Handguns > Historical

Refinishing: Giving Ugly Guns a Second Chance (Page 2)

Professional refinishing can bring new life to a worn pistol.

By B. Gil Horman (RSS)

March 18, 2011

Second Chances
I am extremely pleased with the work provided by Ford's Custom Gun Refinishing. The results for each gun exceeded my expectations, and I expected a great deal. Ford's prices are extremely reasonable, as are their turn-around times. Ford’s has a motto: "We do every gun by hand, one at a time.” In these days of outsourced work, rushed fixes and mass-produced products, it was so refreshing to meet a team of craftsmen that take pride in their work and who go out of their way to care for their customers.

However, there are a few things to remember before sending a gun to a professional for refinishing. Always verify the status and value of your firearm before making any permanent alterations. There is a difference between having a gun refurbished (returned to its original state) and refinished (changed from the original finish to something new). Make sure your refinishing representative has a clear understanding of what is to be done to the firearm before the work begins. Finally, if you decide to replace the factory original grips, don’t throw them away. It may turn out that the original grips add value to the firearm.

View the Ugly Guns: Before and After photo gallery.

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Tags:  b. gil horman,  custom gun refinishing,  ford’s gun refinishing,  gun bluing and refinishing,  gun refinishing,  handguns,  historical

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7 Responses to Refinishing: Giving Ugly Guns a Second Chance (Page 2)

Vinnie P wrote:
January 29, 2013

Fords refinishing is a lost cause. The lady who answers the phones is a total catch you next Tuesday. I've had four arms finished by them and they had the nerve to change the price for one and they did extra work prior to my knowledge and vastly overcharged for it. I was pleased with the results but the service and advantageous gestures was awful...I would much more recommend a guy named Roghaar in boca forida. He is awesome, personable and does the same if not better work and he machines and builds replacement parts at low cost ( if the parts are not available that is) great guy, great service, superb results...stay away from fords!!!!

ntrudr_800 wrote:
July 28, 2011

Wow, what nice looking pistols after the refinishing. They look like new. Remember this is an option before junking or selling a favorite gun. Also, be sure to oil your guns, people! We don't want to hand our children rust pits.

Kerry S wrote:
March 25, 2011

One day the neighbor lady offered to give me her deceased fathers pistol.Turned out to be a Colt Detective Special.Looked up the serial numbers and it is a 1935 first edition.Nice!

Ron H wrote:
March 22, 2011

Interestingly, I would like to restore a vintage Win 94 in 48/55 caliber to its prior condition. It was reblued in spite of numerous exterior pits.How can I remove the blueing to go back to its probably rusty and patina finish. It's perfect internally and shoots extremely well.

Jim R wrote:
March 22, 2011

Technical articles, even basic (not so much), are very welcomed. I am personally tired of how great black and stainless guns are.

Jeff K. wrote:
March 22, 2011

Great article. I may just go out and visit some local shops and see what I can find. Thanks for the inspiration.

KathyS wrote:
March 19, 2011

The most used handguns in my collection are a really used 1911 in .38 Super and my very first revolver, a Ruger 4" Security Six, neither of which is intrinsically ugly but you gave me the impetus to look at refinishing them! :)