[Redcrow]

My new to me Colt Lawman MKIII,

I picked this up in trade a few days ago for a CZ-52, I'm a sucker for wheel guns and since the 7.62x25 ammo dried up in this area, the CZ had to go. I got it home and right away I could smell the pervading odor of "cold blue", it was evident that it had been cold blued poorly at some point and the finish was what you can see in pictures (looks like it may have gotten damp in an uncle mikes holster at some point). Upon dis-assembly I found the internals caked with black sludge, which came off with some good scrubbing. Mechanically this gun is excellent (can I say better trigger than my nicer 1993 S&W 686), but the rough shod finish leaves something to be desired.

I have some questions.

Is the smell of cold blue ever going to go away? It's driving me crazy because the smell won't come off my hands, even after my zealous cleaning a day or two ago. Is there a way to neutralize this smell?
I'm not particular about the rough finish, but I wouldn't mind fixing it up a little. I'd like to have a little project and I'd appreciate some suggestions about which way to go with it.

My options are:
Leave it as is... only if I can remove the smell!
Try my hand at "Rust Blue"? (does anyone have a good tutorial)
Take the gun down to the white and let it gray into a finish (does anyone have a good tutorial)
Can I case blue it?.. (does anyone have a good tutorial)
Other suggestions...

While we contemplate the fate of this gun, I figured i'd share some photos...



















Enjoy!

 

[Redcrow]

Right now this one is slated for my Bug Out Bag, but it would make a nice car tote.

WB, I saw that one, it's nickle, but priced well. I'd like to avoid any gunsmithing fees on this one, can I install a 2 inch barrel myself without much trouble?

Aircraftman, I'd love that option but the wife says that this one is a WECSOG (Wile E. Coyote School of Gunsmithing) project only...

 

[Redcrow]

LKN, Sir, its good to hear from you, I've not got a lot of experience with stocks for these pieces, but I am in the market for a nice honest worn set of service grips (I've got small hands). I'm no gunsmith but the mechanicals seem excellent, lock-up and timing is top notch.

d.a.r.y.l, thanks for the insight. I can run a lathe and milling machine, but I lack that equipment and tooling... and I think my wife might 'splode on me should I suggest I get one for this project... so I reckon this one is gonna stay a 4 inch...

The smell is starting to make me pukey, (it's sitting here on the desk as I type) and I figured if I did a dis-assembly and solvent wash, I might look at finish options while I was at that stage.

 

[Redcrow]

I've dropped it into some solvent for the night (some brush cleaner), Ill pull it out and re-oil it in the morning.