schmeky
Member
I have run the gamut on having pistols refinished. This is my personal experience on having used 3 different refinishers.
1) Mahovsky's Meta-Life - hardchrome. I wanted my beloved CZ-75 pre-b protected with a matte hardchrome. But first I decided to send in a cheap truck pistol first, being an Astra A-80 (like new) 9mm to make sure I would be happy with the results. I was quoted a 4 week turn around. It took closer to 10 weeks. When I got the Astra back, the action had bead blasting grit/media in the action. The finish was "good", but far from excellent. There were some minor flaws in the eveness of the finish. Remember, this pistol was like new, with no finish issues before I shipped it out.
Grade - C+
2) Tripps Research - hardchrome. I sent Tripp's a NIB Star BM 9mm pistol. I was quoted a 10 day turn around time. It took over 30 days before the pistol was returned. I was told on the phone it would be no problem to mildly modify the front and rear sights to a "3-dot" configuration. Pistol was returned with the sights still black, additionally, the finish was not consistent with my request. I had to spend quite a few hours polishing the slide to get close to what I requested from Tripp's.
Grade - B-
2) Ford's Refinishing - Blue. I sent Ford's a near new Norinco full size 1911. I was quoted a turn around of 8-12 weeks. I was not told at the time Ford's was moving their facility. It was 16 weeks before I even called. I was given the run around, was promised a certain week for "processing", but this didn't happen. I could never get Ford's to return a call. It got so bad, the person on the phone told me they were not even going to charge me for the work. Instead, they charged me 1/2 price. The finish was near perfect, but there was a very obvious polishing flaw on the slide. Beautiful overall, but just missed the mark.
Grade - A-
I plan on using Accurate Plating and Weaponery in the near future for one more project.
Overall, I am disappointed in the after market refinishers I have used. I welcome other responses. By the way, this is my Norinco from Ford's.
1) Mahovsky's Meta-Life - hardchrome. I wanted my beloved CZ-75 pre-b protected with a matte hardchrome. But first I decided to send in a cheap truck pistol first, being an Astra A-80 (like new) 9mm to make sure I would be happy with the results. I was quoted a 4 week turn around. It took closer to 10 weeks. When I got the Astra back, the action had bead blasting grit/media in the action. The finish was "good", but far from excellent. There were some minor flaws in the eveness of the finish. Remember, this pistol was like new, with no finish issues before I shipped it out.
Grade - C+
2) Tripps Research - hardchrome. I sent Tripp's a NIB Star BM 9mm pistol. I was quoted a 10 day turn around time. It took over 30 days before the pistol was returned. I was told on the phone it would be no problem to mildly modify the front and rear sights to a "3-dot" configuration. Pistol was returned with the sights still black, additionally, the finish was not consistent with my request. I had to spend quite a few hours polishing the slide to get close to what I requested from Tripp's.
Grade - B-
2) Ford's Refinishing - Blue. I sent Ford's a near new Norinco full size 1911. I was quoted a turn around of 8-12 weeks. I was not told at the time Ford's was moving their facility. It was 16 weeks before I even called. I was given the run around, was promised a certain week for "processing", but this didn't happen. I could never get Ford's to return a call. It got so bad, the person on the phone told me they were not even going to charge me for the work. Instead, they charged me 1/2 price. The finish was near perfect, but there was a very obvious polishing flaw on the slide. Beautiful overall, but just missed the mark.
Grade - A-
I plan on using Accurate Plating and Weaponery in the near future for one more project.
Overall, I am disappointed in the after market refinishers I have used. I welcome other responses. By the way, this is my Norinco from Ford's.
