Need some advice on refinishing a blued revolver.

[George D]

So this is my favorite new wheelgun, it is dead nuts accurate but ugly as sin.

I would like to reblue it myself. Its collector value is shot because it was neglected. What would you guys suggest?

 

[Bradley J.]

disassemble it and use very fine bead blast to clean the entire surface. then go in and hand sand with fine grit to even finer grit and polish out any imperfections. then send it to be blued. I looked recently to do the same and found that some places will do all the work for you for "X" amount of $$$ and they will charge less $$$ if you do all the detail work and leave just the blueing to them. the plating can get pricey and I will assume people will tell you it's not worth it but theres nothing like doing it yourself and making it into a hobby. I'm in the process of refinishing a S&W escort and I have been talked down many times from forum users (not here) about why I would put so much work into a "crappy" gun. to each there own. Do you have access to all the stuff you need to re plate a gun?

 

[appraiser]

is that a K-22 or a model 17?

 

[mac1911]

why would you put work into a crappy gun....."because it is MY crappy gun"
You can try a home blueing kit. I am going to try thr shooters solutions kit on my next project which is a 311D side by side shotgun. I tried a few cold blues before with little success. Also the prep work and polishing of the bare metal is key.
I have also considered a spray on finish or just parkerize it.

 

[jhrosier]

....What would you guys suggest?

I would get a quote from S&W for a refinish.

Jack

 

[George D]

is that a K-22 or a model 17?

I guess both, its a K-22 series but its a model 17-4.
I will probably call S&W and see what they get to reblue it. I have access to a glass bead blaster, I am just nervous about blasting parts that shouldn't be blasted.

 

[Bradley J.]

why would you put work into a crappy gun....."because it is MY crappy gun"
You can try a home blueing kit. I am going to try thr shooters solutions kit on my next project which is a 311D side by side shotgun. I tried a few cold blues before with little success. Also the prep work and polishing of the bare metal is key.
I have also considered a spray on finish or just parkerize it.

Hey mac, the escort is apart (except for the barrel ) As soon as I find a way to remove it I'm ready to refinish my "crappy" gun

I would get a quote from S&W for a refinish.

Jack

straight from smiths web site


High Bright Polish (Blue, Stainless Steel or Nickel) $235
Glass Bead Nickel (except Stainless) $190
Standard Polish & Blue $190
Glass Bead Blue & Stainless Steel $145

 

[Acme.Armament]

It'd be worth the short drive if you call Mike Pigney, 508-821-7621. He does excellent work and hand buffs/polishes his blueing.
Adam

 

[mac1911]

careful with the S&W price for refinish. That all changes when they see how much prep work is needed.

 

[center442]

George, if it's a shooter, just leave it like it is. If anyone comments on the appearance, just tell them it's a rare case hardened finish!