I've just taken delivery of a new 617, which supposedly has a satin stainless finish. To me it looks as if it's been rubbed with steel wool and has scratches in many directions. This is my first new S&W so I don't know what to expect, except that having paid the equivalent of $1,400 US here in France, I'd hoped for better.
Can anyone say what is normal?

Welcome to the forum, Ari24, and congratulations on your acquisition.

It's hard to answer your question without a few photos so we can see exactly what you're talking about. I've owned a fair few stainless Smiths, and I can't say I ever found a normal look among the finishes. Some were shinier than others with few scratches, and others appeared -- as you said -- to have been gone over with a steel wool pad.

If you aren't happy with the scratched up appearance you can probably fix that with a good polish, a soft cloth, and some patience. Be aware, though, that if you polish out all the scratches you probably can't get the gun back into its original condition, which some here say adversely affects the collector value.

I've included a few shots of mine after a three-hour session with a product called Flitz. I've seen other folks' guns that have a shinier and smoother finish because they polished them with a more aggressive polish (Mother's Mag Polish -- actually made for auto wheels).

Best of luck, and enjoy your new .22.

Cheers,

Bob

Attached Images

	S&W 617 cylinder back.jpg (112.1 KB, 552 views)
	S&W 617 (R).jpg (89.1 KB, 566 views)

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

Pics to know for sure in your particular case, but with the right lighting and angle it's perfectly normal to see the brush strokes on satin finished S&Ws.

This 648 is MUCH older than your 617,,,
I think it shows the type of marks you are talking about,,,



Kinda normal,,, in my opinion,,

It is tricky to get the scratches to show in a pic,,,

I agree with this, but as another said, I can't see your gun or how deeply scratched up it might be. I wasn't entirely thrilled with the 'luster' of mine when I bought it. Seemed a bit dirty, for lack of a better word, so I gave it a polishing with mothers mag and a soft rag. I did not 'work on it' for any extended amount of time to make it mirror finish to the extent that you will see some here have (although I do kind of enjoy that look). A quick but thorough polishing improved the appearance greatly to my satisfaction, without changing the finish of the gun, I felt.

I should mention that I'm a chef and thence surrounded daily by stainless steel and I like it clean, which comforts me, but I'm also entirely used to the stainless showing brush-marks. To me, that's just how stainless steel looks.

When I got my 6 inch barrel 617 a few years ago I found the finish was rough on the left side of the frame around the cylinder release button. I thought about returning it to Smith but never did. Now that I have fired thousands of rounds through it, I feel that it has broken in well to be a good fun shooter. It's been so long since I looked, I don't even know if the finish still appears rough.

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Accuracy supercedes Speed

Agree that we need pictures to see if yours is worse than the norm.

In the last 6 months I have bought a new 686 Plus and a 617. Both had very smooth finishes, i.e., you really have to look hard and in the right light angle to see any hint of "brush" marks in the steel. But, I shopped for a long time to find some that looked that way, i.e., during the past 18 months (while shopping for these 2 guns), I looked at probably 40 686s and 617s at local stores. I saw quite a variation in the smoothness of the finish. A high percentage of them exhibited a very noticeable "abrasion" pattern from the polishing pads that had been used on them at the factory. Since the guns are polished by different people, no two guns will come out of the polishing process looking the same, i.e., you are bound to see some rougher looking than others.

As long as the "grain" of the polish marks are in a fairly uniform direction and texture over the entire gun, you could do as others have suggested and do some light polishing to smooth the look out a little bit.

I would be more concerned about a canted barrel, i.e., of the 40 some Smith revolvers I looked at, about 60% had canted barrels.

My 686+ came with that swirly look.

10 minutes of Mothers Mag polish made it looks beautiful.

Don't rub the laser etched logo though.

Did you purchase from a reputable source? Was it described as "new"?

I've purchased numerous S&W stainless steel revolvers over the years. About a month ago, I purchased a new 640, and two 686's. None of them looked like you described.

They all had an almost flawless finish, but not polished. No scrateches, no swirls.

Many thanks to all who replied.
Sorry I forgot that without photos it didn't happen. I've attached two.
The consensus seems to be that what I have is normal and needs work if I want it to look better. I think it looks much like SweetMK's snubbie.
I live a days journey from the shop where I bought the gun so it's not practical to inspect before purchase nor to take it back. They are well established and, from my previous dealings, appear reputable, so I don't think they would pass off a used item fro new.
I've shot it twice and with Pistol ammo, have managed to keep in the black so don't think there's a canted barrel issue.

I've seen other references to Flitz so will try to find some and see how it goes.
Love the forum but am jealous of the many great Smith collections.
A+

Attached Images

	20160711_174652.jpg (90.4 KB, 437 views)
	20160711_174802.jpg (44.4 KB, 399 views)

I would have to disagree. I have never seen a "new" S&W stainless steel revolver finish look like that. None of the three I purchased recently, look anything like that.

