6" Colt Police Positive - advice please

[dhcustomwork]

Thank you Jim & Clint.

Jim; I was pretty sure this blue would be less durable than the caustic hot blue. I had never done a full refinish in a cold blue, but had done a rifle and shotgun barrel. Both of those have held up well; especially for the use they get. I'm ok with this piece having to be touched up eventually; even periodically, as its just not the collectible type Colt nor would it ever be given its previous state. I'm wondering if a heating / treating process gives it a little more durability. Baking in each coat at 250 for 5-10 minutes really sets in the color a bit better. At least it seems like it.

 

[Remllez]

OP,

The side by side set of pictures is really impressive, you did good and made the right decision. I much appreciate the brownish patina those old Colts develop as the years go by, it's very near perfect to my eye.

Spending all that money for a Colt refinish only to keep it in a safe for fear of a scratch doesn't do that fine ole revolver justice. Shoot it, enjoy it, let the finish wear off gracefully and appreciate it for what it is.

 

[kludge]

Looks good!

 

[Checkman]

Yeah it looks fine. Ultimately it's your gun and your money. There isn't any real collector's value so do with it what you want. I've known guys who have taken older revolvers with no collector value and had them hard chromed, nickled, re-blued and so on. Several years ago I had a couple Model 28's parkarized and teflon coated. There were some who were critical of that choice, but they aren't rare, the finish is very durable and they are my guns. I still own the 4" Model 28 and I've never regretted having it done. Enjoy.

 

[Hondo 60]

It purdied up right nice.

You'd never recoup the cost of re-bluing, but I don't think the process has anything to do with economics.
A re-blue job is for the aesthetics and peace of mind for the owner.
Much less of a chance of rusting.