Help me decide on an S&W Performance Center package por favor

[cyclopsshooter]

Here is the deal- I bought a Smith 10-3 4 screw 4" HB back in my early college days- $125! And that price included the box, police holster, and two 40 year old boxes of Rem green box LRN-(still have the whole kit) It had the typical factory deep polish blue but with flaws such as police holster scrapes and some minor freckling. At the time it still looked quite nice to me and I pampered it...
However, over the years, as my collection matured- those blemishes became ever more evident. Tonight I demoted it from safe status
I dont particularly have the need to shoot it (I have two other police M10s that I parkerized to kick around with) but I do not want to part with it either- Functionally it is magnificent and I like the fact that it is the first 4" HB variant.
Floating in limbo, my thoughts have turned to the S&W Performance Center
There are two packages I like,
1- Combat Revolver Package to include, Glass Bead Finish, Tuned Action, Trigger Stop, Chamfer Charge Holes $295
2- High Bright Polish Blue $235

I am also taking into account the revolvers collectibility years down the road. Granted it is just a Model 10- I figure its present saleability near $300
So, is GASP! refinishing it a bad idea? How are revolvers refinished by Smith P.C. treated by collectors and shooters?

Will the performance center take out my steel trigger and hammer and put in MIM or will most of the major parts remain the same?

Does Smith's new polished blue job resemble the old one with its inch deep glare?

Will the revolver at least retain the money I put into it?

Thanks for any and all advice!

Cyclops

 

[WC145]

Check this thread to see what they can do to restore and old Model 10. Judging by the price this was their standard polish and blue job, plus they went through it and replaced the guts as well. http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=487494

Personally, for a Model 10, I'd go for the standard polish and blue. I don't see the point of having it glass beaded for a matte finish when you have two parkerized guns already. If this one has sentimental value I'd restore to original condition. If you want the action job, chamfering, etc, you can add on the "Master Revolver Action Package".

I have a one of the new Classic Model 22's, the Model of 1917, that I bought used recently. It has some scuff marks and scratches, and a very heavy trigger. It's going in for the "High Bright Polish" and the master revolver package. I'm sure it will take a while to get finished but I'm very excited to see how it'll turn out, especially after the job they did on Mr. Revolverguy's gun.

I'd imagine they'll do whatever you ask as far as parts replacement, etc.
As far as value, it sounds to me like the value in this gun is personal. I wouldn't worry about the monetary value vs cost unless you intend to sell it. If the gun means a lot to you then have the work done and enjoy it for yourself.
I'm having the work done on my gun because I intend for it to be an heirloom gun, one my father, my son, and I can share now, while Dad's still alive, and that my son and I can share with his kids, whenever they come along, and so on.

 

[jad0110]

Sounds to me like the gun is darn near perfect, other than some blemishes. IMHO, this is one of those "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" situations. Though I personally like some holster wear, as I find it adds character.

I am also taking into account the revolvers collectibility years down the road. Granted it is just a Model 10- I figure its present saleability near $300
So, is GASP! refinishing it a bad idea? How are revolvers refinished by Smith P.C. treated by collectors and shooters?

Unless it is in really bad shape (like 30% with a lot of rust), refinishing typically harms the value. It's like repainting a car that really doesn't need it; people wonder/question why it was refinished and are therefore leery of paying the normal market value.

Will the performance center take out my steel trigger and hammer and put in MIM or will most of the major parts remain the same?

That I'm not sure about, but IIRC, they replace non-MIM with non-MIM and MIM with MIM. But I'd check with S&W first.

Does Smith's new polished blue job resemble the old one with its inch deep glare?

Depends on when exactly your S&W was made, as S&W's bluing varies over the years from a lusterous, deep blue color to black. Sometimes it has been a fairly dull black finish, like during the 50s when my K-22 was made. Typically though, the bluing today just isn't as nice as it was years ago.

Will the revolver at least retain the money I put into it?

The action job may increase it's desireability, and hence value some, but not by the full amount. Kinda like most home improvements when the house is already nice as is. Sounds like the rebluing in particular may actually harm the value.

In the end, you'd probably be better off trading on a more mint S&W, or better, just buying one outright. A few years ago I bought a mint S&W 14-4 for $325 and earlier this year a deep, richly blued Model 15-3 for $309 with only very minor wear right around the muzzle.

 

[batmann]

I voted for the 'Combat Package' only because it will increase the practicality of the revolver. Most collectors don't like refinshed anything, so why not make it the best you can.

 

[cyclopsshooter]

good thought batmann

 

[cyclopsshooter]

The problem with America is stupidity. I’m not saying there should be capital punishment for stupidity, but why don’t we just take the safety labels off of everything and let the problem solve itself?

I like that sig!