If they are in fact new, they have had something done to their original finish. They look like someone went over them with one of those Scott's pads, or light steel wool, for some unknown reason. It's very possible the seller wasn't even aware of this, so I'm not assuming he did something.

If you don't want to take my word for it, ask S&W.

Looks like regular brushed stainless. The nice thing about it is incidental scratches won't show. Fingerprints barely show up. If you go the high polish route both are an issue. A bead blast matte finish is good for prints but one good scratch and nothing but a re-blast will make it look right again.

I get stainless because it's trouble free so, in general I like the most trouble free finish, even though it's not the prettiest. IMO stainless is never going to look as nice as old school S&W polished bluing or nickel.

I agree with everything you said, but it's still nothing like the finishing currently coming out of S&W these days, or for sometime.

The finish on the OP's gun doesn't look Factory to me.

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~ S&W aficionado in training ~

This video is a good example of what S&W's factory new stainless steel revolver finish should look like. Granted, the video is a Talon edition, but the finish would be the same.

The S&W emblem below the cylinder release is almost gone. That doesn't look 'new' to me. If it is, it is on the rough/poor end of the finish quality scale. Then there's the vertical scratch on the sideplate.

The lighting on the OP's pictures could be enhancing the brush marks. Although, of the 40 some new S&W stainless revolvers that I have looked at over the past 18 months, I have seen several that looked similar to his pictures. I think it is just the "luck of the draw" on how conscientious the person was who finished the gun at the factory. Some Flitz or Simi-Chrome should smooth those brush lines out considerably.

Regarding the "scratch" on the lower right side plate - is that just lighting or a real scratch?

My new 617 which I think is typical of what a 617 is supposed to look like.

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Army veteran, NRA Life Member

I bought a brand new 686 4" barrel and it had some marks on the frame I didn't care for and some (not all) of the "scratches" obviously intentionally put on by the factory looked like the sampling from the OP.

So I used some metal polish and buffed out the marks I didn't like (it was very quick and easy)

Then I used a green scotch bright pad to re-do the scratched look only way more carefully that was previously done. I was very happy with the finish and yes, it looks factory original only better.

My S&W 500 came looking beautiful and after my polishing and rubbing on the 686 both guns looked the same.

The brush marks on mine were/are certainly less prominent than what I see on the OP's. Mine manufactured a little over a year ago.

I got a new 617 a couple of weeks ago. The lighting makes a huge difference on how the finish appears. In normal lighting the surface appears mostly scratch free. However the flash picture lighting brings out the fine polish marks.

Mine is a real good shooter and can put all the holes within a 1" splatter dot at 25 yards -- off a rest with a Burris FastFire sight. Now if I could shoot anywhere near that well offhand... That is with cheap Federal AutoMatch ammo.

The mount for the FastFire is my creation using CAD SW and my CNC mill.

I agree with The Kernel. I would consider advice from The Kernel nearly sine qua non when looking for information on "newer" S&W revolvers.

I am speculating from a cell phone with less than ideal picture size. It appears there's a large scratch on the side plate just above the trigger. It's pure speculation but it appears someone attempted to fix scratches on the side plate with an abrasive that was too aggressive and did the same thing on the left side of the frame to make it resemble the side plate.

The good news is this is easy and very inexpensive to make look much better. Regardless I would contact the seller to see what your remedies are. I and other S&W Forum members have posted how to "fix" scratches on S&W brushed stainless finishes.

Here is information I have previously posted:

You can touch up the original finish on a brushed finish stainless steel gun and fix significant scratches with Scotch Brite pads. You can make it look original and very nice.

Scotch Brite pads come in different levels of coarseness.
Light Grey, called Ultra Fine Hand Pad - (600-800) 800 grit.
Green, called Light Duty Hand Pad - (600) 600 grit
Maroon pad, called General Purpose Hand Pad - (320-400) - which is very coarse for removing deeper scratches.

Work in a small area with tiny (1" square) piece of pad and stroke in one direction only following the linear polishing direction from the factory. Avoid any surfaces but the brushed stainless surfaces. Start in the most unobtrusive area first to make sure you get a feel for it and like the result. Go slow and use a light hand. Generally the green pad can be used for all applications varying the pressure dependent upon the degree of the scratch you attempting to fix. You could finish off with the light grey pad. Look at You Tube for examples of how to do it or further research the S&W Forum.

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Scoundrel & Ne'er-Do-Well

Whoa, whoa,.... Going out on a limb here but I don't think "Satin" stainless and "Matte" (or bead blasted) stainless finishes are the same thing at all. Apples and oranges.

I think it's normal - the lighting angle, and even OEM packing oil, makes all the difference. I have some late model stainless steel Smiths purchased NIB and I recall being rather disappointed at all the swirl marks in the finish when first inspecting the gun in the store, but I bought them anyway.

I'm not sure what it is, but after removing that packing oil, and just regular shooting, cleaning, and carrying the guns for a little while, it mostly just seems to go away - I love my Smith's SS finish and they are my favorites in my safe....





