removing pits and polishing stainless

[rickjames629]

A friend recently bought a 66 in rough looking condition. It has plenty of scratches, a few pits under the grips, and a pitted hammer and trigger.

Could you tell me:

1. Is it better to replace the hammer and trigger or try to remove the pitting?

2. How can he remove the pitting on the frame.

3. Step by step how you would make this gun look good.

4. How much would a new MIM trigger and hammer cost?

I assume he needs to use rough steel wool on the pitting and gradually use finer steel wool and finish with Mothers. I would like to hear what the knowledgable folks here would do. Thanks for your quick reply...he wants to work on it today. -Rick

 

[rickjames629]

A friend recently bought a 66 in rough looking condition. It has plenty of scratches, a few pits under the grips, and a pitted hammer and trigger.

Could you tell me:

1. Is it better to replace the hammer and trigger or try to remove the pitting?

2. How can he remove the pitting on the frame.

3. Step by step how you would make this gun look good.

4. How much would a new MIM trigger and hammer cost?

I assume he needs to use rough steel wool on the pitting and gradually use finer steel wool and finish with Mothers. I would like to hear what the knowledgable folks here would do. Thanks for your quick reply...he wants to work on it today. -Rick

 

[kritter]

depending on the deepness and location of the pitting,fine emery cloth backed with a file,followed by different grades of scotchbright pads (rough to fine) then finishing with mothers
steel wool ,, not so much..it'll impregnate the pores of the stainless with fine bits of carbon steel leading to rusting later on..
as for the hammer & trigger... cover the sear surfaces and bead blast....

 

[rickjames629]

thanks kritter. I will tell him to avoid steel wool, rust will not be good down the road. He is taking on this project at home he is not a 'smith. Good advice thanks.

He doesn't have the ability to bead blast.