Old Model Backhawk Refinishing

[Matt in AK]

I own an old model (SN 5XXX) Blackhawk (.357) that's got an awful lot of holster wear (front sight worn considerably, bluing gone on edges, minor pitting on cylinder).  I'd like to get the gun restored to like new.  Who would you send your pride and joy to...? :?

[Lloyd Smale]

Dave Clemments  http://www.clementscustomguns.com/default.htm

[rmc25]

The Ruger factory does a good job of rebluing and the price is fairly low.  Just keep in mind that if your Old Model has not already had the safety conversion it will have it by the time you get it back.  And you may or may not get the old parts back.  Some folks have said on other boards that the factory "misplaced" their parts and all the factory could do was say its sorry.  That won't help you if you are fond of the old lockwork.  If it already has the conversion or you don't mind then I'll second the Ruger factory route.  If you want the safety conversion you can always remove the parts before you send it to the factory.  Old Model parts sell for quite a bit on ebay.  Good luck with whatever you decide.
rmc

[Lloyd Smale]

Hell monte youd never be a steppin on my toes! Im just a little leary about ruger doing my work sent one to them once with a belt mountain pin and it came back without it. They just played dumb. The prices are right as you said though.

I hope I ain't steppin on ole Lloyds toes here But, I'd Fed Ex the old girl to Ruger along with a CC # and have them do the restoration. Rugers prices are a bargain and being the OMs are getting collectable it don't hurt having factory paperwork etc.
BTW, sometimes if ya ask them nice they'll sell ya a convertable cylinder cheap!

[rmc25]

I bought a beat up Ruger Flattop 44 for a great price.  It was drilled for a scope (I know, I know - who would do that to a Flattop), and had only about 30% of the blueing left.  I just got it back from Jim Stroh and it's great.  Jim shortened the barrel to match my 4 5/8" 357 Flattop, filled in the drill holes, polished it and put a mirror finish on it.  If I knew how I'd post a picture of it to show it off.   Jim Stroh does some of the best work you'll ever see.  I highly recommend him for refinish work.  Not as cheap as the factory but then again you get what you pay for and parts might not end up being missing.
rmc

[Yanqui]

I know that this a Single Action board. But just the same it involves sending a weapon back to the factory.

DO NOT send your semi-auto to the factory with a high capacity magazine. You just might not get the high capacity magazine back. A ten round magazine will come back in its place.

Send your semi-auto with out the magazine.

This did not happen to me. I have read that it has happened on many forums.

Just be cautious.