A buddy of mine is looking to have a M29 re-nickeled. S&W wants over $400 to do it.. (the barrel and cylinder are messed up... all other parts are fine)

Anybody know of anyone that does good work and is a bit more reasonable?

thanks!

Yes, I use Craftguard, Waterloo Ia. Electroless Nickel, which is better than the old electro plated type anyway.

How does re-nickling effect engraving

I'd get some quotes and see how they compare with what S & W has quoted. I'd also ask S & W if it's done in house and will the factory letter that it was refinished in house.

De-nickeling shouldn't affect engraving as it is done by reversing the poles around. So the nickel strips off the gun on to the other cathode. At least for old school electric nickelling.

Thanks

Nickel - electrolytic - usually electroplated , first with things like copper then with nickel.
nickel - electroless - Actually nickel with some phosphorous . It can be hardened a bit . It also has a dull grey finish.
If you strip plating it should be polished.
Engraving detail may be affected .

quote:

...anybody know of anyone that does good work and is a bit more reasonable?...

SLIGHTLY off topic, but why do you expect someone to do this level of work and lose money? What is REASONABLE in your world?? Maybe they pay you for the privilege of working on your gun??

Hey Mr. slightly off-topic, the man came on and asked a legitimate question to get information to help a friend. Your attack is out of line. How about taking that crap over to the political forum where you would be right at home!

For what it is worth, I had Smith and Wesson do a 27 for me about 25 years ago, they did a great job, provided factory documentation and it still looks like new today. I think it will provide better resale than an outside vendor, if that is a consideration. The one I had done is an early 60's manufacture and was originally blue, I love Nickel, so it got a change. It shoots so good, I will never sell it.

quote:

Originally posted by lee440:
Hey Mr. slightly off-topic, the man came on and asked a legitimate question to get information to help a friend. Your attack is out of line. How about taking that crap over to the political forum where you would be right at home!

Thanks Lee... he was easily added to the ignore list.

but to respond, after many inquiries, EVERYBODY my buddy contacted is more reasonable than S&W.... Most are around half the cost S&W is asking.. Electrtolytic is what was used by the factory and thats what hes looking to get done.

thanks to all who replied.

http://www.apwcogan.com
Accurate Plating and Weaponry is mentioned often on the 1911 website. They are in Alabama.They do several types of metal coating.

Value wise, considering resale value, I would think strongly about allowing S&W to do the work with a letter it was not farmed out to some other outfit....