4506-1 finish

[Rvulcan500]

Hey all
I have gotten my hands on a 4506-1
It came with no mags so I bought 3
Promags (they work flawless) i still
Want to get 1 factory mag but can't
Afford one. The person owned it
Sold the mags before I bought the pistol
This is an expolice pistol
Any way the finish is rather
Worn in spots. Would it be okay if I took
The finish down to the stainless steel
Or would it be sacrilegious.
Thank your your input
Ric

 

[BigDaddy7972]

I suggest trying Flitz on it. It cleaned mine up very nicely. Just apply and rub it in. Then polish it with a clean rag. Keep doing it till the rag you are using isn't dirty any longer.

 

[kraynky]

Flitzing until the rag is clean will give you a mirror finish. The factory finish is more of a matte stainless. Pictures would help here. Congratulations on the purchase, it's a great 45.

 

[stansdds]

First, congratulations on obtaining a Model 4506-1, they were the last of the breed and the best.

Second, congratulations on getting 3 ProMag magazines that work!

Third, the factory finish is a bead blasted, satin finish. Yours is a former law enforcement weapon, I'm sure it shows plenty of holster wear and probably some scuffs and scrapes too. Since this is a used firearm, no box, no papers, no tools, not even an original magazine, shows signs of wear and use, in my opinion, it has no collector value at all. It is a shooter grade firearm, so if you want use Scotchbrite pads, wet-or-dry sandpaper, or metal polishing compounds to make it into what you want it to look like, then go ahead. I recommend going slowly, once metal is removed, it cannot be put back.

 

[Rvulcan500]

Hey everyone
Thanks for the replies and advice.
I really do appreciate it. I love
This forum.
2 questions. Where can you buy
Fritz?
Where can I find a reasonably priced
Magazine for it
Thanks
Ric

 

[stansdds]

Hey everyone
Thanks for the replies and advice.
I really do appreciate it. I love
This forum.
2 questions. Where can you buy
Fritz?
Where can I find a reasonably priced
Magazine for it
Thanks
Ric

It is not Fritz, don't know who Fritz is and he might not take kindly to the notion that he is for sale. You need to look for FLITZ Metal Polish. You might find it in the automotive section at WalMart, if not, then auto parts stores may have it. Home Depot or Lowes Home Improvement stores, Some gun shops may have it too.

 

[Rvulcan500]

Thanks for correcting me
I dont think fritz would
Like it either

 

[jjfitch]

Do no harm!

To get it to original configuration a call the Smith and Wesson Tech Support might get results as to grit and method of application.

If you already have a compressor sand blasting isn't expensive if you decide to do it yourself. Of course start with the least aggressive grit and experiment. I recall someone even using baking soda to get the look they were looking for.

Even hiring the job out wouldn't be too expensive if you do the disassembly.

All the best,

 

[Aegis]

To restore to factory original finish I would consider sending it to BMCM a member of this forum. He would be less expensive than factory and much faster, he will do an outstanding job. Since he will have it apart he can inspect and replace any parts that are worn or need attention.

 

[surfgun]

Original finish is a glass bead blast.
Flitz is only if you want to make it look non-original, pimped out version.

 

[18DAI]

Congrats on the 4506-1. Great pistol and my favorite full size 45.

If you want a factory looking bead blast finish, I would do as Aegis suggests and contact member BMCM. He is a talented craftsman on par with the original gunsmiths who use to work at s&w.

If you wish to do something yourself, without harming the gun, get some Scotchbrite pads. I used the green, gray and white pads.

Take the slide off and douse it liberally with CLP. Start with the green pad and make slow passes - in one direction, NOT back and forth, with light pressure - on the affected areas. Then do the same with the lighter abrasive grey pad and finish with the least abrasive pad. It should only take two or three passes with each pad to return the slide to a uniform brushed finish look.

The same process can be used on areas of the frame, like the outside of the trigger guard, to eliminate rubs or shiny spots from holster wear. While it is not bead blasting, it does give it a nice finish.

I did this to a well worn and filthy 4506-1 LE trade I picked up at a pawn shop. Took a few hours, but the results were well worth it. Just go slow and take your time.

I would NOT put Flitz on my stainless guns. It makes them look like polished nickel. Tacky, IMO. Good luck! Regards 18DAI

 

[ladder13]

Hey everyone
Thanks for the replies and advice.
I really do appreciate it. I love
This forum.
2 questions. Where can you buy
Fritz?
Where can I find a reasonably priced
Magazine for it
Thanks
Ric

Denny aka oldman10mm usually has mags, or pm him with a request and he'll get what you need. He's 100%

WITHDRAWN S&W OEM pistol magazines a new supply-13 of the 14 SOLD

 

[bigggbbruce]

I have this Kimber I bought, the seller had taken what looked like a grinder to the slide flats..

I used a flat plate and sanded the flats down as far as 600 grit. Using straight strokes in all different directions(this actually creates bright finish)

Then I take 220 grit and carefully stoke the slide straight down the paper to give it a nice brushed look.

 

[4T5GUY]

This question comes up so very often. I know I keep responding with the same answer but here I go again.

Like "18DAI' suggested Scotchbrite is an easy and tolerable option. Close enough but not bead blasted, better than nothing.

Most of the irregular regulars here are getting tired of me posting my originally totally scarfed 4566 that now isn't.

CLP, Scothbrite and going one direction w/the grain works out pretty good. This 4566 was in BAD shape externally but as new inside.

Jim

 

[Rvulcan500]

Well gents I did it. I polished it to a light
Shine. I have a picture but I dont know
How to post it since photo bucket now
Charges to put pics on. It is alittle shiny
I dont think it came out half bad.
As soon as i can put up a pic i will.
Thanks
Ric

 

[Rvulcan500]

Here it is

 

[18DAI]

Nice job! She looks great! Regards 18DAI

 

[stansdds]

That doesn't look all that shiny to me, looks like an even, brushed finish. Well done!

 

[ladder13]

Here it is

Preferable, to me, over that easily marred bead blast finish.

 

[Rvulcan500]

Hi everyone
Thanks for the compliments
It took me all afternoon and a
Pissed of wife but I did it.
Thanks
Ric