Of Course Colt and Fords will be two names that will surface. Colt...There is a pretty good chance we will all be gone before you get it back. Fords...You will be unhappy with the net result and there is a possibility at least 1/2 of us will be gone. Hope some of the experienced Folks here stear you in a Great Direction.
Refinishing a Python..
Oh wizards of revolvers, I need your help! I bought a 2.5" nickel Python that isn't pitted, but has extensive wear. I want to have the piece refinished, but don't want to die before I get it back! All recommendations of respectable, reliable folks that will put a new shine on that revolver in a reasonable time would be appreciated.
1 - 9 of 9 Posts
I was faced with the same question. I picked up a blued 2 1/2 inch Python for very little money, but the finish was very poor. I was introduced to a gunsmith here in NJ by a good friend who owns a gun store .The smith had my gun for about three weeks, and did an outstanding job. The price was also very good. I was fortunate to find a local smith that really new what he was doing. I would inquire with some of your local gun stores. Ask if they use anyone they would recommend. I saw work for my smith before I agreed to letting him work on my gun. Good luck.
Marc, you make me laugh out loud! And Bladerunner, I need to help you a bit here....there are NO local gun stores. Heck, I have to go 15 miles for food! If the guy who did your piece does nickel, do you think he would do mine?
Hey, I really like the refinish job, and appreciate your help! Look forward to hearing from you. Again, what a great bunch of helpful people.
I had Fords renickel a Python for me about 2 years ago. Since all they have to do is "unnickel" the old finish and renickel with new finish there is no hand polishing that is needed. It came back looking like it just left the Colt factory! I was really happy with the job they did. The down side was it took them about 9 months and I am hearing it takes longer now. That's the trouble when you do such good work.
I also had taken the gun completely apart so all I sent them was pieces. Maybe that would shorten the time line for you.
Anyway, good luck.
Mike
I also had taken the gun completely apart so all I sent them was pieces. Maybe that would shorten the time line for you.
Anyway, good luck.
Mike
The only place that can guarantee a finish that will duplicate the original Colt finish is Colt. Others can do a great job, but sometimes the look isn't an exact duplicate of the factory work.
Best option is to have Colt do it, which also reduces the amount of loss you usually get from refinishing a gun. A genuine factory finish always holds it value better.
Understand that 98% of a good blue job is in the hand polishing done before the metal is blued. A gun may come back from other re-finishers with a bright, shiny finish, but with the metal buffed to the point of ruining it. Always look UNDER a refinish for rounded off edges, dished out holes, ripples in the flats and down the barrel, and degraded stamps.
Colt and a few others can restore stamps that are faded.
Nothing looks worse then a gun polished by a ham-handed polisher.
If not Colt, good sources of a Python level finishes are, (in no particular order):
Ford's Custom Gun Refinishing - Ford's Desert Eagle Sights
Glenrock Blue
Turnbull Mfg. Co. for firearm restoration of antique guns - antique revolvers, antique pistols - including 1886 Winchester rifles, Marlin rifles, Parker shotguns, Colt revolvers, and more
These are the only places I can recommend who can actually duplicate a Colt factory level quality of re-finish. Note the above about over-buffed metal under a bright shine.
Best option is to have Colt do it, which also reduces the amount of loss you usually get from refinishing a gun. A genuine factory finish always holds it value better.
Understand that 98% of a good blue job is in the hand polishing done before the metal is blued. A gun may come back from other re-finishers with a bright, shiny finish, but with the metal buffed to the point of ruining it. Always look UNDER a refinish for rounded off edges, dished out holes, ripples in the flats and down the barrel, and degraded stamps.
Colt and a few others can restore stamps that are faded.
Nothing looks worse then a gun polished by a ham-handed polisher.
If not Colt, good sources of a Python level finishes are, (in no particular order):
Ford's Custom Gun Refinishing - Ford's Desert Eagle Sights
Glenrock Blue
Turnbull Mfg. Co. for firearm restoration of antique guns - antique revolvers, antique pistols - including 1886 Winchester rifles, Marlin rifles, Parker shotguns, Colt revolvers, and more
These are the only places I can recommend who can actually duplicate a Colt factory level quality of re-finish. Note the above about over-buffed metal under a bright shine.
1 - 9 of 9 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Colt Forum
A forum community dedicated to Colt firearm owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, gunsmithing, troubleshooting, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Recommended Communities
