My brother's father in law is a retired LEO, has his fathers Colt Cobra in nickel finish that his father carried as a detective. The nickel finish is starting to flake off and he would like to have it refinished. Anyone have any experience with a reputable operation to send this off to?

Wow thats quite the hand cannon

I watched a Python and a Cobra fetch nearly 2k each at an estate auction last month

I hope you can get it back to new shape again

Brandon:
I would consider one of two places. 1st would be Colt, but with their financial situation and, I think, around a 2 year back log on refinishing, I would probably go with Fords. Just type in Fords firearm refinishing on Google and you will find it. If you look at the gallery section they do work that is as close to perfect as one can get. I think they are about 6 or so months backlogged, but that was several months ago when I called. It will probably be close to the $350 mark, but will be worth it.

Are you sure that it is nickle? Sounds like chrome.

quote:

Originally posted by butchlambert:
Are you sure that it is nickle? Sounds like chrome.

I'm not 100% sure. Was that a factory finish from Colt?

I really don't know. I've had nickle stripped and redone. It wasn't very expensive. If it is shiny like a bumper, it is probably chrome.

If it was original factory finish then it was nickel plated. You might contact Colt and request a letter from them. Takes awhile to get it and a bit on the expensive side but would be great to have so you have a history of the gun.

I've short and limited knowledge, but from what I do know peeling or flaking nickel is often a sign of a weapon that was NOT originally nickel plated in factory.

However it is fortunately one of the easiest, if really nickel plated, to both strip and refinish well.