[hit or miss]

I saw a very sad sight this afternoon. A couple of young men I know brought over an early 80's New Model Blackhawk for me to take a look at. When I opened the gun case I saw a very abused and sad revolver. The cylinder wouldn't even lock up. We took it down to it's individual pieces and found the problem with the lock up. The spring that pushes the cylinder stop into the slot was missing. After replacing the spring I got the old girl to where she will now run like it should.

It was explained to me that the revolver had had Pepsi spilled on it and in the cleaning process somehow all of the bluing had been removed. The metal has slight pitting almost everywhere and even the black is coming off the grip frame. I think the gun can be recovered to some modicum of usefulness again and the guys want to get it fixed up for their dad for father's day.

Here's my question. What would you guys suggest for refinishing the gun? I think we can get it polished up and reblue it but I think in the current condition maybe bead blasting it and bluing or dura coat might be a better option. All it'll ever be is a rough shell of it's former self I'm afraid. The guys really don't have a lot of money to use on it, but I'm willing to put lots of sweat equity in to help them.

Sorry no pictures. I think I would get banned from the board for making people puke if I posted any.
Scott

[Confederate]

Providing the parts aren't worn, I'd consider getting it polished and brush chromed. Guns last forever once they're chromed and can be made to where they look new.

[Brian Williams]

parkerizing, gives a nice dull finish that hold lube and is non reflecting for hunting

[ArchAngelCD]

I'll add my voice to getting it parkerized. That would be a good finish and won't cost them a lot since they have very little to spend.

BTW, it's very nice of them to fix that gun up for their dad. They might also want to buy him a book on proper care of a firearm. (not being sarcastic, I'm serious)

[hit or miss]

Thanks guys. I really don't think this was a question of not knowing how to take care of his guns. I think it was a huge mistake that got put away and forgotten about. I know the guy and he wouldn't normally treat a gun this way. I think it was a matter of not knowing what the next step was when the finish got screwed up.