Smith and Wesson Refurbishing

wmg1299 · January 10, 2018, 10:46 AM

I inherited a .38 special Model 10 when my uncle passed away. The gun was most likely manufactured in the early 60's, and shows some pitting on the finish. The gun is more of a keepsake to me, and I have only taken it to the range once. My question is, should I get the gun refurbished/refinished? I am not concerned about the cosmetics, but would do it if it would ensure that the gun would last for generations, or if it would harm the pistol to leave it in its current state.

Armybrat · January 10, 2018, 10:55 AM

Posting some clear, detailed pictures would help.

arquebus357 · January 10, 2018, 10:58 AM

If you are not concerned about the cosmetics, I would advise against a refurbish/refinish. Give it a good coating of a quality preservative like Renaissance Wax and let it age gracefully.

Ibmikey · January 10, 2018, 11:10 AM

Echo leaving it in it’s current state unless totally a mess, refinishing would necessarily need to be done by a master ( which most reblue jobs are not) in order to preserve the integrity of the stampings, smooth areas and sharp lines. I would much rather have a used finish Smith than a mediocre new blue.

arquebus357 · January 10, 2018, 01:00 PM

Quote:

I would much rather have a used finish Smith than a mediocre new blue.

Me too, but not like this...

T. O'Heir · January 10, 2018, 03:18 PM

My condolences on your loss.
"...ensure that the gun would last for generations..." It's already done that.
Don't think that's the original finish anyway, but refinishing it will not affect its value. It has no collector value either. I'd have it phosphated or industrial hard chromed.

Bill DeShivs · January 10, 2018, 07:35 PM

Of course that's the original finish!
It won't hurt a thing to leave it alone. A quality reblue will cost as much as the gun is worth. Unless you upgrade the finish to hard chrome or similar, I say leave it alone.

James K · January 10, 2018, 09:43 PM

I know this is heresy to the "grind down and cold blue" crowd, but if the gun shown by Arquebus357 is in good working order, it might be better for carry than a nice new gun. If you use the gun for self defense there is a good chance that the gun will be badly treated if you even get it back. Of course if you want a showpiece, then you want a nice finish, etc. But don't carry the show gun.

Jim

reddog81 · January 10, 2018, 09:51 PM

Save your money and go buy some ammo. In its current condition you don't have to worry about any of the little nicks and dings that eventually show on a gun that gets used.

I've got a 15-2 that has a couple spots of pitting on the barrel and cylinder. That gun is just as accurate as anything else I own and a better firearm than just about anything being made today. You would have to pay my to get that gun refinished.

10-96 · January 10, 2018, 11:08 PM

It's post-1957, so S&W factory would charge more than $250 for a good going through and re-finish, would they? Times may have changed.

old bear · January 11, 2018, 07:19 AM

Give it a good cleaning, apply a THIN coat of Res. wax or Johnson & Johnson's paste wax and you should be good to go. Don't forget to remove the grips to check for hidden rust.

Grant D · January 11, 2018, 08:19 AM

I have a model 10 like that, that even has a Texas court case # scratched into the grip frame. I put Pachmayr grips on it that covers the #, and it's one of my favorite carry guns.

I say leave it as it is!

jglsprings · January 11, 2018, 09:15 AM

So, it depends on how much you want to spend and what you think the gun is worth.

Ford's Master Blue.

Now, there were issues on the restore that were my fault and not Fords. Is the gun worth what I have in it? To me yes, could I sell it for what I have in it? No. But I do carry it and it's my Sunday gun and worth it to me.

tallball · January 11, 2018, 09:26 AM

Keep it clean and dry, check it for rust occasionally, and it should be fine. I have a "Pre Model 10" from 1916 that has almost no finish left on it at all. I just rub all over with an oily rag after every cleaning. It has zero rust and functions perfectly.

gwpercle · January 11, 2018, 02:35 PM

I wouldn't refinish.
Give it a good cleaning with Turtle Wax Chrome Polish and Rust Remover...done by hand with a small pad it will clean off dirt, grime crud and surface rust without removing any of the remaining blue finish. Wax it with a pure carnauba paste wax and it will look just fine.
Refinishing will actually lower the value...but to me the most damage is the removal of it's character...the honest wear from honest use by your Uncle...don't destroy it.
Gary

Bill DeShivs · January 11, 2018, 02:45 PM

Bluing is really rust, so I would be cautious using ANY "rust remover" or polish.

wmg1299 · January 12, 2018, 03:16 AM

I am not concerned about the value of the gun (collector or otherwise). The gun has sentimental value and I can't picture ever selling it. I would like to pass it down to one of my sons, or one of their kids when the time comes. If refinishing would prolong the life of the pistol, then I would strongly consider it, even if the cost exceeded the gun's current value. Have any other members had their guns factory refinished? If so, were you happy with the results?

