Factory s&w re-nickel?

[murf205]

I found a 4" N frame Smith and Wesson today and it is tight with a perfect barrel and cylinder. It is nickel and the finish could use some attention. Where there was rubber grips, there is very light rough spots. Not deep pits but it would not polish out with Flitz, I don't think. My question is, does anyone know whether S&W still re-nickel revolvers. Their website says $275 for high bright polish and blue/nickel but I don't know if that is still the case or if the EPA has put the process out of reach for them. I would rather trust the mother ship to do this if I buy this gun.

[Winger Ed.]

I'd call and ask. If they still do, you'll need to contact them anyway to get shipping instructions.

[murf205]

I will do that. I have seen some of the refinish work and the guns look great but q lot of the older guys have retired.

[murf205]

I just called S&W this morning and they do not do nickel any more. The customer service guy gave me the phone # of a man in Az they recommend. Not it's decision time!

[LIMPINGJ]

Mind sharing who S&W recommended?

[murf205]

Sure, its Dr Nelson Ford @ 602 992 0050. He has a webpage also called The Gunsmith Inc

[M-Tecs]

Sure, its Dr Nelson Ford @ 602 992 0050. He has a webpage also called The Gunsmith Inc

My guess is that he is not doing the plating himself. Mostly likely he is contracting it out to platers.

[nhithaca]

Looked up his website; not a single thing about nickel plating of S&W revolvers. But he also works on 1911s, and other DA revolvers.

[murf205]

I just called and he doesn't work on Mondays. 11:00 till 6:00 Tuesday -Fri and 11-3 on Saturday. By the look of the pics on Ford's refinishing in Florida, they do some snazzy work also. You only get 1 chance to polish a gun correctly so if I buy this 29-2, I will have to REALLY weigh the need to refinish or not.

[FISH4BUGS]

Remember: a refinished gun is at LEAST 3/4 or less the value of a untouched gun.
Your choice.

[murf205]

Yes and no. 3/4 if it's not done correctly but when the mother ship does it, it doesn't(or didn't ) take as big a hit. Now that they don't do nickel, I would probably leave it just like it is. If a 29-2 is selling for $1500 and a refinish makes it $375, which is 75% less, I will take it and shoot it forever. I agree that a redo will hurt the value but it depends on what gun it is.

[murf205]

Dr Nelson Ford returned my call this morning and he does not, in fact do finish work anymore. He said his plating guy passed away. He recommended Fords Refinishing in Florida. He does do revolver work. ahe said he has been at it since 1980. Great guy to talk with.

[Tokarev]

The original nickel can be removed with a hot solution of ammonium persulfate. Then you are free to apply either blueing or nickel or even copper-chrome. Kits can be bought online or made at home. It costs $200-300 to get started and $20-30 per gun on the on going basis.