After reading and rereading the sticky post about the cheepy reblue job, I am tempted to try it on this gun. A little torn as this may have been my Grandpas service gun for California Fish and Game, in which case I would like to keep the holster wear. ANy way I can check on whether or not it was his service piece?

If I were to reblue, how would I approach the matte finish on top of the barrel?

Thanks

If it was your grandpa's gun, you ought to leave the finish alone. You won't do it justice with a cheap blue job. To me, old working guns like that have a lot more character than one that has sat new-in-box for fifty years. My dad has several blued S&W revolvers that were his carry guns that have finish wear that look far worse than yours. That finish wear gives a working gun credibility. Just keep it clean and wipe it down once in a while with a quality lubricant designed for firearms and store it in a gun sock or something that will not trap moisture.

Joel,
Count me in for leaving the honest wear on the service revolver.
Brownell's has the thumbpiece and screw, unfortunately they are the 'new' style... I believe they will fit and might be better than nothing while you hunt down the correct parts.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=0/si ... Frame_13_3

Joel,
Don't reblue it. Like the others have said, Keep it oiled and in a dry environment.
Shoot it and do your Grandpa proud.

Joel, Looks fine to me!!!! Just stop the rust, and find a thumbpiece....and you're good to go! I can't think of a better woods carry gun.......unless it start with a 4!!!! Bob

I can help you out with a thumbpiece and a thumbpiece nut. PM me.

Very cool!

Don't know how I missed this originally. That's a great looking old shooter. I would leave her just as she is.

After reading the great responses here I have decided to leave the holster wear as-is. Thank you all so much for your input. Anyone know of any way to find out if this was Grandpas service piece? He was a California Fish and Game officer and I know he carried a .357, but he had another with adjustable sights as well (dad has it) were not sure which was his carry gun (both?).

Joel, you can find out info about the gun if you get it lettered by S&W. The letter should give you a good starting point as to the history of the gun.