[regal]

After much research and experimenting I have come to the conclusion that my boring old 38 special Airweght is best option for me to CCW. The problem is that it is very old and some of the chrome plating has flaked off.

Is it a problem to carry the gun with missing chrome? If it is how in the heck can aluminum be refinished?

[The Lone Haranguer]

Is it a problem to carry the gun with missing chrome?
Chrome? :confused:

Regardless of what kind of plating is on it, if it is just on exterior surfaces and there is no underlying corrosion or other defect that might have caused the plating to come off, finish wear has nothing to do with how a gun shoots.

[regal]

I understand that, my concern is that without the plating the frame could corrode severely ?

[BamaHoosier]

If in doubt,keeping it wiped down with a lightly oiled cloth will keep skin oils and acids at bay until you could have it replated when time and money allows:).This is the first instance I've heard of a finish flaking or peeling off;sounds like either a factory oops or a replate done bad,maybe:confused:

[regal]

I bought it used in '94, don't know the history, under the flaking plating it is fairly shiny. May have been replated.

[BamaHoosier]

From my past experiences and education(metallurgy classes in tech.college),it seems that the surface metal wasn't cleaned thoroughly,or something in the plating current went awry,causing a weak bond that gradually came unglued:(.It happens once in awhile.I would definitely replate,but check around with folks in your area that've had guns or other stuff plated and see what kind of talent is available.Someone local would be most desired,where you could observe the process if possible:).Good luck and hang on to that AW;they're great little wheelies:D

[jaydubya]

A 642, by definition, is a revolver with an aluminum-alloy frame and a stainless steel barrel and cylinder. What you have seen flaking off is the oversprayed plastic finish. Shoot away, friend. It ain't a problem.

Cordially, Jack

[rj112275]

Sounds like your pistol has out-lived its usefulness and needs to be retired. Just send it to me and I'll put it out of its misery ;)

[ArchAngelCD]

Like said above, the "flaking" you are seeing is the clear coat wearing away. I wouldn't worry about it because the frame of a Airweight is Aluminum Alloy and really won't rust. Also like said above, keep a light film of oil on the frame like you would any other revolver and it should be fine. My M638 has a few spots where the clear coat is gone too.

[Landric]

I do think S&W is missing out on market share by not offering chromed guns. Perhaps a value line in chrome to compete with Jennings and Hi-Point. :-)

[regal]

Mine sure as heck looks like chrome, every bit as mirror like as a Harley chrome.

[Iggy]

Regal,

What model is you .38?
It is the one on the frame when you open the cylinder.

Do you perhaps have a nickle plated Mdl 12?

[regal]

mdl 38

[Oro]

Guys, FYI - Model 38's were produced in nickel, also.

It sounds to me like he has a flaking nickel old-school 38 (fine with me; I love to carry a 1970-vintage Mod 60 myself - same gun but in stainless, about 5 ounces heavier).

The alloy under the nickel won't rust. Live with the ugliness. Or send it to be re-nickled, or perhaps hard-chromed. It can also be blued. It will funtion and shoot fine as long as you don't get flaking in the cylinder bores and the forcing cone area.

I like old J frames and applaud putting them in service.

[Friendly, Don't Fire!]

I wouldn't let ANYONE but S&W work on my S&W guns.

If you ship it to S&W, they will give you a quote on how much to make the gun like new and what it could use (perhaps tighten it up as well).

Bear in mind, that right now, their company is EXTREMELY BUSY.

Perhaps after the holidays you could send it in, then things might be slower (like March-April).

[Oro]

I wouldn't let ANYONE but S&W work on my S&W guns.

For a refinish, I'd prefer S&W, but there are MANY amazing S&W gunsmiths out there, and there are refinishers who do fantastic work higher than S&W standards (Ford's comes to mind).

His problem is that S&W doesn't work on all it's guns. They won't work on older guns, which, w/o his s/n, I can't tell how old his is. If your gun is more than a few decades old, you are on your own. Sad but true.

This isn't because it's an antique gun (almost everything since 1900 is on the modern revolver pattern), it's just a date they draw. Sad but true. We like to think there's "heritage" and "history" in firearms, and we are loyal to brands because of that, but believe me, S&W doesn't view it that way.

[Friendly, Don't Fire!]

for any "misinformation" I might have given. Both my S&W guns are less than three years old.

I can understand S&W not working on a gun, say, from the 40's (for example).

I just assumed that they worked on all their own guns -- no matter how old.

After you mentioned that, I guess S&W has to "draw the line somewhere" as to what they will/won't work on.

Anyway, it's worth a try, if the OP is so inclined to have S&W do it.

I live in an extremely rural area. Gunsmiths around here seem to be kind of like carpenters. If you have a hammer and saw, you are a carpenter.:uhoh: I think (from some gunsmith work I've seen) that some people think they are a gunsmith because they have touched up a little blueing on their own gun and they have a set of screwdrivers.:confused:

[regal]

Yes S&W said they couldn't help.

[Friendly, Don't Fire!]

Roger.

At least now you know.

[ArchAngelCD]

regal,
Can you post a few pictures? I'm really not sure which revolver you're talking about.

[capttom]

Similar problem. I have a Model 38 Bodyguard (aluminum frame) that has peeling nickel on the frame near the barrel and on the back of the grip frame. It has "orange peel" on the side plate. The gun's 40+ years old. I spoke ith my gunsmith and he suggested blasting the surface and using something like Duracoat on it. He said $100 ought to do it. The gun's fine - it shoots great - but looks like crap. I could have it replated, but I don't particularly like shiny guns. They draw too much attention to themselves.

[regal]

I'm planning on having shootin-iron put his tuf-gun on mine which is similiar to the duracoat. My only concern is if the S&W insignia and numbering will get coated over, it would make the gun look strange?

[S&Wfan]

Hi,

I'd recommend sending it to Ford's down in Florida. They've always done GREAT restoration work and replating. Your Model 38 indeed does have that mirror-bright NICKEL-PLATED original finish. Sometimes nickel can "flake," especially at a sharp edge like the front of a cylinder.

Don't ruin that classic by having someone put some other type finish on it. You'll just spend a lot of money . . . only to see its resale value plummet . . . sort of like someone customizing a Ford pickup by putting a Chevy bed on it and painting it orange and purple!;) Custom finish guns are usually only valuable to the one who did it . . . and just a few other folks.

Nickle-plated Smiths are gorgeous, including a nice ol' humpback like yours!!! Well . . . I should say ESPECIALLY the humbacks! Man, they look awesome.

Here's a '64 Model 36. Still looks good too . . .
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/363/363373/folders/277718/2216018IMG2411.JPG


As does this '84 Model 19 . . .
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/363/363373/folders/282194/2362114M19L-web.jpg

T.

[Gideon]

As stated previously; send it to S&W for refinishing or simply accept that it's a tool and tools get wear marks from use...
Gideon