Should I polish my 642-1?

[6ForSure]

Hello, I've got a 642-1 that I bought new a few years ago. The coating is good overall, but I want to polish it. I'm only interested in those that have actually done this, or have personal experience. If you haven't done this or don't know the results please don't reply. Thanks!)

 

[HarrishMasher]

This frame is aluminum alloy with a clear coat. It is not steel. Only the barrel and cylinder are steel. Do not polish the frame! You will ruin the finish and expose the bare alloy.

 

[scruffy]

The cylinder (not the yoke) on the 642-1 is stainless steel and can be polished to a bright finish. I've done it on my wife's. Looks good with matte finish on the clear-coated aluminum frame.

 

[gunnails]

I have never even thought of doing it, but just thought I would reply because you told me not to.

I'm a Rebel.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

The cylinder (not the yoke) on the 642-1 is stainless steel....

I thought the yoke was stainless steel. Wouldn't an alloy one warp real easily?

 

[wesnellans]

I thought the yoke was stainless steel. Wouldn't an alloy one warp real easily?

The yoke IS stainless steel. Just the frame on the 642 is aluminum alloy. Steel otherwise.

Well, except for the grips

 

[TucsonMTB]

Here's hoping some brave soul has actually tried this. We have finish challenged 638-3 that is a candidate for polishing or bead blasting.

In theory, the results should be acceptable. Bare aluminum does NOT rust. Instead, it develops an almost invisible coating of aluminum oxide on exposure to air.

 

[ContinentalOp]

In theory, the results should be acceptable. Bare aluminum does NOT rust. Instead, it develops an almost invisible coating of aluminum oxide on exposure to air.

Any chance it could look like this?

This is the finish wear on my 642-1 after ~4.5 years of carry and practice. This is what it looked like after ~10 months (FYI, different lighting):

 

[TucsonMTB]

Any chance it could look like this?

I don't think so. Polishing the revolver after removing ALL of the painted finish should result in a shiny, bare aluminum surface.

I believe S&W uses a Zinc Chromate primer before they apply the silver paint to ensure a uniform finish color.

It appears that the primer stays on the frame when the silver paint comes off.

I believe the remaining primer coating is what looks so dark on your revolver.

 

[ContinentalOp]

I believe the remaining primer coating is what looks so dark on your revolver.

I hadn't thought of that. Makes sense. Thanks for the info.

 

[ADP3]

I've seen a 642 where JUST the cylinder flutes were polished. It looked nice and did not jeopardize the integrity of the frame.

Best Regards,
ADP3

 

[riverrat38]

I have not polished any guns, but I have polished Aluminum bicycle components, after sanding paint off.
They stayed nicely polished, I was surprised that I didn't get any noticeable Oxidation.
I think the polish had some kind of protectant in it that keep the finish nice.
I have wondered about the same work on a revolver frame. Don't see why it wouldn't work.
I went to 600 wet or dry followed by metal polish.

Best,
Rick

 

[6ForSure]

Here is mine, I'm not finished yet but it's close. I have several more pics but can't get them to upload right now onto the site. I carry this everyday in Texas heat.

 

[BubbaBlades]

My 642 (no dash) on the bottom has been polished over 20 years and has not needed any touch-up. The 642-2 (on top) has seen a lot less use but has not aged as well.

Mark

 

[6ForSure]

I think the finish will be just fine. Seems there are a lot of opinions on here about what we can't do from people who haven't done it. I put several coats of wax on it after carrying it for a month and it's still perfect. I started by complete disassembly and sanding it 800/2000 to remove the paint then moved on to the Dremel with Mothers Mag and Aluminum polish and finished with Mothers Billet by hand. Well worth the time, it's like another gun, a new gun

 

[kaaskop49]

Here is mine, I'm not finished yet but it's close. I have several more pics but can't get them to upload right now onto the site. I carry this everyday in Texas heat.

Is there a chance that finish could be too bright to obtain a sight picture in daylight? Just wondering. I just shoot and clean these things; I barely passed Art in high school.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[6ForSure]

There are a few obvious tactical disadvantages to having a polished gun. It's not everybodies cup of tea, but neither are revolvers. That's a good point you brought up and something people should consider before attempting this.

 

[colin1230]

Hmmm, am I missing something? Two days ago you asked if you should and now it is finished, or close. Any other pics? Nice revolver by the way.

 

[6ForSure]

You're not missing anything, I had already started but wanted to know if anybody had actually done it and what they had to say. There have to be others out there that have done this with all of the complaints I've heard and read about the finish problems on these guns.

 

[TucsonMTB]

I think the finish will be just fine. Seems there are a lot of opinions on here about what we can't do from people who haven't done it. I put several coats of wax on it after carrying it for a month and it's still perfect. I started by complete disassembly and sanding it 800/2000 to remove the paint then moved on to the Dremel with Mothers Mag and Aluminum polish and finished with Mothers Billet by hand. Well worth the time, it's like another gun, a new gun

Thank you for detailing your technique. That is absolutely gorgeous, sir!

I am especially impressed that the laser engraved trademark appears to have survived the process.

Outstanding!