How much does S&W charge to re-blue a pistol ?

[MIL-DOT]

Thought it best to just start another thread. I'm considering getting a M28 re-blued, but it's been suggested I send it back to S&W for the job. My Google-Fu wasn't up to the task, so I'm asking the hive, hoping someone here has had them perform the service. Also, what would the turn-around time be on that? Thanks.....

 

[CraigC]

Why not just call them???

 

[Chindo18Z]

$150 - $250 depending upon level of finish chosen...


http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...4_750001_750051_757909_-1_757776_757751_image

 

[eddism]

I've been told that the bluing chemicals arn't ez to get these days.

 

[highorder]

I've been told that the bluing chemicals arn't ez to get these days.

Brownells will sell you whatever you need, but the bluing operation as a whole is a costly investment that creates waste issues. Also considering that good bluing is mostly a matter of great polishing, sending work out is more attractive to me.

 

[BrocLuno]

I've had excellent service from David Chicone and his son on old Smiths. His bluing jobs are done to look just like a factory job of any period you choose (proper restoration period). David T works on new guns, father David R works on true antiques. These guys are actual experts and very reliable. A good re-blue is in the cost range listed above, so if you decide not to go back to Smith, you might give them a try

http://www.oldwestgunsmith.com/gunsmith/david.htm

 

[Iggy]

I had a revolver refinished by S&W about a year ago. $235.00 including return shipment.

Can't tell it from a 1964 Model 27. I am well pleased with their work.

 

[Sniper X]

I'll bet a big part of bluing is cost due to the ecoterrists too.

 

[MIL-DOT]

Many thanks,again, to everyone for the replies. I dropped the pistol off with my smith today just to get the sticky cylinder taken care of. He seemed to think it was no-biggie, and told me it'd run me about $30 bucks.
Also, he's telling me there's pitting in the worn finish on the cylinder ( I really don't see it) and because of that, is telling me that he recommends a matte blue instead of a high gloss. As I told him, I'm first and foremost concerned with determining that the pistol is mechanically sound, before commiting to any superficial improvements, but he said it looked good so far, that I made a good trade, and even said he'd give me right then what I had in it ( which I obviously took as a very good sign).
But, what's the story on this "matte blue" option ? He's telling me that the pitting is a sub-surface issue,( like root-canals) that can be much worse beneath the surface, and can only be satisfactorilly resolved with a full re-finishing. My antena tweaked with this, but i really don't know from shinola, so any advice is much appreciated......

 

[Mr.Revolverguy]

I can't find the thread I posted on here some time ago but it is worth sending it back to Smith and Wesson.

Long story short this was my grandfathers model 10 after 12 years of storage in a foam case. Knowing it was the very first weapon I ever shot and that my grandfather was very fond of it I knew I was going to refinish it.

I sent it back to Smith & Wesson they took about 2 weeks. But not only did they refinish it, they replaced all the internals and got it in perfect timing. The gentlemen even sent me a note saying he did so and that these weren't new grips but they were in good shape so he put them on at no cost.



This is the after



Smith and Wessons customer service is top notch and after this job they have earned a customer for life in me for the work they did. As you can see there was pitting and rust all over this thing.

 

[Hondo 60]

Wow, that is a great looking revolver.
I'd almost be tempted not to fire it.

But I'd overcome that feeling after 10 seconds or so.

 

[Onmilo]

So how come you aren't showing the side of the gun that had the rust and pitting on it??

 

[hardluk1]

Might want to also look at Blue Ridge Blueing. This guy use to do some of Dan Wesson revolvers and they have a great deep blue finish and his price can be much less.

 

[MIL-DOT]

Many thanks for the replies, fellas, and especially to hardluk1 for the heads-upon Blue Ridge. I just spoke with (owner) Mark on the phone, and he's not only way cheaper than S&W, but noticably cheaper than my local guy, even factoring in round trip shipping.
But why is it,whenever I'm in a big hurry and needing to use the mail,it's a big holiday week ?? .............

 

[CraigC]

There's nothing wrong with modern bluing chemicals. That ain't where they're lacking. It's the preparatory polish work that is in short supply. It takes time and skill and both cost money. Most folks aren't willing to pay for fancy finishes anymore. Which is sad.

 

[Sniper X]

My Dw (14 Service 6in) is going to Blue Ridge for a factory reblue....the guy is fantastic and only quoted me $85.00! For a high luster blue!

 

[Mr.Revolverguy]

I am no photographer I never even thought about taking pictures of the same side or that someone would think bluing would be so great on one side and crappy on the other. Both sides were just as crappy remember this was laying in between foam. I will take some pictures of the other side.

 

[oneounceload]

I just called Colt about a first gen, first year DS refinish - they seem to be about the same as S&W - $225 for regular blue and $275 for the Royal they put on the Pythons. I'll be interested to see how well this other gent performs for $85.00

 

[MIL-DOT]

I spoke with Mark at Blue Ridge today, also. The $85 sounds great, but the round-rip shipping jacks the cost to where it's only 30-40 bucks less than using my local guy.
But, I've been digging around, and the owner of one of our local gun shops does hot bluing, too, and I think it's a bit less expensive.I'm trying to get in touch with him personally to get some more details. Fingers crossed......

 

[Sniper X]

I have heard the BR does a factory great high luster job...

 

[hardluk1]

Got to remember that with BRB that is basicly all he does . polish and blueing. other than a bit a dw fix and repair.. He is not a muti tasking part time blueing gunsmith.

 

[PRM]

I've had excellent service from David Chicone and his son on old Smiths. His bluing jobs are done to look just like a factory job of any period you choose (proper restoration period). David T works on new guns, father David R works on true antiques. These guys are actual experts and very reliable. A good re-blue is in the cost range listed above, so if you decide not to go back to Smith, you might give them a try ~brocluno

Ditto on Dave Chicoine senior. I've been having him work on my guns for over 30 years now. I started using Dave when he had Liberty Antique Gun Works up in Eastport, Maine (prior to relocating and becoming "oldwestgunsmith"). Lots of folks don't know this, but if you call S&W with a problem on an older gun, they will probably refer you to Dave.

He is a great gunsmith and has even built a couple of guns for me. Nobody touches my vintage guns other than Dave.

The Bisley below was built by Dave (parts gun) ~ Elephant ivory grips by Jerry Meacham Chicoine.

 

[GuysModel94]

I would like to throw Rock Creek Armory in to the mix, $150.00 for rust or hot blue on handguns, phone 931-698-3577, well worth a phone call and a great guy to talk to..