I just picked up a Smith & Wesson Model 13. Mechanically it's in good shape, but the finish has seen better days. There's no real pitting; the gun feels smooth to the touch. It's mostly just discoloration of the blueing. I plan to send it to the S&W Performance Center to have it refinished and to have the cylinder holes chamfered. Just wondering if you guys think I should go with the polished blue or the bead-blasted matte finish. I'm leaning towards the matte blue, as it seems more practical (and is less expensive). Also, do you guys think I should I have the cylinder release replaced with the modern version or keep it original?
Nice gun. If I was going to refinish... polished blue for me. I just think revolvers look nice in polished blue... though neither of my revolvers has such a finish!
No opinion on the cylinder release, as I don't know what the difference would be.
I think it was 1982 that Florida started to allow carry "in a vehicle securely encased."
I only owned a few guns back then. I bought a S&W Model 65 to put in the glove box of the truck. I wanted a gun with no sentimental value in case something happened to it. It looks just like yours except it is stainless steel. I have had it so long now that it has sentimental value.
Unless you are going to use it as a Texas BBQ gun, I would leave it just like it is.
What’s the cost for Smith to refinish it?
If I was going to have it done in a matte finish I’d send it somewhere and have Ion Bonded. Finish is impervious and lasts forever.
Nice find and I'm with Rick McC leave the cylinder release and finish as is. If you really want it refinished, then I'm with racer on the polished blue, but that's just me. :dunno
Whatever you do, please post picts of the end result for us to ogle over if you refinish it! opcorn
My old 27-2 shows a lot more bluing wear than yours, but it is a great shooter. I've given thought to making it pretty again, but have ended up leaving it like it is, but that is at least partly (or maybe mostly) because I'm so cheap. I won't vote, so if it makes you happy to refinish, just do it. But, if you do have that done I agree that some "after" pictures would be nice.
Nice Find!!! If you lean toward refinishing, I'd go with the polished blue. But I'd definitely leave the cylinder release and all other parts, as original.
I have one in worse shape than yours a picture is on my page , unless your never going to sell it don't do it you loose value. Polished blue would be best if you go there.
I would do it in master bluing. I had a 1911 done and an employee at Gators Guns decades ago now collected smith 44cal revolvers and many were blued....they were beautiful. I had a model 10 that I sold to a friend.....it was a low round count pistol. Wish I still had it. I would definitely send it out to be blued with new grips......the 10 I have today has too many rounds through it
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