What paint are you talking about?

All three 15-22s that I have bought had black paint on the bolt carrier rails. Polished it off with a fine sanding sponge.

As for what is the purpose of polishing the rails, I though this had been covered. Several times, actually. Jeyzahn is correct. While under normal firing, this appears to do nothing as there was really nothing wrong with my rifle to begin with. However, polishing the rails does smooth things up a bit. Just one of those fluff-and-buff details many people do to thier firearms. Some will notice more benifit than others in the smoothness of operating the bolt by hand. I doubt that it will effect firing of the rifle. Except in a case where your rifle might be inconsistent at cycling sub-sonic ammo - this might be just enough resistance removed from the bolt cycle to allow use of subsonic in that instance. Again, that's speculation and it all depends on just how rough your rails are to begin with. I have yet to see any that I would call smooth. There is nothing to lose and something to gain from polishing the rails. I personally feel that it is worthwhile, but I can also see why others might not want to go through the trouble.

Try it... You'll like it.

I was only asking because I can break a brick just by holding it. Giving me tools and something delicate is not a good idea.

I may look into this at a later date again.

KBK

Is there any coating that you are removing?

__________________
FIDELITAS ET FORTITUDO

Yes, but there isn't anything magical about the coating. If anything it's probably only there to cover up the piss poor machining job S&W did on your bolt guide rails. Once the rails are polished, a LIGHT coating of lube should be all these need to stay beautiful just like other polished areas on other components. If you're concerned about oxidation or other issues, I'm not aware of anyone having problems. Others may want to add input in this area.

And what about voiding the warranty?

__________________
FIDELITAS ET FORTITUDO

There are no warranty issues. I just got mine back from S&W for a loose ejector. The repaired it and replaced the bolt (not the rails) with no questions asked.

No issues at all. Unless you run over the rifle with an APC, its difficult to void the warranty.

You haven't seen me with a tool in my hand. When our boys were real young, they would say, "Momma fix it". Even at that age, they knew daddy was a klutz.

__________________
FIDELITAS ET FORTITUDO

Is it true you need a YouTube video to operate a screwdriver - and I don't mean an electric one?

Haha you guys crack me up, when I read you all say smooth, I imagine the keystone commercials. But back to point I would be worried about oxidation as well. I keep my rifles lubed and clean them very consistently, but I live in Indiana where humidity cant be escaped (would love to be a desert goonie for that reason). So for people like me would removing that paint/line of defense could cause problems? Btw I do love the engine turning and a fan of giving any object some tlc and show it off a bit

I live in Mississippi and we're well aquainted with humidity. I've not seen any oxidation at all on any surface of my rifle. Not to say that it couldn't happen. But under even minimal care, I don't see oxidation being an issue.

It does help to have a steady hand when polishing the rails... gotta keep it smooth like Keith Stone.

If you can wax your car, then you can polish these rails. It really isn't that difficult once you get started and see what you're doing.

Why the heck would I want to wax my car (truck) ? You guys crack me up.

__________________
FIDELITAS ET FORTITUDO

how do you remove the spring assembly from the bolt so i can polish the bolt?

__________________
Taurus 9mm,M&P 15-22,RRA AR-15

You have to compress the spring manually, then lift the spring bar out of the notch in the bolt carrier. To reassemble, just reverse.

__________________
M&P40c/15-22/SD9VE/Mossy500

TY jyezahn

__________________
Taurus 9mm,M&P 15-22,RRA AR-15

You guys have me wanting to polish the rails on mine now; but I'm in the same boat as some on here - If Kayback can break a brick by holding it, I could by simply looking at it.

I do notice when I gently pull the charging handle back, I can hear a faint 'grit' sound (as if there was sand inside). This is even after a detailed cleaning.

I can polish a car. But to be honest, I'd rather scratch up my car than my rifle. Either way, I believe I'll give it a try. Wish me luck.

i just polished my bolt and am starting the rails now.my bolt wasnt too bad so it only took me about 30 minutes.the flash kind of washed out my pics but you can see its shining like jewelry(well almost).here are the pics.

__________________
Taurus 9mm,M&P 15-22,RRA AR-15

Nice job on the bolt! Polishing isn't difficult. For you guys that are hesitant to try it, you could probably find YouTube videos showing some polishing instruction. But probably not for bolt guide rails specifically.

i just wet sanded(added dish soap to paper and steel wool) using some 600 grit paper for the first pass,then used 000 steel wool,then 0000 steel wool(always keeping wet)

__________________
Taurus 9mm,M&P 15-22,RRA AR-15

Just got through polishing the rails and bolt. Both are alot smoother than they were, but I'm not totally satisfied. I don't really have the materials on hand to do it just right. However, it's good enough for now.

There is alot of really good info on this site, you guys really seem to know your stuff. I've really learned alot, and it's well appreciated.