Inherited Radom VIS35

[cipherk98]

Actually, I suspect someone stripped it with the intention of having it polished or nickel plated and gave up, possibly when they realized the machining quality. I think the original finish was okay, from what little is left lurking under the decocker and in the slide. Lots of GI captured handguns came back to suffer that fate. Some turned out okay, value/originality being lost aside, but most wound up looking pretty ugly. Near or total obliteration of any stamps and engravings being the biggest issue, poor at home finish quality being the other

I found a P38 with aluminum grips, most likely post war French issue, about a month back that had been professionally plated and still looked decent enough (legible proofs, even finish that was in good condition, high quality metal underneath) that I tried to get inexpensively but no luck, as supply has dried up even abused guns like that find homes for fairly high prices. Disappointingly, I've seen more than a few guns of note lately being Cerakoted for reasons I just can't understand. Lots of shops offering it as environmental issues are not there like with bluing, lower cost, but not at an attractive alternative to any factory finish, especially on a surplus gun.

I read that VIS story... fascinating to hear about the conditions in which they were made and also how they able to walk them out the back door.

[Calif-Steve]

The American Rifleman article had found a WWII factory worker who told true stories. Great reading and worth finding.

[browningautorifle]

I've seen more than a few guns of note lately being Cerakoted for reasons I just can't understand.

Lots of younger ones see this as a cool finish and in many cases can do it themselves. I've seen this firsthand. Spray and bake...do it at home in an evening.

[cipherk98]

Mini update. Hopefully either this weekend or next it has a date with the bluing tank.

[browningautorifle]

a date with the bluing tank

We'll be watching...

[cipherk98]

I apologize for the lack of updates. The reason is the gun is pretty much stuck together due to fine rust on most parts so I was never able to tear it down for bluing. I will likely try submerging it oil for a soak to try to free things up. In addition, I found the back end of the firing pin is broken, which explains why the decocker was not consistently pushing the firing pin forward when engaged. Unknown right now if I can carefully salvage the pin or will just need to buy/fashion a new one.

[browningautorifle]

The fine rust is thanks to the original removal of finish I'll bet...