How to remove parkerized finish
I recently picked up a S&W 1917 revolver (part of the 1937 Brazilian contract).
The guns has what appears to be a parkerized finish that is thinning in spots. It's hard to tell for sure but the markings on the side plates (including the Brazilian crest), the frame and the barrel appear to be intact.
Is there a way to remove the parkerizing without damaging the stampings underneath? I'd like to do this and refinish the revolver.
If not what would be my best option for applying a black or blue finish over the parkerizing to protect the worn spots and provide a long term durable finish?
BTW - the action is fairly smooth in D.A. mode and it shoots a good group so it will see use, I'm not looking to create a safe queen. [:)]
The guns has what appears to be a parkerized finish that is thinning in spots. It's hard to tell for sure but the markings on the side plates (including the Brazilian crest), the frame and the barrel appear to be intact.
Is there a way to remove the parkerizing without damaging the stampings underneath? I'd like to do this and refinish the revolver.
If not what would be my best option for applying a black or blue finish over the parkerizing to protect the worn spots and provide a long term durable finish?
BTW - the action is fairly smooth in D.A. mode and it shoots a good group so it will see use, I'm not looking to create a safe queen. [:)]
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You might consider vapor blasting with plastic beads. It should take off the Parkerizing, and leave a mat finish. That you can blue, paint etc. Without affecting the original S & W markings. 0 -
Thank you, I'm not familiar with this process. Can you recommend some people who routinely perform this process and do a good job? 0 -
For a item that old. Consider that and possibly just a light rub off with brass wool and treat with a cold finish dip.
Black Magic or similar.0 -
Usually people bead-blast to remove Parkerizing, but I think you would have to be careful not to go too far or you'll take off the markings underneath.
There are certain chemicals that will take this off. "Evaporust" supposedly works for this.0 -
The Parked finish is original. Just get some phosporic acid and re-Parkerize it.
So simple even a caveman could do it.0 -
I'd just find somebody that can repark it [;)] 0 -
Disassemble it, vapor degrease the parts. Then just blue it.. It'll be matt finish, but will be blue /black color...I did it to several hunting rifles.. They don't rust..
JIM...............0 -
quote:Originally posted by JIM STARK
Disassemble it, vapor degrease the parts. Then just blue it.. It'll be matt finish, but will be blue /black color...I did it to several hunting rifles.. They don't rust..
JIM...............
+1
About 45 years ago, when surplus GI 1911's were selling for dirt, I had a Remington Rand that had the usual Parkerized finish but which was beginning to show white on the high spots. After a good cleaning and degreasing, I dipped it, and the gun came out a beautiful, almost-black, matt finish. The blueing took well over the Parkerizing, but I don't know what kind of phosphate it was, if that may make a difference. I wouldn't do the same thing to the same gun today, of course, decent GI 1911's now being worth more than most B25's. But it shouldn't affect the value of a '37 Brazilian, as long as the gun is not ground out.0 -
(Disassemble it, vapor degrease the parts. Then just blue it.. It'll be matt finish, but will be blue /black color.)
+2 did this several times. If the finish is uneven, you can have it glass beaded with a very fine grit. Cover any surfaces you don't want done with 2 layers of electrical tape.
(The Parked finish is original. Just get some phosporic acid and re-Parkerize it. So simple even a caveman could do it.)
+1 If I remember, it was available from Palmetto Ind, in the Carolinas or even Brownells. Do it right on the kitchen stove or a Coleman in the yard if your married. The finish should even out.0 -
You say you do not want a "safe queen," yet want to refinish the revolver to look better. You already have a "shooter" that is not a safe queen. Just "shoot" it as is.
If you are worried about the bare spots rusting (they won't if the gun is properly wiped down periodically with ordinary gun), just treat the gun with Eezox, the absolute best product to keep bare steel from rusting, and forget it.0 -
I'd leave it alone. Refinishing always hurts the values of Smith & Wesson revolvers and old firearms.
Past auctions of 1917 Brazilian S&W's:
http://www.GunBroker.com/All/Completed/BCI.aspx?Keywords=Brazil*+1917*&Timeframe=1&Sort=9
Here's one that was bid up to $651.
http://www.GunBroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=384644506
$504.99
http://www.GunBroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=3850237310
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