Refinishing an aluminum J-frame

[xray 99]

I want to refinish my alloy J-frame in something more durable than blue. Suggestions?

[Tamara]

Well, I guess you can have the cylinder/crane ass'y (and the barrel, if it's not a two-piece) done in whatever metal treatment you want. I don't know that I'd worry about it, though; I mean, my 432PD has spent the better part of a decade in coat and vest pockets and the gun compartments of various bags and purses without rusting. The matte blue seems to retain oil well.

[NCMedic]

I acquired a stainless 442 that the previous owner had Duracoated due to the finish flaking off... It looks pretty good and has stood up to riding in my pocket every day

Sent from this using that...

[Chuck Haggard]

I wanted to make my 642 less noticeable while working nights, had the gun blacked out with Ceracoat by the guys at Fit-4-Duty in Olathe. They did a great job. The guns still looks pretty good after having ridden in my pocket or ankle holster for more than a decade.

[BillP]

I wanted to make my 642 less noticeable while working nights, had the gun blacked out with Ceracoat by the guys at Fit-4-Duty in Olathe. They did a great job. The guns still looks pretty good after having ridden in my pocket or ankle holster for more than a decade.

My 642's finish has been eaten off over time. I was considering doing a similar finish. This might be my Christmas present to myself.

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[LSP972]

Bill, S&W had serious issues with the 642 frame clear coat over several runs of the pistol; they re-finished a LOT of guns, paying the freight both ways. I'd contact them after the holidays for a re-do, unless you just want a darker color. And be advised that some of the more severe "peel" jobs -the result of the clear coat failing- showed some serious etching of the alloy. IOW, its not a good idea to simply ignore it as cosmetic.

Just don't hold your breath; my lab manager sent them a 638 with a cracked frame (top of the yoke cut-out, under the barrel) for total replacement, back in July… he's still waiting.

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[BillP]

Bill, S&W had serious issues with the 642 frame clear coat over several runs of the pistol; they re-finished a LOT of guns, paying the freight both ways. I'd contact them after the holidays for a re-do, unless you just want a darker color. And be advised that some of the more severe "peel" jobs -the result of the clear coat failing- showed some serious etching of the alloy. IOW, its not a good idea to simply ignore it as cosmetic.

Just don't hold your breath; my lab manager sent them a 638 with a cracked frame (top of the yoke cut-out, under the barrel) for total replacement, back in July… he's still waiting.

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Good to know, thank you. I attributed it to being mostly AIWB carried or vest/armpit carried and figured sweat ate it away. I will try to post pics later.

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[BillP]

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o18/believeraz/Mobile%20Uploads/th_20131225_204036.jpg (http://s116.photobucket.com/user/believeraz/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20131225_204036.jpg.html)

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o18/believeraz/Mobile%20Uploads/th_20131225_203942.jpg (http://s116.photobucket.com/user/believeraz/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20131225_203942.jpg.html)

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o18/believeraz/Mobile%20Uploads/th_20131225_203924.jpg (http://s116.photobucket.com/user/believeraz/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20131225_203924.jpg.html)

Here are crappy cellphone pics. I purchased it in mid 2010.

[Det1397]

I had my 342Ti refinished a while back in BlackT by Birdsong. They did a great job. Give them a call- outstanding customer service too.

[LSP972]

I had my 342Ti refinished a while back in BlackT by Birdsong. They did a great job. Give them a call- outstanding customer service too.

Indeed; they are one of the top "re-finishers". I have had numerous firearms done by them. The stuff is durable, too; my first Glock 19, purchased in 1992, was done in Green T for the slide and Black T on the barrel in '93. I carried that piece daily for a dozen years, both in plainclothes and while working the range, and it has well north of 20K rounds through it. The edges of the slide are bright, there are "smilies" on the barrel exterior, both barrel and slide have many scratches... but the finish is still viable.

Its great stuff for a blued firearm; totally corrosion-proof, and has a self-lubricating property like electroless nickle which promotes smoothness (they do EVERY part, except some types of sights, and stocks of course). I even had both barrels of my trap gun combo done. Thanks for the reminder, guy; I have an airweight K-frame snubby (M-12) I need to send them.

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[Dave Berryhill]

I know this guy who does a pretty mean nickle teflon finish :cool: