I just purchased a used 65-3(RB-3 in), police trade in?, off of GB. Hasen't arrived yet but I want obtain as much information as I can on how to get it to the factory original SS finish. I don't want the mirror finish that looks like nickel. I do want to get ride of the surface blemishes & light scratches, the normal stuff.

I don't know what to use, beed blast, scotch pads, syn wool, pastes, etc. etc. Need to know how to get it back to the factory orginal finish and what products to use. I don't know what the factory finish should be.

Thanks!

i use the scotch brite pads, because the original was a a brushed finish. complete disasembly is required because of the abrasive in the pads.

What number/color Scotch Brite pads?

if the gun is in bad shape i start with the red and finish with the gray ones, if it just needs touching up use the gray.

Do you use a circular motion when rubbing, or lateral strokes? What about using Mother's or Flitz in combination? (I'm thinking a flannel or old t-shirt would be a better idea.)

My 65-5 could use a little TLC as well.

I also just purchased a used 65 off of GB (SB-4 in) which needs some cleaning up and TLC. I'd like to get rid of the surface blemishes and light scratch but don't want to give it a shiny finish. Does anyone have a good technique they'd be willing to share?

Here you go.

Scotchbrite pads for stainless guns?

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Thank you! This will help alot.

If you're going to keep the gun, and want it to look original, call S&W and see what they would charge to clean it up and restore it to it's original finish.

S&W list on their web site bead blasting the whole gun for $155. They have the slide and frame listed seperately too. Of course, you have to ship it both ways and that's expensive too. I found a local shop that is bead balsting my 4586 for $45.00. It's 20 years old and was a local PD purchase. It has a lot of holster wear. They are also replaciing all the springs while they have it apart. I bought a replacement spring kit from Wolff. Call some of your local shops or call S&W and see if you can get a better price before you try the pad.