Does anybody have any advice for firearm restoration? [View All]

[Squatch]

Hey, everybody. I wanted to post this in the sportperson's group, but you have to pay the cover charge to get into that speakeasy. (maybe eventually...)

Anyways, I could use some advice on an old, old handgun I just picked up. My brother-in-law had this tired old gun in his safe when I asked him about it. He said that it was his grandfather's and he's about ready to junk it.

I pulled it out and saw that it was a Colt .32 ACP model 1903. He gave it to me, so I took it home, and completely disassembled it. A serial number check put its year of manufacture at 1937.

The condition of the gun is about 40-50%. There is significant rusting (looks like the bluing is just chewed up and the metal has minimal pitting) under the wooden grip furniture, in the slide serations, and on a few other places. The bore is obviously used, but in good condition, showing no pitting or cracking. The breechface, firing pin, and slide rails are in a similar condition. All the other parts (mainspring, sear, etc) are in good, but worn condition.

Now, what I am thinking about doing is sending it off to a professional for re-bluing and refurbishing and it is here that I'd like to get some advice.

First of all, can you recommend a good place to get this done?

I am on the fence if I want the bright hi gloss bluing or the slow-rust bluing that shows the incredible variability in tone, swirls, etc. What are the advantages/disadvantages of either?

The magazine for this pistol was lost long ago, so if anybody has any ideas on where to obtain a replacement, I'd appreciate it.

Lastly, I want to bring this gun to as near to 100% condition as possible. I am going to present it back to my brother-in-law in a handmade rosewood box and pearl grips for him to retain as a keepsake of his grandfather. Which leads me to my last question, any ideas on where I can pick up some pearl grips?

Thanks for all the help and apologies to the mods for posting this in this forum.