Bill DeShivs · January 12, 2018, 03:27 AM

Refinishing won't prolong the life of the gun. It's simply a cosmetic issue.
If the gun is properly maintained it will last for hundreds of years.

BigJimP · January 12, 2018, 01:21 PM

The S&W factory no longer does the same finishes they did 50 yrs ago...its an entirely different process now..../ ...and it will give it a slightly different look vs the original finish. I don't know what S&W would charge for a refinish...you would have to call them and get an estimate - see what options they have but there is nothing special in a "Factory Refinish" in my view.

There are a lot of after market places that would refinish ..or recoat...etc ...for probably $ 300 - $500.../ ideally you want to find someone in your area and discuss your options with them.

Personally, I would leave it alone.../ ...wax or oil it and leave it as is. I have an old "Victory" model, that was parkerized originally, and most of it has worn off...but it doesn't matter / it still shoots great. A wipe down with some oil once in a while is all it needs.

arquebus357 · January 13, 2018, 12:02 AM

BTW...this is how that rust bucket model 15 above looks now. I know...no collector value. I'm not a collector. The folks I deal with are also not collectors and are happy to get a decent looking S&W revolver for a reasonable price. Is that a problem ?

The bluing is darker bkack that the flash photo above. It looks more like this photo of the cylinder.

boatbum101 · January 27, 2018, 08:11 PM

Bluing that S&W does now is much different than it used to be thanks to Mass enviromental regs . As stated above it'd cost as much or more than the gun was worth . Even the vaunted Fords quality has went down since the death of long time owner / gunsmith Mr. Horrace . If it were mine I'd get some fine bronze wool & gun oil . Don't use steel wool as that'll create more rust . Keep the gun wet with oil & rub with the bronze wool . Use fine 00 grade & keep the gun dripping . You might be surprised on how much is removed . Then you can either chose to Renaissance wax it , keep it well oiled , coat it with RIG grease or buy an anti- corrision pouch from ZCorr . Z-Corr bags were developed for the military who used to Cosmoline for long time storage . Now they clean the weapon , lightly oil it & put it in a sealed Z-Corr bag which last 7 years . Wepon can be pulled out & is immediately fit for duty . No more scrubbing Cosmoline in a wash tank full of gasoline .

Bill DeShivs · January 28, 2018, 12:46 AM

Steel wool, or bronze wool, should be used dry. Using it with oil creates a sludge of iron oxide, which is abrasive.

And using steel wool will not create rust. I use it every day, have for 40+ years-and have never had a problem with rusting.

IrishFritz · January 28, 2018, 02:48 PM

My feeling is one should leave well enough alone in most cases particularly with an heirloom gun as it reflects the use your ancestor gave the gun. If you want to refurbish it as a working gun then perhaps a refinish makes sense.

joed · January 28, 2018, 06:39 PM

I've had a couple guns refurbished. Refurbished goes further then just the finish, everything on the gun is checked and put into spec. I had a Python done in 2005 for $250 by Colt. The gun was absolutely beautiful when it came back and smooth as silk.

S&W was pretty much the same in that time period for price.

If you go with someone local to you before you give them the gun ask to see a sample of what they have done.

January 10, 2018, 10:46 AM	#1
wmg1299 Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2013 Location: DFW Metroplex Posts: 190	Smith and Wesson Refurbishing I inherited a .38 special Model 10 when my uncle passed away. The gun was most likely manufactured in the early 60's, and shows some pitting on the finish. The gun is more of a keepsake to me, and I have only taken it to the range once. My question is, should I get the gun refurbished/refinished? I am not concerned about the cosmetics, but would do it if it would ensure that the gun would last for generations, or if it would harm the pistol to leave it in its current state.

