So I just bought a year old 686-6 3” that the seller polished to a super high shine. I would like to return it to the luster of a factory finish which I would describe as a hazy shine. Does anyone have a suggestion of the type of polishing rouge the I should use on my buffer? Or, some other method?

Some 800 grit wet/dry sandpaper should get you there. The work surface liberally flooded with a light machine oil. Move up (or down) a grit if you don't like the results. The important thing is not to round the gun's edges, so the sandpaper must have a rigid backing.

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~ S&W aficionado in training ~

A buffer won't do it, but Gray or White Scotch Brite will to scuff the gloss down to something more closely resembling the original finish. If you want it really back to factory original finish send it to S&W, but it will cost over $200 plus another $100 or so for shipping!

Study the swirl patterns of a factory gun for a perfect imitation.

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~ S&W aficionado in training ~

You'll need to take the gun apart. Hammer , trigger and sights so you don't mark them up. Cylinder release and bolt need to come out.

Take scotch brite pads, gray works pretty good. You should see a natural grain, this is the direction you want to finish in. I apply moderate pressure stroking in several directions. You should see it getting hazy, finish out as I mentioned with the grain.

I then take Mothers Mag Polish and lightly take the haze out. A little patience and the right touch and it can be brought back to a nice brushed look.