To re-blue or not to re-blue 10-5 3"

R

Rgbonej

Member
Joined
Oct 4, 2016
Messages
72
Reaction score
155
I picked this model 10-5 up cheap for $300 with the intention of building a PPC style revolver. I have a slab sided bull barrel and aristocrat rib for the build, but after buying this gun, i think i like it the way it is. I will try to find a more common barrel length to pull apart for the build. Now to this one.
The finish is pretty rough. I plan to use this for a range gun, maybe occasional carry. Should I have this one re=blued, or leave it as is? I have a quote to get it re-blue for $150. This is from a guy that has done some work for me in the past and i have always been more than happy with the results. Thoughts?
 

Attachments

  • 20211225_210055.jpg
    20211225_210055.jpg
    146.9 KB · Views: 401
  • 20211225_210047.jpg
    20211225_210047.jpg
    149.7 KB · Views: 367
Register to hide this ad
If it were me lucky enough to snag a 3" model 10 I would send it back to S&W for a glass bead bast and re-blue for $170. Check prices and descriptions on performance center website. Polish and re-blue is $220. Combat revolver package (which I did on my 65 and highly recommend) for a blue gun is $325.
 
Rgbonej said:
I picked this model 10-5 up cheap for $300 with the intention of building a PPC style revolver. I have a slab sided bull barrel and aristocrat rib for the build, but after buying this gun, i think i like it the way it is. I will try to find a more common barrel length to pull apart for the build. Now to this one.
The finish is pretty rough. I plan to use this for a range gun, maybe occasional carry. Should I have this one re=blued, or leave it as is? I have a quote to get it re-blue for $150. This is from a guy that has done some work for me in the past and i have always been more than happy with the results. Thoughts?
Click to expand...

Personally, I have never been a fan of re-bluing guns, but it is really a personal choice. If every time you look at it, you cringe then go for it. I don't think the value is really going to change except that you now have 450 in it. Good luck and after pics are always fun to look at if you decide to have it done.

Good luck with it they are great little pistols.
 
A pinned 3" model 10 square butt? Leave that gem as is! Maybe buy a set of stags off of our fellow forum member Ken, and carry that gun without worry.

If you do want something "prettier" you could sell it for more than you paid and upgrade to a nicer one. Or find a 4" cheap and modify it to your liking.

Or you could just reblue it! Your gun, do what makes you happy :)

SVT28


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Rgbonej said:
I picked this model 10-5 up cheap for $300 with the intention of building a PPC style revolver. I have a slab sided bull barrel and aristocrat rib for the build, but after buying this gun, i think i like it the way it is. I will try to find a more common barrel length to pull apart for the build. Now to this one.
The finish is pretty rough. I plan to use this for a range gun, maybe occasional carry. Should I have this one re=blued, or leave it as is? I have a quote to get it re-blue for $150. This is from a guy that has done some work for me in the past and i have always been more than happy with the results. Thoughts?
Click to expand...

Reblued guns have always struck me as the Earl Scheib version of refinishing. They just don't look right, always a bit off. A finish that is obviously different, such as hard chrome or black, parkerizing is OK because everyone knows it's deliberate.

FWIW, here's a Model 65 dressed out as you've mentioned -

IMG_0228.jpg

I have a 3" Model 64. Entirely different gun than above, but I kind of like it better than the Davis.
 
There are a lot of common guns in worse shape than that one to use as a basis on which to build your PPC revolver. I wouldn't disfigure a 3" revolver to make one - they are too desirable to do something to it that changes the configuration. As to the reblue, maybe. You got it for a bargain and the original finish isn't good enough to be worth preserving at this point. So a reblue or some other kind of finish for a couple of hundred bucks wouldn't be throwing good money after bad.
For me it would be a great project gun for a rust blue or similar.
 
Last edited:
Rgbonej said:
I picked this model 10-5 up cheap for $300 with the intention of building a PPC style revolver. I have a slab sided bull barrel and aristocrat rib for the build, but after buying this gun, i think i like it the way it is. I will try to find a more common barrel length to pull apart for the build. Now to this one.
The finish is pretty rough. I plan to use this for a range gun, maybe occasional carry. Should I have this one re=blued, or leave it as is? I have a quote to get it re-blue for $150. This is from a guy that has done some work for me in the past and i have always been more than happy with the results. Thoughts?
Click to expand...

I'd spend the 150 to do that, especially with the knowledge work will be good. You got a brand new gun for 4 1/2!
Absolutely!
 
Last edited:
If I could get a quality re blue for $150, I probably do it. The 3" a frame is sort of a grail gun all of a sudden. Well, not really, they have been popular for several years. Anyway, when that gun was new, it wasn't near as interesting as it is now. But, it's not a Registered Magnum, or a 4" 29, or a Triple Lock Target. It's a bare bones working gun. As long as it's well done, a good refinish won't hurt the value being as it's already finish challenged.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

P
Model 27-5 Missing Trademark/Possible Re-blue Questions
Replies
5
Views
354
Yendor357
Y
O
ID help- post WWII M&P?
Replies
15
Views
853
Oxenford1550
O
C
Can you help ID this model 13-3 PPC
Replies
7
Views
489
J56
J
G
  • Locked
Expired/Withdrawn WTS: REDUCED S&W 29 Barrels & Colt SAA Gen-3 Barrel for Sale
Replies
1
Views
580
Garandpappy
G
O
New to me Model 10-6
Replies
12
Views
1K
oldrookey617
O

Latest posts

Back
Top