OK, I've been hooked on the 3rd Gen pistols (again). I have a well-used 5906 that I'm working on that has electric pencil engraving in a few spots. Like a dummy, I didn't take a before picture of the main area. Coming soon "in process" pictures and eventually "I'm done" pictures.

S&W 3rd Generation Pistols (and probably 2nd gen).
These guns came with a bead-blast finish over a stainless steel slide.

3-M Scotch-Brite Pads

#7447 Very Fine (Maroon) Grit Equivalent 360-400
#7448 Ultra Fine (Light Grey) Grit Equivalant 800-1000
#7445 Super Fine (White) Grit Equivalent 1200-1500

• Do not use the pads over any laser etching or the etching will be removed. (Like the TSW Slide markings)
  
• The Maroon pad is much rougher than the other pads. Although it says "very fine", it's still pretty abrasive.
  
• Start with the Light Grey pad and give it a try first. This pad may be enough to work out any holster wear marks. If greater abrasive is needed, then GENTLY try the maroon pad.
  
• These pads will leave a “grain” marking on the bead blast finish – scrub too hard and the bead blast finish will be removed..... but the bead blast look can be simulated with patience!
  
• Try to work in just one direction to avoid swirl marks.
  
• Always finish up with the White Super Fine pad to blend any repairs with the original finish.
  
• Remember, harder is NOT better. If you really mess it up, these guns can be professionally bead blasted back to the original finish.
  
• Did I say Gentle? And Patience?

Grainger Industrial Supply has all three pads available.

Pad 7447 = Grainger Item # 4ZR10
Pad 7445 = Grainger Item # 3WB48
Pad 7448 = Grainger Item # 4ZR09

PAD 7447 -- 3M Industrial Products Catalog

PAD 7448 -- 3M Industrial Products Catalog

PAD 7445 -- 3M Industrial Products Catalog


Here is PAD #7447 Very Fine (Maroon)




Other note 1:
I don't know what the grit of the Green Scotch-Brite pads are. These may be the ones found in the dish soap aisle of Wally-World.


Other note 2:
I did start with a dark grey pad from Menards home center (in the paint section), but it was VERY abrasive... I cannot find a grit equivalent but probably around like 100 grit sandpaper. It is 3M Part # 7415NA Wood Finishing Pad... and I DO NOT recommend this one unless you have some very deep scratches like the electric pencil engraving... what were they thinking?
3M Part # 7415NA Wood Finishing Pad - available locally but not recommended

Good information here, Thanks

Thank you , very informative .

Thanks for the info, looking forward to seeing the pics.

What about a light baking soda basting to restore the original finish...

SCOTCHBRITE GRIT CHART
3M Scotch Brite Nylon Pads:
7445 - White pad, called Light Duty Cleansing - (1000) 1200-1500 grit
7448 - Light Grey, called Ultra Fine Hand - (600-800) 800 grit.
6448 - Green (?), called Light Duty Hand Pad - (600) 600 grit
7447 - Maroon pad, called General Purpose Hand - (320-400) 320 grit
6444 - Brown pad, called Extra Duty Hand - (280-320) 240 grit
7446 - Dark Grey pad, called Blending Pad (180-220) 150 grit
7440 - Tan pad, called Heavy Duty Hand Pad - (120-150) 60(?)
Blue Scotch-Brite is considered to be about 1000 grit.
(The value inside the parentheses is directly from 3M.)
3M Chart
Less Aggressive --------> More Aggressive
7445 7448 6448 7447 6444 7446 7440
Finer Finish --------> Coarser Finish