I have a p&r model 19 with minor holster wear near the muzzle. I was kicking around the idea of sending it to be refinished. Can anyone recommend a place that does high quality work and that can match that old school deep blue smith finish?

Minor wear at the muzzle is acceptable and will hurt the value of your 19 far less than having it re-blued.

You don't think anyone could do it and make it look like factory bluing?

i dont think anyone could do bluing like smith did years ago, i'd really suggest just leaving it alone a little wear add character

I definitely leaning that way unless I could find someone that could match the finish

I think I would send it to SW .. But there might be some local's .. Re-Blued or Nickel would be nice !!

 

 

Brian

I heard the bluing on the new classics line are a different color. True?

You don't think anyone could do it and make it look like factory bluing?

Yes, there are people who do an excellent re-blue, but few, if any, can do an undetectable re- blue. Once the gun has been re-blued it opens the door to speculation as to why it was re-blued. It's like a coat of new paint on a used car.

yes classic line doesnt look nearly as nice as the old bluing, its not as deep and rich looking

Smith uses a different process now than it did years ago. More environmentally friendly. That is why Smith now warns against using ammoniated cleaners like Hoppes #9.

Ok, I won't get it reblued, what's your thoughts on nickel plating?

Ok, I won't get it reblued, what's your thoughts on nickel plating?

 

Same thing. Even if it was originally nickel-plated from the factory all you are doing is ruining it's value. Going from blue to nickel, even more so.

Basically, unless the finish is completely trashed, any type of re-coating whether blue or nickel or dura/cera/whateva-coat severely compromises the value of the gun.

I have a model 19 that I bought new 36 years ago. I never saw a better, deeper blue! It's still 100% today but even if it had a little wear, I would never touch it!!!

Ok, I'm convinced. It's staying original. I'll post some pics in the next few days.

Gota love an m19, it was my first handgun. I got my grandfather's 1956 m19. It has some holster wear but I would not do a thing to it. Damn thing has caused me to get a S&W addiction. Now I have several S&W handguns lol

19 sure is sweet!!

image.jpegimage.jpeg

Hey! That looks like mine! We both belong to the same range as well! Small world!!! 

Given the info imparted in this thread and the pictures (assuming those are the original stocks) that would be a Model 19-4 from about 1981. Glad you decided not to molest it. I have one of those too.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

Want. One. Bad.

You are correct mr. Pizza, it's a 19-4 and as far as I know they are the original grips.