Pinned mod. 60, to polish or not to polish?

[D Harry]

Older pinned mod.60 in original box,some light scratches on right side,I can make it look like new with some Mothers,will that hurt the value?Thats what I like about stainless revolvers,they can be polished,a blued one is what it is.Pics of mod 60.Opinions welcome.

 

[S&W Fan]

Well, I'll add that part of what frustrated me in my search for a 1978 66-1 is that I came across more than I cared for that had been polished. If you intend to keep it then do any/everything you want to make it "yours". I would guess for a resale it will take someone that also likes shiny stainless guns but would detract for those looking for older original guns and might impact the price an unmolested original would bring.

 

[Penquin]

I like it! Me - I polish all stainless unless it is NIB or has the laser markings. I don't think it lowers the value much, but it might shrink the pool of potential buyer just a little. I say polish and enjoy it!!! PEN

 

[ken158]

IMO If you want polished - buy nickel. I believe polished stainless lowers the value

 

[jsfricks]

There are some good threads on the forum on how to restore or touch up a stainless finish with Scotchbrite pads. See post #10 of this thread-

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-smithing/487943-scotch-brite-pads.html?487943=#post139234804

 

[Lonestar57]

There are some good threads on the forum on how to restore or touch up a stainless finish with Scotchbrite pads. See post #10 of this thread-

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-smithing/487943-scotch-brite-pads.html?487943=#post139234804

I'd vote for no polishing. Also as mentioned above I think you'd be pleasantly surprised using the Gray Scotch-Brite pads in fading or actually doing away with most of the scratches. In my opinion it's worth the try first and I guess if you don't like the results you'll always have the polishing option. Good Luck

 

[D Harry]

Thanks guys for the opinions!Never used scotchbrite pads on one,maybe it would work,need to check that out,.Its true these are only original once,I dont know,maybe I should just leave it alone.

 

[CH4]

Same situation a few years ago - scotch brite works great.

 

[hittman77]

I can make it look like new with some Mothers

Only if it came from the factory with a high polish.

This seems to be one of those "personal preference" things.

To me, whether you polish brushed stainless or sand off bluing, you've removed the factory finish and made it a shooter grade. It's now forever a "custom".

 

[Texas Star]

Polish it, but try to blend in to look like the original satin finish. I don't like nickel plating or stainless guns shined up to that level.

 

[Texas Star]

Thanks guys for the opinions!Never used scotchbrite pads on one,maybe it would work,need to check that out,.Its true these are only original once,I dont know,maybe I should just leave it alone.

Quit agonizing over this like you have a rare collectors' item. You basically have a working snub .38, the way most people will see the gun. I'd rather have one that looks nice, no scratches.

 

[apollo99]

I've done both, polished and used Scotchbrite pads. I don't do it to my like new collectable ones, but the everyday shooters, what the heck, I think they make them look better.

 

[mike campbell]

How much will a "like new" model 60 be worth 50 years from now?

In the last year I've bought a 1950's Terrier and a 1950's Colt Officers Model ...both virtually unfired...for a combined total of less than $1100.

 

[bearman49709]

To some a polished gun is a no buy gun, you never know what else bubba did to it.

 

[deanodog]

Here is a polished 60 that was scratched up. I have removed matte finish on new guns that were unfired NIB and polished. I don't worry about resale value.

 

[D Harry]

Nice revolvers guys!Thanks again for the opinions!I dont consider this pinned mod 60 in original box just a shooter.Maybe to some it is,here is a later mod 60 I shoot and keep under the mattress.Its not been messed with either at least not by me.What year and are the grips original,sure look like it.Anyway will let the next owner decide if they want to polish these guns,think they will sell better that way when the time comes.

 

[dlay]

Polish, it will look better than it does scratched, already lost any collector value it it had.

 

[rbmac52]

Despite the scratches or other blemishes on your Model 60, it still retains all of its original finish. That is a plus.

Once a certain level of overall polishing takes place, the original finish becomes non-original, no matter how you look at it (good or bad).

I prefer original satin stainless finish myself, but that is just my personal preference.

 

[Texas Star]

Keep in mind that if you polish carefully, the right way, it will be almost unnoticeable.

Use a good lined holster to avoid scratches and scuffs of that order. I have a gun or two that have seen extensive holster use and look about new. My M-66-3 was my work gun for over 20 years. Some people can't believe how little wear it shows.

 

[hardcase60]

I would never polish a NIB or LNIB SS Smith. That's easy for me to say since I've never owned one. What I do have are several (more than I intended to end up with) pre-owned SS S&W revolvers. To some extent I have polished all of them. They are not safe queens and have no value above shooter grade. IMHO, scratch's on a gun look worse than one that's been polished to any given shine. My guns and I do what I want to them. hardcase60