handgun refinish

[jacob]

I have a Model 58 revolver that belonged to my dad that was passed down to me about 2 years ago.  It has some pitting in the finish and I would like to have gun recoated, but would like to get something more like a melonite type finish instead of chromed or blued.  Does anyone have experience with refinishing revolvers and could point me in the direction of a good place that wouldn't rape me to do the job?  Any help you guys can give is ALWAYS appreciated.  Thanks in advance...

[Garufa]

Are you referring to a Smith & Wesson model 58?  If so, how bad is it?  

 

Those are not exactly common and do have some value. 

[jacob]

hang, i will post some photos...my dad had it converted to 45LC....gimme a few...

[jacob]

here are some photos...

 

 

[TrickyNicky]

Man that looks so cool. I wouldn't even refinish it unless you plan on making it an EDC. Otherwise I'd just keep it clean and oiled while it sits in the safe and awaits range day.

[Romad7]

I've never seen a 45 Magnum, that sounds pretty cool.

That one has some character, I like it the way it is but that's just one man's useless comment:-) Edited April 7, 2013 by Romad7

[Garufa]

I was gonna say something smart but looking at the pic it does appear to say 45 Magnum.  What's up with that?

[Romad7]

I was gonna say something smart but looking at the pic it does appear to say 45 Magnum.  What's up with that?

I can't find anything on a 45 Mag on a quick Google search. Maybe part of the conversion? I saw something on a rimless 45 Mag but that's for autos.

[Dolomite_supafly]

Wow, you might have a very rare piece. I would not do anything more than wipe it down with some oil until you figure out what it is.

 

I have seen people take a $5K gun and turn it into a $500 gun by trying to "restore" it. I would not touch that gun with anything other than a soft cotton cloth.

Edited April 7, 2013 by Dolomite_supafly

[Dolomite_supafly]

I would contact S&W with teh serial number and see what they say. Isuspect it is a very rare bird if it is a factory gun.

[Patton]

I wouldn't refinish it. It is too big and heavy to be a good carry gun. There weren't many of those and suspect most were converted to 45LC.

[DMark]

Contact S&W customer service and they will give you the date of production.

 

1-800-331-0852

Mon-Fri 8:00AM-8:00PM Eastern Time

Don't think there such a thing as a 45 Mag.  But, there is alot of room in the barrel rollmark to turn 41 into 45 as seen here in this pic of my Model 58.

 

 

The Model 58 conversion to 45 Colt was popular several years back, but now far less so since the Model 58 has become one of the "Grail" guns among S&W aficionados. Unless somebody like Hamilton S. Bowen did the work, the collector value has already been diminished.

 

But diminished only in the eyes of those S&W collectors that want things untouched.

 

The OP's Model 58 is now what I would call a "Dang..., That is of Cool" sort of deal.  The conversion to 45 Colt has already freed it from the Tyrant of collectability.

 

Re-Finish it as you wish.  Its not going to be worth any more or any less than it is now worth to you - - - Your Dad's Model 58.

 

But...., if it was mine.  

 

Back to S&W for a re-build along with their custom action job package. Then a finish in S&W's melonite finish along with a custom set of Craig Spegel custom grips in Macassar Ebony with darken S&W medallions. The only color on the gun would be a thin gold line running up the front sight ramp and new case hardening of the hammer & trigger by Doug Turnbull. 

 

Total Heart-Of-Darkness itself.  :devil:

 

   

 

  

 

[Patton]

s&W 57 and 58's were 41 magnums. I don't think any S&W ever came in 45s&W mag, kind of pointless in a revolver anyway. .41 mag has more pressure than a 44 mag but is scarce. Edited April 8, 2013 by Patton

[Dolomite_supafly]

Maybe a moon clipped 45 Winchester Magnum? If that was the case you should be able to shoot moon clipped 45 ACP as well. And maybe even 45 LC.

 

It is definitely worth investigating before having it coated or altered.

 

And if you decide you might consider selling it let me know. I find it an interesting piece and I can guarantee I would shoot it.

[DMark]

s&W 27 and 28's were 41 magnums. I don't think any S&W ever came in 45s&W mag, kind of pointless in a revolver anyway. .41 mag has more pressure than a 44 mag but is scarce.

 

27 & 28 were .357 Mag.

 

57 & 58 were .41 Mag.

[Dolomite_supafly]

Unless it was a custom built gun long before the custom shop came into existance.

[Patton]

27 & 28 were .357 Mag.

57 & 58 were .41 Mag.

your right, that is what I meant to type.

[jacob]

Contact S&W customer service and they will give you the date of production.

 

1-800-331-0852

Mon-Fri 8:00AM-8:00PM Eastern Time

Don't think there such a thing as a 45 Mag.  But, there is alot of room in the barrel rollmark to turn 41 into 45 as seen here in this pic of my Model 58.

 

 

The Model 58 conversion to 45 Colt was popular several years back, but now far less so since the Model 58 has become one of the "Grail" guns among S&W aficionados. Unless somebody like Hamilton S. Bowen did the work, the collector value has already been diminished.

 

 

You hit the nail on the head.  My dad told me several years before he passed that he had the gun converted for 45LC from 41mag.  The gun didn't come from the factory as it is now, so I'm guessing from some of the comments that any "collectiblity" is dimished aside from the fact that it was my dad's revolver.  I guess I am from the "new school" and desired a more wear resistant finish to preserve the gun under use.  I am not one to just let things sit in the safe and oil occasionally except for my hunting rifle....

[DMark]

...... desired a more wear resistant finish to preserve the gun under use.  I am not one to just let things sit in the safe and oil occasionally....

 

Agree!  :up:

 

I have long been puzzled my folks who buy a standard production firearm and then won't fire them.  They keep the poor thing in the box in some sort of forlorn hope to cash-in for some unknown amount at some unknown date in an unknown future.

 

Reckon those are the same kind of people who buy living room furniture, then install protective plastic covers, and won't let anybody sit on it except for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  :squint:

 

Your Model 58 would be a perfect "Walk-About" gun.

[Romad7]

You hit the nail on the head. My dad told me several years before he passed that he had the gun converted for 45LC from 41mag. The gun didn't come from the factory as it is now, so I'm guessing from some of the comments that any "collectiblity" is dimished aside from the fact that it was my dad's revolver. I guess I am from the "new school" and desired a more wear resistant finish to preserve the gun under use. I am not one to just let things sit in the safe and oil occasionally except for my hunting rifle....

This song comes to mind, "Paint It Black". Either way its a sweet gun, make it your own and enjoy the memory of your Dad by using it to put big holes in things! That'll be a great heirloom for sure.

Wish I could help with your original question, the pics sure do have us all distracted:-) Edited April 10, 2013 by Romad7

[Garufa]

Since there really is no collectible value left....I would still get it reblued.  Duracoted, Cerakoted or whatever the flavor of the day is just ain't right on a revolver.  It's look better now than it would spray painted.

[Romad7]

Since there really is no collectible value left....I would still get it reblued.  Duracoted, Cerakoted or whatever the flavor of the day is just ain't right on a revolver.  It's look better now than it would spray painted.

I agree a blued revolver is a beautiful thing. From the pics that I have seen, a glossy melonite finish might look good too.

[jacob]

Thanks for y'alls opinions ...glad I could raise some of your eyebrows...