(UPDATE) + NEW PICS - Finished the 686 "Mirror finish" I was going for.

[Dash4+]

What kind of oil do you guys recommend for sanding with 2000 grit paper?

 

[TAROMAN]

What kind of oil do you guys recommend for sanding with 2000 grit paper?

Done many of these. Wet or dry seems to make no difference, so I settled on dry.

This one was a total wreck. LGS refused to boy it at any price.
After polishing, a lot more than just 2000, however:

 

[75Vette]

What kind of oil do you guys recommend for sanding with 2000 grit paper?

Good 'ol 3 in 1 worked for me.

 

[75Vette]

Here's a pic of my 500 after a dose of Mother's. It came out pretty snazzy.

 

[scruffy]

Used Mothers and Never Dull on my 686+. Purposely tried not to overdo it and leave slight factory finishing marks. Really cleaned up nicely from stock.

 

[Dash4+]

Great looking guns guys. I decided to sand the scratches and pitting out of the 686 last night. After I polished out the sand scratches the stainless is looking more like chrome than stainless. I'll post some more pics when its all done.

 

[Wyatt Burp]

Excellent! My ex wife's husband has the exact gun with the same treatment. An impossible gun to find in CA. that is on my want list is a 6" nickel 586. Your gun would be close enough for me.

 

[Warren Sear]

Polishing SS guns is a popular trend right now, but I always prefer to own and buy guns with their original finish. I think that many who are doing this will one day regret it.

 

[rwsmith]

I like my satin finish....

I like my satin finish, but if you want a shiny gun, that's gorgeous.

 

[loeman]

Lots of beautiful guns shown here! But IMHO, most of them have had their value reduced by polishing. However, if that's what you like and you intend to keep and enjoy the gun then who cares? It's your cup of tea. On the other hand, whenever I see a highly polished stainless S&W for sale in a LGS, I never even ask to see it.

I'm a fan and consumer of Mother's Mag Polish, Flitz, Brasso and Ren Wax. I use these products on my guns in various ways. I'm also a fan of "factory finish" on my guns and so whenever these products are applied they are done so with the light touch of an index finger only. And I'd never let one of my guns get too close to a Dremel or a buffer.

 

[Dash4+]

Added and re-updated my OP in this post. The pics are up top for the gorgeous Mirror finish I spent 20+ hours on, lol. I'm very happy with the results.

 

[Derry 1946]

That is seriously shiny! Kudos!

 

[SeamasterSig]

That is seriously shiny! Kudos!

Yes it is (BTW, nice Job Dash). I'm picturing it right now full of gunpowder residue after a lengthy session with Unique

 

[Dash4+]

Yes it is (BTW, nice Job Dash). I'm picturing it right now full of gunpowder residue after a lengthy session with Unique

Yeah, that's the downside to having a highly polished gun. I hope the wax holds out D:

 

[MattJames]

Really nice work!
And just think, if you ever want a satin finish - you passed it at about 600
That's why I love stainless - brush, blast, polish or buff - whatever finish you like.
Plus, you now know every curve, angle, nook and cranny of that gun. Some areas can be frustrating to work but with patience and a deft touch the end result is very rewarding.

 

[jinx]

Wow! It looks like nickel.

 

[BigMoneyGrip]

It looks great. PM me your address, I'm gonna send you a few of mine!

 

[TAROMAN]

Not sure how polishing a battered, beat up revolver reduces its "value".
But, if it does, so be it.
I'll keep polishing them.

 

[Dash4+]

Lots of beautiful guns shown here! But IMHO, most of them have had their value reduced by polishing. However, if that's what you like and you intend to keep and enjoy the gun then who cares? It's your cup of tea. On the other hand, whenever I see a highly polished stainless S&W for sale in a LGS, I never even ask to see it.

I'm a fan and consumer of Mother's Mag Polish, Flitz, Brasso and Ren Wax. I use these products on my guns in various ways. I'm also a fan of "factory finish" on my guns and so whenever these products are applied they are done so with the light touch of an index finger only. And I'd never let one of my guns get too close to a Dremel or a buffer.

Well, altering the finish and value depends on the buyer. Some people will pay more for a polished gun for 2 main reasons.

1: The buyer prefers a polished look over the stock finish
OR
2: The polished finish is easier to clean after a session at the range than compared to stock finish.

Collector's on the other hand typically prefer stock finish and will pay more for an original , unmodified S&W than compared to a brightly polished S&W. And if I saw to 686's next to each other for sale. One polished and one stock finish. I would take the polished 686 (If the polish job was done correctly and has a high quality finish)

There's many variables that affect the value. There is no general "Value" to a gun because all buyers have different taste when looking to buy a gun. No matter if your a collector, casual shooter or retailer.