Black widow not so black

DavidJayUden · 11-27-2010, 07:55 PM

I would start by taking part of it into a good custom chrome shop and showing it to them. (Don't take the whole gun in and whip it out.) Try to speak with the old guy whlo has been there forever. They also can re-heat treat metal as a guard against imbritlement, or so I'm told.
Looks like a fun project to me.
dju

artmccann · 11-27-2010, 09:13 PM

Luis,
Here are some concerns to follow on from Jerry for your consideration.
1. to do the stripping properly it must be done with the similiar electrical equipment as the plater used.
2. chrome plating has a tendency to mask/cover up some metal flaws, so when reversed the flaws will become more pronounced that will require additional buffing.
3. if the metal is left in longer than necessary, the current will draw some copper and chrome used in making the steel out of the steel, this will change the original finish giving it a porous appearance.
4. each piece will require different times, you can not do the whole gun at one time.
5. after this whole process is completed, the metal must be stablized by heat treat tempering. if not done, all you have is a story to tell that added history to the Luger in its life cycle. simply put the metal will become brittle and break.
6. after all of this then you start the process of restoration to factory specifications.
can your everyday gunsmith do this in his shop under his supervision with the outcome what you "think" it will be?
Luis, I am giving you pause for thought, just like everyone else. presently you have a nice Luger, shooter or collector, with history and a story to tell.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

11-27-2010, 07:55 PM	#1
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	I would start by taking part of it into a good custom chrome shop and showing it to them. (Don't take the whole gun in and whip it out.) Try to speak with the old guy whlo has been there forever. They also can re-heat treat metal as a guard against imbritlement, or so I'm told. Looks like a fun project to me. dju

11-27-2010, 09:13 PM	#2
artmccann User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Southwest Florida Posts: 18 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Luis, Here are some concerns to follow on from Jerry for your consideration. 1. to do the stripping properly it must be done with the similiar electrical equipment as the plater used. 2. chrome plating has a tendency to mask/cover up some metal flaws, so when reversed the flaws will become more pronounced that will require additional buffing. 3. if the metal is left in longer than necessary, the current will draw some copper and chrome used in making the steel out of the steel, this will change the original finish giving it a porous appearance. 4. each piece will require different times, you can not do the whole gun at one time. 5. after this whole process is completed, the metal must be stablized by heat treat tempering. if not done, all you have is a story to tell that added history to the Luger in its life cycle. simply put the metal will become brittle and break. 6. after all of this then you start the process of restoration to factory specifications. can your everyday gunsmith do this in his shop under his supervision with the outcome what you "think" it will be? Luis, I am giving you pause for thought, just like everyone else. presently you have a nice Luger, shooter or collector, with history and a story to tell.