S&W Color Case Finish
- Thread starter GuyC
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Master Blaster
Member
Its probably the least durable finish, and is sometime protected wih clearcoat.
The special edition reproduction models and the 36 is one come in the case color finish. Iread that it is done by Turnbull restorations dont know if its true, but they are highly regarded for producing authentic finishes.
They are also making a nickel 36 nickel is much more durable than case, blue is more durable than case color, but less than nickel.
IIRC the new 36 is like $800+
I have an old 36 I paid 1/4 the price of one of these new ones and I saw one for sale in a local gunshop , excellent condition blued, 1 7/8" barrel sq butt made in 1970 and they were asking $279.
So you can get the real thing for less than the reproduction if you look around. I carried mine in a pocket holster for 4 years and the blued finish held up better than thefinish on my current 642.
The special edition reproduction models and the 36 is one come in the case color finish. Iread that it is done by Turnbull restorations dont know if its true, but they are highly regarded for producing authentic finishes.
They are also making a nickel 36 nickel is much more durable than case, blue is more durable than case color, but less than nickel.
IIRC the new 36 is like $800+
I have an old 36 I paid 1/4 the price of one of these new ones and I saw one for sale in a local gunshop , excellent condition blued, 1 7/8" barrel sq butt made in 1970 and they were asking $279.
So you can get the real thing for less than the reproduction if you look around. I carried mine in a pocket holster for 4 years and the blued finish held up better than thefinish on my current 642.
Hawk
Member
It's my understanding that the case colored S&W is a duplication of nothing in particular - it never occured before. This might trouble some.
If it's Turnbull, it's as good as it gets but still fades and wears eventually. Turnbull applies violin lacquer to the finish. I found that a phone call to Turnbull will get you a set of realistic expectations on the finish.
They'll also tell you if they're doing work for "company xyz" if there's any doubt about where the finish is coming from.
If it's Turnbull, it's as good as it gets but still fades and wears eventually. Turnbull applies violin lacquer to the finish. I found that a phone call to Turnbull will get you a set of realistic expectations on the finish.
They'll also tell you if they're doing work for "company xyz" if there's any doubt about where the finish is coming from.
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
+1
The only thing less durable then CCH is fire bluing.
Color case will fade away just from aging eventually, even if it isn't handled.
And it wears away very fast when actually used compared to any other finish except fire-bluing.
The only thing S&W historically used CCH on was hammers & triggers.
Never was a frame from them like that in the past.
Colt SAA's were the ones noted for beautiful CCH frames.
rcmodel
Hawk
Member
It's my view that Turnbull CC, if indeed that's what S&W is using, should be used. It's not "safe queen" stuff and has little in common with Ruger's finish.
It'll still age but many rather like the look of that - winds up looking like a 70 year old L.C. Smith but that's not a bad way to look. And, one can always mail it back to Turnbull.
I wouldn't dismiss Turnbull case color simply because the thing is to be used. If one wants it showroom fresh forever it would not be a good choice. Also, the fact that S&W never shipped anything with that frame finish would discourage some (me included) but isn't a show stopper for many.
OSXWrangler
Member
That's sad news for me regarding the life of the finish. None the less I really love my little S&W Model 36 Classic 3"
I just bought a new in box Colt Mk IV Gov 380. It looks like it's going to be my carry pistol. So I'll use the S&W for a little fun now and again but treat it more gingerly. It's a fun pistol to shoot.
I just bought a new in box Colt Mk IV Gov 380. It looks like it's going to be my carry pistol. So I'll use the S&W for a little fun now and again but treat it more gingerly. It's a fun pistol to shoot.
Tain't so
A long-term study was conducted by the members of gunshop.com, and the Doublegun BBS associated with that site. Sunlight, smoke, hand oils, gun cleaning fluids and ambient chemicals were all investigated as possible contributors to or outright causes of case hardening fade.
It was satisfactorily determined that handling wear was the only cause of faded case coloring.
A long-term study was conducted by the members of gunshop.com, and the Doublegun BBS associated with that site. Sunlight, smoke, hand oils, gun cleaning fluids and ambient chemicals were all investigated as possible contributors to or outright causes of case hardening fade.
It was satisfactorily determined that handling wear was the only cause of faded case coloring.
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