Suggestions on how to fix chip in stainless trigger guard

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Blade37db

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I have a small (and I mean small) chip on the outside of the trigger guard on my 681. One of those things where I know it's there and it bugs me.

Looking for suggestions on how to fix it.....before I give it a try and maybe make things worse and never forgive myself. Or maybe the best thing is to leave it alone and get over it.

I bought some fine grit sandpaper and thought that might smooth it out if I'm precise and go easy, but want a sanity check before I screw something up.

Thanks.
 
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A good (in focus) close-up photo would help posters give advice on how best to proceed.

Usually if the defect is not too deep, it can be carefully sanded away, and then the area blended with 3M pads.....with the intent of trying to restore the original look of the finish.
 
oldgranddad said:
Need a photo with something next to this ding for scale. Does in cause your hand/fingers to bleed when you shoot it?
Click to expand...

Probably can't even really see it in a picture.
It is in the front "vertical" portion of the trigger guard so no, it doesn't effect my fingers.
 
Blade37db said:
Picture attached (no laughter please)
Click to expand...

I am not laughing, just thinking that their ARE drugs that can help OCD... ;-)

If it really bugs you, very careful work with a jeweler's file or fine stone could help that -- but as one warning above states, even with your best, most conservative efforts it could end up looking worse after the "fix" than before.
 
Pisgah said:
I am not laughing, just thinking that their ARE drugs that can help OCD... ;-)

If it really bugs you, very careful work with a jeweler's file or fine stone could help that -- but as one warning above states, even with your best, most conservative efforts it could end up looking worse after the "fix" than before.
Click to expand...

LOL. Thanks. I only seem to have it when it comes to my S&Ws.

That's the kind of insight/advice I needed. Might be best to just leave it alone. Appreciate the reply.
 
I would first take a 2oz jewelers hammer and peen any metal possible back into the hole. Then hit it with 500 grit paper on a sanding block to level the surface. I would not try to completely remove the ding, just minimize it.
 
Lightly touch the rough spots with with a file, smooth it it with 1000 grit paper and finish with some Lead-away cloth. Probably shouldn't mention this... but the light scratches and small ding by the S&W info stamp would bug me more. :)
 
Blade37db said:
I have a small (and I mean small) chip on the outside of the trigger guard on my 681. One of those things where I know it's there and it bugs me.
Click to expand...

Understand how you feel about cosmetic issues.

I walked away from what appeared to be a pretty nice CS-1, over something similar. In retrospect, probably not my smartest move ever...



 
If you REALLY know somebody.....

If you know somebody that REALLY knows what they are doing, They could fill it with a TIG weld and then grind/polish it down. TIG is pretty tame but I would be concerned about discoloration around the spot from the heat in the Stainless Steel. (That dark blue kind of thing). I don't think the TIG would be on long enough to heat up the surrounding metal, but I'm no expert, I'm only familiar with the process.

I'm a chicken and I'd probably just polish the nick to make it blend in better rather than take a chance on making it worse.
 
Ignore it shoot it put the ocd on the shelf -"fixed"
Shoot it and carry it for a couple decades add some more dings and scratches to the gun and that little one will blend right in
 
I like the idea of peening the displaced metal back into that very slight cavity; as suggested earlier by Smith 357.
Practice on some sample metal to get a feel.

No one here "laughs" at a genuine interest in keeping S&Ws as nice as we can.
 
Last edited:
Pisgah said:
If it really bugs you, very careful work with a jeweler's file or fine stone could help that...
Click to expand...
Smith357 said:
I would first take a 2oz jewelers hammer and peen any metal possible back into the hole. Then hit it with 500 grit paper on a sanding block to level the surface. I would not try to completely remove the ding, just minimize it.
Click to expand...
This and/or this... :) ... an easy fix in my estimation. Thank God for all-stainless steel guns. :D Exactly what combination of tools and technique will yield the very best result might take a little careful experimentation. Just go slow and know when to stop. :)
 
Your best option is to leave it be. Of course it's not NIB conndition but an attempt to remove that small blemish is going to do worse harm. Besides the fact that just taking it in and out of the safe has the potential to inflict another scratch or dent. Wipe it down with a silicone rag and love it for what it is.
 
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