January 10, 2018, 03:18 PM	#6
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	My condolences on your loss. "...ensure that the gun would last for generations..." It's already done that. Don't think that's the original finish anyway, but refinishing it will not affect its value. It has no collector value either. I'd have it phosphated or industrial hard chromed. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

January 10, 2018, 07:35 PM	#7
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,981	Of course that's the original finish! It won't hurt a thing to leave it alone. A quality reblue will cost as much as the gun is worth. Unless you upgrade the finish to hard chrome or similar, I say leave it alone. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

January 10, 2018, 11:08 PM	#10
10-96 Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2005 Location: Tx Panhandle Territory Posts: 4,159	It's post-1957, so S&W factory would charge more than $250 for a good going through and re-finish, would they? Times may have changed. __________________ Rednecks... Keeping the woods critter-free since March 2, 1836. (TX Independence Day) I suspect a thing or two... because I've seen a thing or two.

January 11, 2018, 09:15 AM	#13
jglsprings Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2009 Posts: 1,827	So, it depends on how much you want to spend and what you think the gun is worth. Ford's Master Blue. Now, there were issues on the restore that were my fault and not Fords. Is the gun worth what I have in it? To me yes, could I sell it for what I have in it? No. But I do carry it and it's my Sunday gun and worth it to me. __________________ Let's eat Grandma. Let's eat, Grandma. Commas save lives...

January 10, 2018, 10:55 AM	#2
Armybrat Senior Member Join Date: May 10, 2009 Location: Round Rock, Texas Posts: 976	Posting some clear, detailed pictures would help.

January 10, 2018, 10:58 AM	#3
arquebus357 Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2016 Location: Atlanta, Georgia area Posts: 455	If you are not concerned about the cosmetics, I would advise against a refurbish/refinish. Give it a good coating of a quality preservative like Renaissance Wax and let it age gracefully.

January 10, 2018, 11:10 AM	#4
Ibmikey Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2013 Location: Now relocated to Texas Posts: 2,943	Echo leaving it in it’s current state unless totally a mess, refinishing would necessarily need to be done by a master ( which most reblue jobs are not) in order to preserve the integrity of the stampings, smooth areas and sharp lines. I would much rather have a used finish Smith than a mediocre new blue.

January 10, 2018, 09:43 PM	#8
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	I know this is heresy to the "grind down and cold blue" crowd, but if the gun shown by Arquebus357 is in good working order, it might be better for carry than a nice new gun. If you use the gun for self defense there is a good chance that the gun will be badly treated if you even get it back. Of course if you want a showpiece, then you want a nice finish, etc. But don't carry the show gun. Jim

January 10, 2018, 09:51 PM	#9
reddog81 Senior Member Join Date: October 16, 2014 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,634	Save your money and go buy some ammo. In its current condition you don't have to worry about any of the little nicks and dings that eventually show on a gun that gets used. I've got a 15-2 that has a couple spots of pitting on the barrel and cylinder. That gun is just as accurate as anything else I own and a better firearm than just about anything being made today. You would have to pay my to get that gun refinished.

January 11, 2018, 07:19 AM	#11
old bear Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2009 Location: Not close enough to the beach Posts: 1,477	Give it a good cleaning, apply a THIN coat of Res. wax or Johnson & Johnson's paste wax and you should be good to go. Don't forget to remove the grips to check for hidden rust.

January 11, 2018, 08:19 AM	#12
Grant D Senior Member Join Date: August 14, 2011 Location: Brazos County, Texas Posts: 1,038	I have a model 10 like that, that even has a Texas court case # scratched into the grip frame. I put Pachmayr grips on it that covers the #, and it's one of my favorite carry guns. I say leave it as it is!

January 11, 2018, 09:26 AM	#14
tallball Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2014 Posts: 2,444	Keep it clean and dry, check it for rust occasionally, and it should be fine. I have a "Pre Model 10" from 1916 that has almost no finish left on it at all. I just rub all over with an oily rag after every cleaning. It has zero rust and functions perfectly.

