M1903 .38 Hand Ejector Re-Finished

[Michael Tinker Pearce]

Last year Linda bought me a S&W 1903 .38 Hand Ejector for my birthday. We got it cheap because a previous owner appeared to have bead-blasted it and re-blued it, producing an ugly matte finish. It had been on my agenda to refinish the gun and I finally got around to it. Stripping the original finish proved to be... interesting.

I detail-stripped the gun, and then looked at what was needed. Once I got into it the gun's finish turned out not to be bead-blasted. There was a uniform network of tiny pits, as if the gun had been chemically 'pickled' to remove the previous finish. This had hidden some cosmetic ills, especially the side-plate which had been 'bubba'd' a bit and was no longer entirely flat n the surface, and the shield had been reshaped slightly.

It took quite a lot of work to get rid of the pits (mostly) but eventually I got around to re-blueing. I was thinking of going for a deep-black but got to the second cycle and it produced a lovely antique-looking finish that reminds me of the old 'London- Gray' finish from the 19th century so I stopped there. I can always change my mind later, after all.

Here are some before and after pics. I've got to get better lighting for these pictures...

 

[Dog Soldier]

There is just something special about saving a classic firearm from the parts bin. Great work very nice recovery. I have a C 96 Mauser that I was able to save. It took 2 years of slow tedious work. But it is now a very special "Broom Handle". Thanks for your great post.

 

[Michael Tinker Pearce]

Here's a better picture-

 

[Tallball]

That looks super nice! You did a great job.

 

[bannockburn]

Tinker

Nice save! Like the subdued finish though not loving the Pachmayr grips on it. Might look sort of nifty with some faux white pearl grips (if anyone makes them that is).

Great birthday gift from your wife.

 

[fireman 9731]

I agree, you need some nicely worn wood, or maybe stag grips to really make it pop. Altamont Legacy grips would be period correct, and not break the bank.

 

[Michael Tinker Pearce]

I agree, you need some nicely worn wood, or maybe stag grips to really make it pop. Altamont Legacy grips would be period correct, and not break the bank.

Stag was exactly my thought- I'm on the lookout for a suitable piece of antler to make a set.