Old S&W 49 j-frame ... questions
Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2010 12:15 pm
So I finally picked up the steel S&W J-frame I alluded to in this thread http://www.texaschlforum.com/viewtopic. ... sh#p368132" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
But now I have a bit of dilema with my choice for how to refinish this gun. I don't have photos of the gun, but will try to add some later. But I have done some research based on serial #340xxx and the tell-tale signs that it has a pinned barrel and flat-latch cylinder release, and it seems this Model 49 (no dash) was produce around 1963 - give or take a year or two.
So the pinned barrel, flat latch, and no dash leave me wondering if this gun either is now or could soon become a bit of a collectors' item? This could change what I plan to do with this gun and how I would refinish it. From reading in other forums, as a collectable the original finish is always prefered. However, this finish is too far gone IMHO to be collectable. So the next best thing to original finish is a Smith & Wesson factory reblue (about $190 - $230 depending on type of finish). But if this gun has marginal collectable value and will just be a carry gun, then I'd more likely go with modern corrosion-resistant finish from robar.com, coalcreekarmory.com or others.
Obviously this gun was used, carried, and likely served it's purpose well. I put 50 rounds through it and really like the way it shoots, one of the better J-frame trigger pulls I've felt. The finish is serviceable for a short time as a beat-up old carry gun, but at some point definitely will need a refinish. And likely it's better to do that now than later (regardless of whether this is a collectable or a carry gun) because there is evidence of old rust and mild pitting in some areas and continued carry - especially in a pocket holster during a Texas summer - is sure to add to this problem.
So, realizing this is a CHL forum and not a S&W collectors forum, what would y'all do? I could pose this question in other forums, but this is the only gun forum which I am currently a member.
Any suggestions/opinions appreciated. Experience and/or references to expert opinion greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
PS: For those interested in such things, I ended up trading about $300 in true value for this gun (a shotgun for which I paid $170, 2 boxes of non-USA WWB .380 for which I paid $20 each, and $100 cash).
But now I have a bit of dilema with my choice for how to refinish this gun. I don't have photos of the gun, but will try to add some later. But I have done some research based on serial #340xxx and the tell-tale signs that it has a pinned barrel and flat-latch cylinder release, and it seems this Model 49 (no dash) was produce around 1963 - give or take a year or two.
So the pinned barrel, flat latch, and no dash leave me wondering if this gun either is now or could soon become a bit of a collectors' item? This could change what I plan to do with this gun and how I would refinish it. From reading in other forums, as a collectable the original finish is always prefered. However, this finish is too far gone IMHO to be collectable. So the next best thing to original finish is a Smith & Wesson factory reblue (about $190 - $230 depending on type of finish). But if this gun has marginal collectable value and will just be a carry gun, then I'd more likely go with modern corrosion-resistant finish from robar.com, coalcreekarmory.com or others.
Obviously this gun was used, carried, and likely served it's purpose well. I put 50 rounds through it and really like the way it shoots, one of the better J-frame trigger pulls I've felt. The finish is serviceable for a short time as a beat-up old carry gun, but at some point definitely will need a refinish. And likely it's better to do that now than later (regardless of whether this is a collectable or a carry gun) because there is evidence of old rust and mild pitting in some areas and continued carry - especially in a pocket holster during a Texas summer - is sure to add to this problem.
So, realizing this is a CHL forum and not a S&W collectors forum, what would y'all do? I could pose this question in other forums, but this is the only gun forum which I am currently a member.
Any suggestions/opinions appreciated. Experience and/or references to expert opinion greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
PS: For those interested in such things, I ended up trading about $300 in true value for this gun (a shotgun for which I paid $170, 2 boxes of non-USA WWB .380 for which I paid $20 each, and $100 cash).