January 11, 2018, 02:35 PM	#15
gwpercle Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2012 Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana Posts: 1,752	I wouldn't refinish. Give it a good cleaning with Turtle Wax Chrome Polish and Rust Remover...done by hand with a small pad it will clean off dirt, grime crud and surface rust without removing any of the remaining blue finish. Wax it with a pure carnauba paste wax and it will look just fine. Refinishing will actually lower the value...but to me the most damage is the removal of it's character...the honest wear from honest use by your Uncle...don't destroy it. Gary

January 11, 2018, 02:45 PM	#16
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,981	Bluing is really rust, so I would be cautious using ANY "rust remover" or polish. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

January 12, 2018, 03:16 AM	#17
wmg1299 Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2013 Location: DFW Metroplex Posts: 190	I am not concerned about the value of the gun (collector or otherwise). The gun has sentimental value and I can't picture ever selling it. I would like to pass it down to one of my sons, or one of their kids when the time comes. If refinishing would prolong the life of the pistol, then I would strongly consider it, even if the cost exceeded the gun's current value. Have any other members had their guns factory refinished? If so, were you happy with the results?

January 12, 2018, 03:27 AM	#18
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,981	Refinishing won't prolong the life of the gun. It's simply a cosmetic issue. If the gun is properly maintained it will last for hundreds of years. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

January 12, 2018, 01:21 PM	#19
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	The S&W factory no longer does the same finishes they did 50 yrs ago...its an entirely different process now..../ ...and it will give it a slightly different look vs the original finish. I don't know what S&W would charge for a refinish...you would have to call them and get an estimate - see what options they have but there is nothing special in a "Factory Refinish" in my view. There are a lot of after market places that would refinish ..or recoat...etc ...for probably $ 300 - $500.../ ideally you want to find someone in your area and discuss your options with them. Personally, I would leave it alone.../ ...wax or oil it and leave it as is. I have an old "Victory" model, that was parkerized originally, and most of it has worn off...but it doesn't matter / it still shoots great. A wipe down with some oil once in a while is all it needs.

January 13, 2018, 12:02 AM	#20
arquebus357 Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2016 Location: Atlanta, Georgia area Posts: 455	BTW...this is how that rust bucket model 15 above looks now. I know...no collector value. I'm not a collector. The folks I deal with are also not collectors and are happy to get a decent looking S&W revolver for a reasonable price. Is that a problem ? The bluing is darker bkack that the flash photo above. It looks more like this photo of the cylinder. Last edited by arquebus357; January 13, 2018 at 12:08 AM.

January 27, 2018, 08:11 PM	#21
boatbum101 Junior Member Join Date: January 25, 2018 Location: Florida Panhandle Posts: 14	Bluing that S&W does now is much different than it used to be thanks to Mass enviromental regs . As stated above it'd cost as much or more than the gun was worth . Even the vaunted Fords quality has went down since the death of long time owner / gunsmith Mr. Horrace . If it were mine I'd get some fine bronze wool & gun oil . Don't use steel wool as that'll create more rust . Keep the gun wet with oil & rub with the bronze wool . Use fine 00 grade & keep the gun dripping . You might be surprised on how much is removed . Then you can either chose to Renaissance wax it , keep it well oiled , coat it with RIG grease or buy an anti- corrision pouch from ZCorr . Z-Corr bags were developed for the military who used to Cosmoline for long time storage . Now they clean the weapon , lightly oil it & put it in a sealed Z-Corr bag which last 7 years . Wepon can be pulled out & is immediately fit for duty . No more scrubbing Cosmoline in a wash tank full of gasoline .

January 28, 2018, 12:46 AM	#22
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,981	Steel wool, or bronze wool, should be used dry. Using it with oil creates a sludge of iron oxide, which is abrasive. And using steel wool will not create rust. I use it every day, have for 40+ years-and have never had a problem with rusting. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

January 28, 2018, 02:48 PM	#23
IrishFritz Junior Member Join Date: December 30, 2017 Posts: 2	My feeling is one should leave well enough alone in most cases particularly with an heirloom gun as it reflects the use your ancestor gave the gun. If you want to refurbish it as a working gun then perhaps a refinish makes sense.

January 28, 2018, 06:39 PM	#24
joed Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 2014 Posts: 442	I've had a couple guns refurbished. Refurbished goes further then just the finish, everything on the gun is checked and put into spec. I had a Python done in 2005 for $250 by Colt. The gun was absolutely beautiful when it came back and smooth as silk. S&W was pretty much the same in that time period for price. If you go with someone local to you before you give them the gun ask to see a sample of what they have done. __________________ The 6 gun was once as common as the cellphone is today, and just as annoying when it went off in the theater.