Chrome a Blued revolver

**D10** · October 24th, 2011, 01:18 AM

Just bought a blued 38sp. and looking to find out if chroming is possible and if so..........who can do this and would it cost me a small fortune?

All help appreciated.

**knight0334** · October 24th, 2011, 10:49 AM

Its possible. The old bluing will likely have to be stripped off though, and the gun will have to be disassembled completely.

I don't know how much it'd cost, but I wouldn't be afraid to guess it'd be in the $200 range if they have to disassemble/reassemble the gun.

To chrome steel I think they have to acid bath it, then nickel plate it first so the chrome has something to cling to.

Call around to some bumper plating places to see if they have a FFL to allow them to plate guns.

**swack** · October 24th, 2011, 12:07 PM

Are you talking about chrome like on a motorcycle or hardchrome? The 2 are very different. Chrome is shiny and "blingy" but does not hold up to wear very well at all.

Hardchrome on the other hand is of of the most durable finishes available and while it can be made to look shiny, it is generally done in a matte finish that looks similar to stainless steel, but far more durable and corrosion resistant.

If you're looking for Hardchrome, mahovsky's metalife in nw pa does a solid job and is very reasonable. $150 for a revolver. I have a Dan Wesson 44 mag and a Xdm that were both done by him and I have no complaints. I can post a few pics if you like.

**normanvin** · October 24th, 2011, 01:52 PM

I think the addition of the chrome may mess with the tolerance fit of the gun.

**cdi** · October 24th, 2011, 06:55 PM

The addition of hard chrome will not interfere with the tolerances.
I have used Mahovski's shop for my customers several times and always had satisfactory results.
The problem is getting in touch with them, they seldom answer the phone.

**Bigrepp61** · October 25th, 2011, 12:13 PM

Originally Posted by cdi

The addition of hard chrome will not interfere with the tolerances.
I have used Mahovski's shop for my customers several times and always had satisfactory results.
The problem is getting in touch with them, they seldom answer the phone.

thats great customer service!! haha i was actually thinking about getting mine nickle plated

**1911 GUY** · November 2nd, 2011, 08:00 PM

Originally Posted by normanvin

I think the addition of the chrome may mess with the tolerance fit of the gun.

I would think the same thing.I know on the 1911 the tolerances are very tight and didnt think this was possible.

**gunfixer199** · November 10th, 2011, 11:01 AM

I suggest Nickle more durable // what type of .38. is the front sight removable
Does it a rear sight and is removable. I have done a couple of frames .45 .9MM and one .38 they came out very nice
Go to my web site www.buchanangunsmithing.com and look at Customized Work .

Bill Buchanan
Buchanan Gunsmithing