Refinish or leave it?

[das]

I have an old S&W .38 Special I bought from a detective 24 years ago when he retired. Being young and foolish I left it in a old safe that was damp. It has some pitting and bare spots here and there but nothing crazy. Should I get it refinished or just keep on using the way it is. Opinions please. Thanks das

[mrnyman]

What model is it?

[das]

Dont know what model. There are no numbers but serial numbers. Its a snubby one and seven eighths barrel.

[mrnyman]

Das , open the cylinder and look at where the crane meets the yoke (the point where the cylinder yoke rotate) you should see the model number , it will say something like 15-2, or 66-3 , the first 2 numbers is the model number, unless it were made before the 60's when Smith and Wessons didnt have model numbers.

Let us know what you have .

Mike

[das]

It is stamped MAR36 and on the hinge 732? cant read the last no.

[mrnyman]

Sounds like you have a early model Chief 36, is there any dashes - between any of the numbers?

I would leave it as is for now.

[Chief Lobo 00]

i would leave it alone lil bit of rust use 0000 steel wool and oil sounds like a nice piece

[das]

No dashes anywhere.

[fritz1]

Post a picture.

[brian]

ring smith up and see what they say about refinishing it. they can be funnny about working on older guns, that they themselves can't work on anymore.

seeings how it's not honest wear, but neglect(in your own words) a refinish isn't going to hurt anything. if the factory that made it, will redo it, you might even be able to reclaim some lost value in it.