Refinish S&W M&P Model 10

[Mr.Revolverguy]

All,

I recently acquired my grandfathers old Model 10. It locks up tight and functions fine. I just can't stand to see my grandfathers revolver in this shape. Basically it was put away in one of those foam black boxes for years. Not much rust at all but all of the blueing is just about gone.

I will try to get pictures of it, but do you think this can be refinished? If so should I send it back to S&W or 3rd party and if a 3rd party whom would you recommend?

 

[Old Fuff]

The serial number should be stamped on the bottom of the butt. It may include letters as well as numbers. Please post that serial number (you can use xx for the last two numbers). We need it to determine the approximate date it was made, which could make a difference in how or by whom it should be refinished.

 

[Hutch]

I think revolvers of that era/vintage that show honest holster wear/bluing loss look very classy. Somebody once posted a pic of an old lawman's pre M27 with 3.5 inch barrel, and it looked like it had kept the peace for a LOOOOONG time. It seemed appropriate and even honorable.

Now, if your specimen looks like it has the mange or is pitted, that's different.

 

[M57]

You will get varied opinions on to refinish or not, some say leave as is, but it's up to you, S&W does nice work as I had a Mod 29 reblued and tuned up by them, the gun was shot very little but it was stored in the presentation box for a very long time and the flocking deteriorated and ruined the finish so I figured I paid a very good price for the gun and had them reblue it, now I have a beautiful 6.5 44mag shooter and that keeps me from shooting my nice ones. They charge about $300 not including your next day shipping but you will be very happy with the results, it still has crisp markings and I have no complaints. Also there is Ford's refinishing, I personally have not had any work done by them but have heard some very good things about them and have seen some pics and they look great, I think they are a small operation compared to some of the others but take pride in their work. Good luck.

 

[Maj Dad]

From S&W's website

There are samples to look at on the website (below). I'm sending my M10-6 heavy bbl back for a new-doo after extensive carry wear (and almost zero mechanical wear). Their re-dos are the sine qua non of re-dos...

High Bright Polish (Blue, Stainless Steel or Nickel) $235
Glass Bead Nickel (except Stainless) $190
Standard Polish & Blue $190
Glass Bead Blue & Stainless Steel $145

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...catalogId=10001&content=18302&sectionId=11522

 

[SaxonPig]

In most cases I advise against refinishing as a bad investment. The refinished gun winds up costing more than simply buying a better one. But one situation where refinishing makes sense is in the case of a memento where you don't care about the monetary value.

I say go ahead and reblue granddad's M&P. S&W will do a real nice job and I have seen nice work by Ford's refinishing.