I've got a stainless revolver with a some scratches and swirls. I know if it was polished I cold get all the blems out. Anyone ever sandblasted to get a nice satin finish. Thanks in advance Jim

I have used silica or glass beads in the past. The result does not replicate the factory finish, but the abrasives do remove the scratches and defects. Remember to use eye protection and a breathing mask. Dust from these operations is very bad from a health standpoint.

Below is an example of a silica blasted stainless finish on a 5906.

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Ret. LE, FA Instr, S&W Armorer

I second the glass beads but start with low air pressure. I think I would try walnut shells first though and see if I got the desired results. Walnut would remove the least amount of metal. Don't focus the nozzle in one spot or you will get an uneven finish.

If you reload or know someone who does, try dropping the frame (if it will fit) into a case vibratory cleaner with crushed walnut shells. You will get a nice even job. I use my case cleaner for all kinds of parts on guns, fishing reels, cars, etc. It takes a while but you hardly lose any metal at all.

My stainles Model 67 had nicks & scratches. I had it bead blasted and it
now has a beautiful satin finish.

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In Omnia Paratus

If you are blasting for the first time I'd be very cautious NOT to round off and blast off logos, roll marks and sharp corners. Check work often.

Make sure that your blast media is fresh & clean. If it has been used on cast iron or rusty steel it can imbed the impurities in the SS.

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GARY
SWCA #2897, SWHF #436

All the above posts cover the topic with one exception: anything laser etched on the gun will disappear with blasting. And pay attention to the advice of starting at low pressure and using beads. After you are done, you will need to do the best cleaning job you've ever done because those beads will hide everywhere. Stay away from sand as it is too abrasive and the stainless on these guns is pretty soft.

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So many S&W's, so few funds!!

First off completely disassembly every part of the gun. Each part should be bead blasted separately. Glass beads come in many different sizes each size creates a different end finish. The finer the bead the finer the finish will be, Use only very low pressure

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Cummings Custom Refinishing

Gentlemen
I thank you for all your input.(learned a lot) Will bring up pictures as soon as its finished.
Thanks again Jim

As an alternitive, you can get a very respectable satin finish with the use of a dark grey scotch bright pad. ( Color of these pads indicates their coarseness.) Just go easy and with the grain of the metal.

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Dave

Get the scratches off then finish it with scotch brite to get the finish right.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"