I rescued a NIB S&W stainless revolver last Saturday at an estate auction. Unfortunately, the previous owner did not do much to maintain his gun. Spot of rust under the grips that I have been working on this week with a bronze brush, soft cloth, Flitz, and elbow grease. Should I get more aggressive with it (Scotchbrite pad or fine sandpaper with oil?) or call it "good enough" and leave it alone before I do more damage than good? I really want to get rid of what is left, but am concerned I may cause more problems with the visible portion near the trademark.

Here is how it currently looks and the second picture shows that the grips cover up the area completely. As you can see, the usual micro-scratches typical of stainless steel are already present.

What do you think?

I'd leave it be. Apply some Rem wax, or your choice of wax and put the grips back in place. What model is it? More pics please.

Can't see it with the grips on.

How do you usually look at your gun?

Yeah you know it's there. But to fix that is a long difficult process to make it look original.

I'd put some wax in that and put my stocks back on and be happy with such a great revolver. Sometimes more is too much.

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I'm just buying one more.

dremel tool would fix that right up ...........

kidding of course, I'd let some RB17 sit on it for a few days, clean that off, and then put the handles back on it.

Clean it, seal it, out the stocks back on and shoot it.

I for one have bought firearms with similar issues and they still performed the intended job.

It will never be NIB again. However it can be your constant companion.

Clean it.
Protect it.
Put the grips on it.
SHOOT IT!

Bob

mine I would use a fine stone keep it flat till I goes away. then scotch brite wheel on a buffer. But that's me and most think I am Nuts.

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"I'm feeling MUCH better now"