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Colt Anaconda, polishing

Bunnybean01Bunnybean01 Member Posts: 44 ✭✭
edited April 2011 in Ask the Experts
Hey guys - Just looking for some insight on polishing an Anaconda SS. I recently purchased this monster with an 8" barrel in very good condition. I have been toying with the idea of having it polished to a high bright lustremirror finish. It is NOT factory bright to begin with, but what can be done to convert it ? I do NOT want to do it myself. I have heard horror stories and I do not want to ruin this firearm, but rather have it be an eye catcher. Any reccomendations on a highly reputable business. All it needs is an excellent polish, NOT a refinish.

Thanks, Adam
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Comments

  • tsr1965tsr1965 Member Posts: 8,682 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I would excercise caution about this. Those are very pricey revolver's, and very collectable. An alteration that is not factory could cause a huge loss, should you decide to sell it down the road. I would call the factory, and see if they would be so kind as to do it for me. Then it would be factory original, and still collectable.

    Best,

    EDIT 1

    quote:I have heard horror stories and I do not want to ruin this firearm, but rather have it be an eye catcher. Any reccomendations on a highly reputable business. All it needs is an excellent polish, NOT a refinish.

    That in itself is why I would reccommend Colt to do the work. It is their gun, their factory, and they are set up to do the work, day in, and day out. ANYONE ELSE but Colt WILL DIMINISH THE VALUE of your gun

    Once again, I re-iterate myself...if you want it done right, and so it maintains it's value...COLT

    EDIT 2
    Adam,

    If it says Winchester or Colt, it is an investment that is most likely better than the stock market, depending on which ones it is. Pre 64 Winchester, and almost anything Colt, especially the higher grade double action revolvers like the Anaconda, Diamondback, and Python, and their SAA's.
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  • NOAHNOAH Member Posts: 9,690
    edited November -1
    Factory
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  • Mark GMark G Member Posts: 1,681 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    +1. Have Colt do it for you.

    http://www.coltsmfg.com/CustomerServices/RepairRefinish/FirearmRefinishing.aspx
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  • RCrosbyRCrosby Member Posts: 3,808 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Assuming it is stainless, and not plated, and if you must have the work done, then I agree on the factory option.
    I wonder, though, if the "typical" Colt collector would consider it "factory original" if it wasn't the way it was "originally shipped".
    You still might take a hit compared to an unaltered speciment.
    Maybe not. Collectors are interesting people, but if it were mine I wouldn't risk it. I suspect that at the least, in a re-sale, you'd lose whatever $$ you paid Colt for the work.
    Interesting question.[:D]
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  • nmyersnmyers Member Posts: 16,892 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I've got to go with Rob on this one.

    Yes, if Colt does it, it's "factory". But, not "factory original", it would be "factory refinished". Problem is, a truly collectible recent Colt will have the original box, & the factory label will show it's original configuration, so you can't fool anyone.

    I'm guessing Colt will charge $200-300. Add another $200 for shipping (heavy gun, Next Day Air), & "value" gets taken out of the equation. It's your gun, do what you want. I've modified lots of guns & lots of cars, & almost always regretted it.

    I don't want to bite off more than you can chew, but, if you are determined to polish, you may want to consider doing it yourself. A friend with no skill or experience polished a stainless Colt Government Model, using steel wool pads (#0-#0000), & it came out beautiful; it looks like it came from the factory that way. Revolvers are more difficult because it's difficult to get in the recesses without complete disassembly.

    Neal
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  • Bunnybean01Bunnybean01 Member Posts: 44 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Great feedback guys, thanks so much for taking the time to reply. Unfortunately, I am new to this. When I bought the gun it said with box, hang tag, and manual. It was not the original box with label when I got it(unlabeled). So lesson learned on understanding what/how to buy. The gun however is extremely nice (no scratches, dings, dents). It has been shot but very very nice. I'll keep it stock and keep my eyes open for a factory bright finish now to add to my collection. Im not in it for the love of resale, but rather to have a great gun that won't loose value down the road.

    Thanks !
    Adam
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  • RCrosbyRCrosby Member Posts: 3,808 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Adam,
    Sounds like a good course of action.
    I'm sure that I'm speaking for all who responded when I say,
    Welcome to the forum!
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  • Bunnybean01Bunnybean01 Member Posts: 44 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks again for the input. For grins & giggles I called Colt this morning. To help all of you share the word to future questions .... Neal was about spot on with his reply. Cost to convert stainless to bright stainless is 250, shipping charge back is 30 through Colt Custom Shop. They advised that this firearm will look exactly like new with the exception deep dings, bore wear etc ... (which I dont have). It would also remove the cylinder drag line ring. Turn around time through Colt today is 60-75 days. WOW !!

    That seems a bit pricey since I already have 1100 into this gorgeous piece but I will ponder that idea for a while. I still think maybe I apply that 250 upcharge to another firearm in mint condition. Who knows ?? One thing is for sure .... I have the Anaconda, Python, King Cobra, Diamondback fever. I think I am really going to have fun on this forum.

    Adam
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  • dcs shootersdcs shooters Member Posts: 10,870 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    We use 150-200 grit sanding sponges to remove marks on stainless with good results.
    A light touch is all it takes.
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