any suggestions? I've heard mahovsky has gone down hill. Want to refinish a ruger security six.

Here's the top platers.
They all offer different options on final appearance and pricing so do some reading on their sites.

http://www.apwcogan.com/
Cogan is "probably" the best in the business.

http://www.fordsguns.com/
Ford's is up there with Cogan.

http://www.armoloyftworth.com/Armoloy_WebDevelopment/Web_Pages/Firearms_Applications.htm
The only one I know of who can also plate inside bores and chambers.  Other pros wonder how good that is.  It certainly isn't like a chrome lined rifle barrel.

http://www.originalmetaloy.com/

http://www.techplate.com/firearms_pl.htm
Not as widely known as Cogan or Ford's but they're BIG in industry and aero-space work, with a great rep on guns.

I don't understand Cogan. His website confuses me. It sounds like he's saying that he charges you for the finish AND for disassembly.

He may.
Disassembly takes time and that costs money.
Most gunsmiths send in guns already disassembled with only the parts that need to be plated.