peterdeb
Member
Put the gun down, take a deep breath and don't touch it for two weeks until you calm down. Sometimes doing nothing is the best solution. I bet that scratch didn't look so bad after all.
HELP , I DESTROYED MY LOVED 686
- Thread starter romanson
- Start date
imakmst
Member
Or..............stop worrying about the finish and take it out and shoot it!
Or..............stop worrying about the finish and take it out and shoot it!
You've got that right! Who doesn't have some marring to the finish of a gun they use? Nothing to get unhinged about.
SAFireman
Member
If you want to go that route -> TAKE IT TO A PROFESSIONAL, you have already exhausted the entire range of your gunsmithing talents.
And YES, bead blasting and/or sand blasting can cause irreparable damage if done incorrectly.
Good luck with your project.
Biggfoot44
Member
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2013
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The only way to have a gun that is * Exactly * as it left the factory , is to put it in the safe , and never shoot , carry,
or handle it.
Ruined ? No . It is still as functional as ever , just with a minor cosmetic boo boo . By no means picking on you, but what is goal here ?
Are you trying to recreate the factory finish ?
Have a uniform appearing , reasonably attractive gun ?
Many of us here would just go on shooting it like that , and not think twice about it .
Back in the day , during the Revolver Era , when Revolvers were just regular guns to be used , and not collectable Object 'd Art , it was common for owners to tweak their stainless guns finish to suit their tastes and preferences .
Having been exposed to Nickle plated guns in my formative years , I'd been known to judiciously apply the occasional mag wheel polish .
Brushed finish get so shiny spots from holster wear ? Several of the methods in this thread could make them far less noticeable with a couple minutes efforts . Or just leave them as a sign of character .
or handle it.
Ruined ? No . It is still as functional as ever , just with a minor cosmetic boo boo . By no means picking on you, but what is goal here ?
Are you trying to recreate the factory finish ?
Have a uniform appearing , reasonably attractive gun ?
Many of us here would just go on shooting it like that , and not think twice about it .
Back in the day , during the Revolver Era , when Revolvers were just regular guns to be used , and not collectable Object 'd Art , it was common for owners to tweak their stainless guns finish to suit their tastes and preferences .
Having been exposed to Nickle plated guns in my formative years , I'd been known to judiciously apply the occasional mag wheel polish .
Brushed finish get so shiny spots from holster wear ? Several of the methods in this thread could make them far less noticeable with a couple minutes efforts . Or just leave them as a sign of character .
Thought you said 586. I'm not the stainless guy but sandpaper I would say never unless some seriously fine stuff. I had a 686 with 10,000 rounds per year through, PPC. it had been banged etc. Flitz it by hand (cloth not machine) and within aa hour had a polished finish and could literally make it look like nickel with a little more work. Ok it looks like nickel now, I admit it. I like it. I had that stainless dull finish for years and showed every scuff, rub etc. Now, can about drop it in the dirt, Flitz it back to "new" . Lots of guys don't like it, but it is the easiest finish to have. Shoot it, clean it, flitz it and it looks brand new but yes shiny. Flitz cuts and cuts fast, regardless what the label says. Flitz it all and be done with it in a hour today, I say!
Consider that it's a tool. Using one will show some effect on it.
The wear on it is its character. If you want it pristine, don't use it.
Wrap it in a silicone cloth and put it in your sock drawer.
Leave it there and on occasion, remove it and fondle it--but gently.
Then put it back.
The wear on it is its character. If you want it pristine, don't use it.
Wrap it in a silicone cloth and put it in your sock drawer.
Leave it there and on occasion, remove it and fondle it--but gently.
Then put it back.
Throw it in the trash. I'll PM you my trash address.
"Bead blasting damages the gun that much that I can trow in the trash , or you mean that mine is for the trash?"
Member Oldster was just creatively asking you to give up and send him your gun. The grinning emoticon at end shows he's just having some fun. No doubt many members would enjoy owning that 686 of yours!
I'm glad it worked out for you in the end. Is this the same gun you thought had a frame crack? Just remember, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"
Todd
Green Frog
Member
I'm glad things worked out to your satisfaction. Sometimes those of us in the USA fail to appreciate how fortunate we are to be able to get most of what we want (if we're willing to pay for it) pretty much at will. Things are not the same around the world. I hope you will continue to shoot and enjoy your 686 for a long time to come and that you will come back to "visit us" here on the S&W Forum soon and often.
Best regards from Viginia, USA
Green Frog
Best regards from Viginia, USA
Green Frog
benf1
Member
The euro is just about equal to the US dollar, so looking at around $20 for the work. He did a nice job. Good luck, you have some nice handguns too.
stanmerrell
Member
I'm happy that all is well again. I understand your concern. A 686 is a very good revolver. Maybe the best.
You could just put it in the tumbler with some brass.....