So reading this thread lying in bed this morning, I just grabbed my night stand gun, looked it over, and thought "mine doesn't look like that anymore" ....but then I hit that finish with my flashlight from the right angle.... and yup, it's still there.



It's mostly psychological for me I guess - the cosmetics just become a small component in the overall ownership experience. I do have to admit that these three SS Smith revolvers have, in no uncertain terms, converted me from a plastic semi-auto guy over to a revolver guy .

reppans,

Good pictures.

Yes, lighting and angle highlights the features.

There are three stainless finishes:
1. Brushed. Sometimes referred to as satin. There will be superficial swirls and scratches in the surface.
2. Bead blasted. Sometimes referred to as matte. It will have a uniform flat silver-grey finish.
3. Polished. Very shiny to the point of looking like a nickel finish.

The photos of the side plate and left side of the frame show the swirls/scratches deeper and more pronounced than I am used to seeing and each vertical scratch looks longer than I am used to seeing. I will concede it might be possible to go lighting and camera angle to accentuate an original finish but I still believe the finish is atypical from most other brushed stainless steel S&W revolvers.

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Scoundrel & Ne'er-Do-Well

TAC – that’s a good video, I don’t see any marks on the finish.
Bob1943 - it’s just the lighting not a deep scratch. I’ve tried to make better photos but no luck so far.
Reppans - mine looks very like your snubbie.

The lighting may well make the problem look more severe; the marks are not deep and I hope with your recommendations re: polishing they’ll go away.
I’ve mentioned my disappointment to the seller who has yet to respond.
I’ve sent photos to S&W and await their reply.

I have a 686 CS-1 with a matte finish and no marks.

FWIW - This is the official response from S&W - "We would like to thank you for your e-mail and contacting Smith & Wesson / Thompson Center.

I have reviewed your pictures and this is normal. This is a Tampico brushed finish. These very fine lines are left by the polishing brush wheel.

Thank You for choosing Smith & Wesson / Thompson Center products. Have a great day.
Smith&Wesson values its customers and we are happy to have served you today. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require further assistance.

Regards, Steve"

I haven't heard of the 'Tampico' finish and will try to avoid it in future. I thought that buying new and paying several times the price of a used item, I would get something really special. Not so. I like the other aspects and expect it will be an enjoyable shooter.
A+

Interesting especially re: Tampico brushing.
As Elite Stainless' describes it:
Polished Finishes

No. 3 An intermediate polish surface obtained by finishing with a 100-grit abrasive. Generally used where a semifinished polished surface is required. A No.3 finish usually receives additional polishing during fabrication.

No. 4 A polished surface obtained by finishing with a 120-150 mesh abrasive, following initial grinding with coarser abrasives. This is a general-purpose bright finish with a visible "grain" which prevents mirror reflection.

No. 6 A dull satin finish having lower reflectivity than a No. 4 finish. It is produced by Tampico brushing the No. 4 finish in a medium of abrasive and oil. It is used for architectural applications and ornamentation where a high luster is undesirable, and to contrast with brighter finishes.

No. 7 A highly reflective finish that is obtained by buffing finely ground surfaces but not to the extent of completely removing the "grit" lines. It is used chiefly for architectural and ornamental purposes.

No. 8 The most reflective surface; which is obtained by polishing with successively finer abrasives and buffing extensively until all grit lines from preliminary grinding operations are removed. It is used for applications such as mirrors and reflectors.

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-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

Me neither. Wikipedia says:

"Tampico is a city and port in the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico....."

Not reassuring.

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~ S&W aficionado in training ~

Hmmm, now I know why my NIB 629 appeared 'dirty'. Guess it was the oil coat.

I purchased a 617 six inch a couple of weeks ago. It has what I call a brushed stainless steel finish. Looks just like yours. The nice thing about that finish is that a green scrub pad will match the finish exactly, so if you get a scratch or rub marks you can take them right out.

I've worked it over with some auto scratch remover I have on hand and it has toned down the scratched look to the acceptable point. I'd sooner spend time shooting. In a way I'm lucky to have found a 4 inch 617 at all. I canvassed several shops before finding this and it was the last in stock. There is not much product around and no-one seems to know when new shipments will arrive. I suspect you guys are buying them as fast as S&W make them so there's none left for export.

I came across this thread 6 years after the OP. I have to leave it here for those worried about the finish in question that the look is normal. The scratches on the OP's 686 look more prominent most certainly due to light and angle. The scratched look is S&W's original and, to me, even preferable to high polished or bead blasted finish. My Kimber K6s also has the same finish. I even want all my Performance Center guns to have this look!

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

Does NOT look like a Factory finish to me! Not normal.

From looking at the striations, consistency sweeping motions etc.

I’d say it was a factory finish via finishing machine.

Albeit the finishing isn’t as fine as it should be based on a ton of pics of 617 folks have sent me so I can make sure they pic the correct part set before they order

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R/S
J.D.