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Refinishing an old S&W 39-2

Man...I hate to hear / see people refinishing these old classics. I think it looks great as is....Cerekote would be an absolute deal breaker (and heart breaker) for me...but it's not mine. I just think painted on looking finishes look like ass on anything but maybe an AR. Before you F it up, please try this little trick....I don't remember who makes it, but it comes in a blue bottle where the cold blue crap is...same manufacturer though...the product is called "alumi-black" The name implies that it turns aluminum black...and in a lot of cases, that's what it does...I guess it oxidizes it..not sure of the exact chemical reaction ...but it varies with different metals. For instance a grayish colored AR Barrel...it matches the grayish color perfectly. It doesn't turn it black and it's working on steel, not aluminum. It does nothing to stainless or nickel finishes. It works a little slower on steel but damn...a blued pistol like yours, it will hide the scratches and even the heavy blue bare spots from holster wear. On large areas, it sometimes gives a slight mottled look but still...you want a nearly free freshen up job that will restore back to near factory finish, this stuff is the sh*t. Try it on a small scratch under the trigger guard or something first. I put it on with Q tips. Be ready to be astounded. It takes anywhere from instantly to maybe 15 or 20 min to complete the chemical reaction. Don't rub it on and get discourage when the scratches don't immediately disappear. Leave it on there a while.
 
That was my original intent, but I have been told that S&W won't do it because they don't have the spare parts for older guns? I guess instead of just believing people I should contact them myself.
I've never heard S&W won't refinish guns because of parts. That would apply to repairs, not a refinish.
 
I just saw this thread, and I must admit I am decidedly on the fence. Normally, I do not believe in refinishing. However, the OP stated that the condition of the Smith was not pleasing to him. I understand that sentiment. If the gun is not pleasing to the owner, it is not worth having. S&W will balk on refinishing some of the older S&W revolvers. I have spoken to several that have experienced this. S&W does not want to take on the responsibility of taking apart a revolver and "possibly" damaging a part that they do not have in stock. So, they have refused to do some older revolvers. I don't know about semi auto pistols. I have seen the work that Fords does, their work is great, turnaround time is not quick by any means, but they do excellent work. S&W does a great job on refinishing as well. I have not had anything done by them, but I have seen their work.
Here is a link with a phone number. I would call them, see what they will or will not do, and ask about turnaround time. The good news is that it will cost nothing to ask.
Good luck on your decision.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...4_750001_750051_775657_-1_757896_757896_image
 
This is the answer from Ford's: "...the SW 39-2 was originally deluxe blue with a matte anodized frame (because the frame is aluminum). That estimate is $275. If any lettering needs to be redone, it is $1.65 per character. Logos are $50..." Does not include shipping/insurance charges both ways.

I also have an email out to S&W. I will wait on their answer before making any kind of decision.
 
Mine looked worse. I detail stripped bead blasted and airbrushed KG gunkote and baked.
Cerikote, KG, duracoat, krylon... its all paint and nothing is permanent. regardless of what the marketing department tells you. 1 year or 20 years from now, if values change or your tastes change, you can always bead blast again and blue/anodize.
 

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Mine looked worse. I detail stripped bead blasted and airbrushed KG gunkote and baked.
Cerikote, KG, duracoat, krylon... its all paint and nothing is permanent. regardless of what the marketing department tells you. 1 year or 20 years from now, if values change or your tastes change, you can always bead blast again and blue/anodize.
That looks sharp
 
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