHO.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[stansdds]

Good call,
Just my opinion,but if it was a gun my dad had left to me ,I wouldn’t erase all of his history carrying that gun by refinishing regardless of how worn it looked,the more worn the better imho.

Edited to remove mushy sentimental comments.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Best answer right there!