New guy with some pics

[GuitarsAndGuns]

Hi guys, this is a great forum. I've learned a lot and this seems like the friendliest forum devoted to the shooting sports that I have found. I am still very new to shooting and have much to learn, I hope to take my ccw this summer and hopefully a defensive shooting class for fun. I am a full time student and don't have a lot of free time but every chance I get I am at the range. Anyway, I refinished the grip on my Dan Wesson .357 and was pleasantly surprised by the nice walnut I found underneath the old lacquer and stain, so I figured I would take some pics for those that are interested. I stripped and sanded the old lacquer and reddish stain off down to bare wood, removed the numerous scratches as best I could and finished with tung oil, no stain. I am also planning on getting the gun polished and re-blued, I was hoping someone could give me a rough idea of how much re-finishing usually costs. Anyway, sorry for the rambling, here are some pics.

 

[GuitarsAndGuns]

Here is a family photo.

 

[mnrivrat]

That is a nice set of grips ! And a good job on the refinish as well.

Good rebluing services have gone the way of most everything else - up !
In my area it would run in the $200 area for you gun. I see that there are services offered on places like GunBroker for what seems most reasonable prices, but it is hard to know what to expect in quality, and of course you have the issue of mailing and it's cost to add.

I guess what I am saying is that if you check around with gun shops/smiths in your area, and find examples of the work they have done, you might be well off to try to stay close at home with the re-bluing. Also make sure the refinishing is as close to factory as possible (hot blue) , and that the refinisher is good at buffing, without rounding all the edges, and smearing the lettering.

 

[ScratchnDent]

Nice job! You have great taste in guns!

My 'smith quoted me $160 for re-bluing just last week.

 

[bobelk99]

Welcome to the forum!

 

[CZ223]

Nice battery of guns

Pretty darned good for a poor college student. Good job on the grips as well. Welcome to the forum.

 

[mesinge2]

I agree good job on the grips, and welcome.

 

[rodensouth]

Buddy, you have fine taste in my opinion. The grips look great! Are you going to carry the 45? Welcome to the forum!

 

[searcher451]

Your grip works appears to be fine, quality craftsmanship to me. You might be able to trade out your services to a local 'smith for a blueing in return. Keep in mind that a re-blue will affect collector's value for the firearm it's applied to, but don't let that stop you if it's what you want to do.

Best of luck to you -- thanks for sharing the photos.

 

[hso]

Nice work!

Good collection!

 

[Kentucky_Rifleman]

+1 on the "good taste" comment. Those Dan Wesson stocks make my eyes pop.

KR

 

[GuitarsAndGuns]

Buddy, you have fine taste in my opinion. The grips look great! Are you going to carry the 45? Welcome to the forum!

Which one, the Colt or the 625? I would love to carry either one, especially the 625, but it's just to big. I will probably carry it while hiking or fishing. I've learned here that lots of guys carry 1911's, I am currently contemplating the Springfield GI 3 inch as my first ccw gun, or a S&W 36 classic. But anyway, thanks for all the kind words guys.