Colt 2nd Generation blue

[hwjhfs]

Without going into details I put some serious scratches on my cylinder in my 1957 production SAA. I really do not like refinishing guns but I feel bad about scarring this cylinder and am considering getting it refinished. I am a stickler and do not want soft corners and pulled flutes. I want nice crisp edges just like it is now and the polishing would have to be like the 2nds were done to get the proper shade of blue. I have personally viewed Turnbulls SAA restorations and frankly they are over polished and too shiny for me; plus I can't afford him. Can anyone recommend a 'smith like I want? Dave Lanara has a long back log so I didn't approach him. I understand that Colt will not refinish 2nd Gens but may ask them about just doing the cylinder. Thanks.

[John Fugate]

I understand you feel bad about the scratches, but can you really live with refinishing ? I can see you are a die hard stickler just as I am. I personally could live with the scratches over a refinish. I dont think you would ever be satisfied with it refinished after describing the detail you wish to achieve. In the famous words of Paul McCartney " Let it be "

[rhmc24]

At risk of being excommunicated, I suggest cold blue. If the scratches are only surface affecting just the blue, a re-blue of the scratches can blend in and may hardly be visible. You would know but it won't be obvious. The eye sorts for exception and the exception will be less with two blues than with blue and raw steel. I have done this several times with good result on scratches and ridge wear.

[John Fugate]

At risk of being excommunicated, I suggest cold blue. If the scratches are only surface affecting just the blue, a re-blue of the scratches can blend in and may hardly be visible. You would know but it won't be obvious. The eye sorts for exception and the exception will be less with two blues than with blue and raw steel. I have done this several times with good result on scratches and ridge wear.

The original poster does not find Doug Turnbulls work to be acceptable for his liking, what makes you think a Casey-Birchwood cold blue touch-up job in the garage is goin to suffice ?

John

[rhmc24]

A suggestion is not a statement that I think he would go for it. OTOH it could look better till he decides.


PS I figured someone would offer a how-to or how-not-to tutorial. For scratches I apply the blue with a frayed toothpick.

[dant]

Please do NOT try and cold blue, as it may 'distort' and affect the surrounding area of the rest of the blue,,,,,very detrimentle, and at best, you'll make it worse...keep it oiled
cold blue works good on edges of SOME finishes,but NOT Colts or old 'Smith', use on the newer stuff, like Dulite,etc, which is more black, than blue....always try in an "out of the way place" to see what the reaction maybe,NOT out in the middle of a barrel ,cylinder or sideplate.
Yes, Dave would do a very good job, and I would contact the factory and ask them, as to only the cylinder,we've seen many of them
match up" pretty good on 2nd gens...............

[hwjhfs]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I will probably 'leave it be'. A tip that I had heard before but failed to use was read again on Dave Lanara's website. He suggests carrying a piece of heavy bond paper cut the same width as the cylinder and to thread the paper aroind the cylinder brefore removing the cylinder. It allows you to pinch the paper tight around the cylinder and also prevents scratches when removing and installing it in the frame. I do hope to remember this now and use the idea in the future. Thaniks again.