Colt Agent snubbie refinish...

[gloxter]

I am considering refinishing my Colt Agent .38spl in something like hard chrome, or possibly nickel. I definitely want a chrome "look", but am unsure of who might do it for a decent price. I've seen some of Dr. Lunde's hard-chromed H&K P7's and they are stunning, so say the least.

Can any of you CalGuns brethren recommend someone to me? Preferably in NorCal. Also, how much should I expect to pay? It's a snubbie and the action is still incredible, smooth and crisp. I might also consider case-hardening of the trigger and hammer. Any thoughts?

-gloxter

[bwiese]

The Colt Agents I know of have alloy frames, not steel frames.

I wonder if chroming or nickel plating can even be done on these??

Colt Agents in good shape are reasonably - well, not necessarily collectible - but "hold their value". Don't screw it up.

Get a CA-approved S&W snubby and mangle that. (If it's bright stainless already you won't need the nickel or chrome!)

[saki302]

Please don't butcher a neat and interesting older gun. Like Bill said, buy a modern gun (in stainless if you like chrome), and polish it up. You'll be happier with the results, and not destroy something with collectible and possibly sentimental value for some folks.

-Dave

[gloxter]

Thanks, guys!

I'll heed the advice. I thought I'd be able to look up the date of manufacture from Colt's website, but it appears as though they only offer a certificate for $75.00 stating when it was built and to whom it origionally was delivered. Is there another website any of you know of outside of Colt's Manufacturing that I can look up the DOM? I'm guessing it's a late 50's to mid 60's gun. And yes, it does have sentimental value. You guys are right, I shouldn't butcher it, but enjoy it as-is.

Regards,

gloxter

[saki302]

Post a question on the firing line forums- you'll get more info than you want- like this:

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=205117

I had a Colt Detective Special years ago- I miss it sometimes (old model with the unshrouded ejector).

-Dave

[zefflyn]

I'd recommend sending it back to Colt for a re-blue. Can't go wrong with that!

[magsnubby]

I considered having my dad's Colt Viper refinished. He bought it new in 1978. It was his fishin' and bedside gun for lots of years. I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I still feel guilty about changing the Pachmayr Compacts for a pair of checkered finger groove walnut grips. I still have the Pachmayrs. But i think Dad would approve of the grips.