Refinishing a shooter

Danny S · 05-04-2008, 02:40 PM

Wouldn't be molesting this pistol if I received it in original/collectable condition. Picked it up 15-16yrs ago when they were coming in for cheap. Didn't realise at the time the X ser# indicated a battlefield pickup, but it was obvious it had been through an extremely sloppy refurb. Pitted here & there, it's frame rails had been filed with a wood rasp.

It just.. looked.. BAAD!

Hate to offend the purists.. but with this kind of import text stamped on the barrel I can't agree this is one of those "we need to save it" type pistols.

1938 S/42, Ser# 838n. Okay.. so I'm easily amused. I think the ser# coincidence is pretty cool.

Following John Sabato's excellent instructions I've "strawed up" most of my small bits.

And okay.. I've gotten a little carried away with some of the "heat coloring". Just looks so pretty though, and easily polished off later if needed.

Taking as much care as I can to preserve stampings and cartouches. I've had to lose some detail.. but if you look for it there's some remaining pitting in nearly every photo. I'm greatly reducing the pitting but still leaving as much metal as possible.

Only been to the range with it once half a dozen yrs ago. Surprisingly good shooter (especially considering the "day long" trigger). Put up groups half the size of a buddy's brand new SS reproduction Luger. He was NOT a happy camper!

Hugh Clark is checkering grips for me to replace refurb black plastic. After a glass bead & rust blue, I expect a much more enjoyable P-08.

Got my asbestos shorts on.. Flame Away!

05-04-2008, 02:40 PM	#1
Danny S User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Refinishing a shooter Wouldn't be molesting this pistol if I received it in original/collectable condition. Picked it up 15-16yrs ago when they were coming in for cheap. Didn't realise at the time the X ser# indicated a battlefield pickup, but it was obvious it had been through an extremely sloppy refurb. Pitted here & there, it's frame rails had been filed with a wood rasp. It just.. looked.. BAAD! Hate to offend the purists.. but with this kind of import text stamped on the barrel I can't agree this is one of those "we need to save it" type pistols. 1938 S/42, Ser# 838n. Okay.. so I'm easily amused. I think the ser# coincidence is pretty cool. Following John Sabato's excellent instructions I've "strawed up" most of my small bits. And okay.. I've gotten a little carried away with some of the "heat coloring". Just looks so pretty though, and easily polished off later if needed. Taking as much care as I can to preserve stampings and cartouches. I've had to lose some detail.. but if you look for it there's some remaining pitting in nearly every photo. I'm greatly reducing the pitting but still leaving as much metal as possible. Only been to the range with it once half a dozen yrs ago. Surprisingly good shooter (especially considering the "day long" trigger). Put up groups half the size of a buddy's brand new SS reproduction Luger. He was NOT a happy camper! Hugh Clark is checkering grips for me to replace refurb black plastic. After a glass bead & rust blue, I expect a much more enjoyable P-08. Got my asbestos shorts on.. Flame Away!