BACKGROUND: The gun is a replacement for a stolen 4" S&W 25-5 in '90. The 4" version were scarce (none in my area). The Gun List (remember them) had a listing by a gun shop in Florida. This before the days of sending & receiving photos (by me anyway), so I phoned the shop & they seemed honest (and they were). I bought it for $450.00.The gun is not a 4" 25-5, but very close & in many ways better. It started out life as a 25-2 & some very talented gunsmith (ID unknown.....suspected to be Magna-port) installed a S&W 4" 1955 magna-ported bbl. & fitted an extra .45 Colt cylinder. I "breathed" on the action, converted it to a RB grip (I think I heard some of you cringe) & recontoured the target trigger. It's very accurate with both cylinders.
PROBLEM: The 1955 bbl. has a very dark red insert (I assume this is not factory). The blast from the Magna-port quickly eliminates any red color showing after a few shots. As a short term solution as I write this: a base coat of Testors white is drying. I have florescent orange or chartreuse for the final color. I lean toward the chartreuse, but figure the orange will withstand the darkening effect of the MP blast best.
Any suggestions for a long term solution & if so recommendations for a pistol-smith or pistol-smiths that can do the deed.
Any input is appreciated.
Henry