It's just too expensive...
Couple years ago I bagged a 5" Colt Army Special in 38 Special that dates to 1924. Butt is stamped St. Louis P.D. I gave $275 for it which was probably a little high given the condition. But I am a sucker for 5" DA revolvers and old guns with police markings.
The gun is utterly devoid of finish. Pretty much bare metal. No corrosion, or damage to the metal, but zero bluing remains. I was thinking about having it reblued but a quick look indicates that with shipping it would be over $400 to have it done. Means I'd have nearly $700 invested with the purchase price. I don't think a refinished Army Special 38 is worth seven bills.
Maybe a local smith who does bluing could do it cheaper and I save the shipping cost, but there doesn't appear to be any such services available locally. I could do a home cold blue job on it. I did this on a cheap 22 rifle I refurbished years ago and it didn't turn out half bad. I know it wouldn't be anywhere near as pretty as a pro job but it would be at almost no cost.
I am sort of stuck on this one. Starting to think I should have passed on it.
The gun is utterly devoid of finish. Pretty much bare metal. No corrosion, or damage to the metal, but zero bluing remains. I was thinking about having it reblued but a quick look indicates that with shipping it would be over $400 to have it done. Means I'd have nearly $700 invested with the purchase price. I don't think a refinished Army Special 38 is worth seven bills.
Maybe a local smith who does bluing could do it cheaper and I save the shipping cost, but there doesn't appear to be any such services available locally. I could do a home cold blue job on it. I did this on a cheap 22 rifle I refurbished years ago and it didn't turn out half bad. I know it wouldn't be anywhere near as pretty as a pro job but it would be at almost no cost.
I am sort of stuck on this one. Starting to think I should have passed on it.
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Why not give this a try:
https://www.reddit.com/r/guns/comments/2bgcvd/diy_home_reblue_stepbystep_nitre_blue_in_your/0 -
I'd leave it as is. And enjoy and appreciate it as is.
It has character and has obviously had a good working life.
I can admire and appreciate properly restored firearms, but they are not all for me.
Not all old guns need to be in show room new condition!
But, that's just my opinion.0 -
I look at that revolver and try to imagine where it has been over the years and what type of situations it has been in.
That P.D. history ads value for sure.
Looks like good honest wear that tells a story and it is a piece of history.
It only gets that way one time and that is where the value is.0 -
A home blue, no matter how good, will almost certainly make it worth even less.
BTW, "cold" blue is misleading. You can achieve a very even and deep blue-black if you apply the solution to almost hot metal. Clean and degrease, warm with a torch or heat gun, and then apply the solution. The metal should be "Arizona steering wheel" hot, but way below color. Allow to cool, degrease again, and repeat. It will look blotchy and ugly until you wipe it with oil, and then it will pop to blue-black.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Rocky Raab
A home blue, no matter how good, will almost certainly make it worth even less.
BTW, "cold" blue is misleading. You can achieve a very even and deep blue-black if you apply the solution to almost hot metal. Clean and degrease, warm with a torch or heat gun, and then apply the solution. The metal should be "Arizona steering wheel" hot, but way below color. Allow to cool, degrease again, and repeat. It will look blotchy and ugly until you wipe it with oil, and then it will pop to blue-black.
If you do this, you'll have to strip everything out of it. The heat will damage your springs
That said, why don't you try to cerakote it. That should only cost you about $150 professionally done if you strip the frame yourself, and cerakote is the most resilient coating that resist rust, scratches and abrasions better than anything out there0 -
No, rem. It should never get that hot. Never more than " a bit too hot to hold" or perhaps 150? or so. 0 -
Leave it alone. Like it or sell it. There is no reason to re-blue unless you plan to carry it. Even a re-blue by the best will make it worth less than you have in it. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by He Dog
Leave it alone. Like it or sell it. There is no reason to re-blue unless you plan to carry it. Even a re-blue by the best will make it worth less than you have in it.
+10 -
How about Dicropan and the hot-water process? I've used it to good effect, but it has been a while. 0 -
I'm afraid the bare metal will start to corrode with time. I really think it needs something.
I would throw it in the lake before putting Cerakote on it.
Still thinking about it.0 -
I store guns like that in VCI bags 0 -
quote:Originally posted by big mango
Doc :
Before you do anything, I'd consult with a pro about what to do !!!
Guy is the coltautos.com owner and I have dealt with him before.
Email to --- slisker@coltautos.com His name is Sam Lisker
but if you would prefer to contact him by phone, the number is 703.281.6628.
He"ll surely know what's best to do. He does a fair amount of Police guns stuff.
Good Luck !!!!!0 -
As I understand it, cold bluing just colors the metal. It does not form a thin coating on the metal as hot bluing does and would not provide a rust protection. 0 -
Sharpie it [:D]. Or that Dichem stuff. 0 -
You're pretty capable Doc. Do all of the metal prep and then contact Glenrock Blue and ask what they would charge just to degrease and tank it. That's how I've handled all of the bluing I've had done. 0 -
maybe these guys would have a finish you would like
http://www.ccrrefinishing.com/0 -
quote:Originally posted by Ridefar
I look at that revolver and try to imagine where it has been over the years and what type of situations it has been in.
That P.D. history ads value for sure.
Looks like good honest wear that tells a story and it is a piece of history.
It only gets that way one time and that is where the value is.
^^^^^^^ This! A gun is only original once. I'd love to have a StL PolIce marked gun just like that. Think of the stories it could tell, all reflected in that worn finish. From the days when a cop considered six in the gun and two 6-round dump pouches all the fire power he'd ever need.0 -
quote:Originally posted by oldWinchesterfan
quote:Originally posted by Ridefar
I look at that revolver and try to imagine where it has been over the years and what type of situations it has been in.
That P.D. history ads value for sure.
Looks like good honest wear that tells a story and it is a piece of history.
It only gets that way one time and that is where the value is.
^^^^^^^ This! A gun is only original once. I'd love to have a StL PolIce marked gun just like that. Think of the stories it could tell, all reflected in that worn finish. From the days when a cop considered six in the gun and two 6-round dump pouches all the fire power he'd ever need.
101% agree. I have Grandads Colt hammerless. His NPD motor officer back up weapon.
To refinish would be unthinkable.0
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