Upgrade finish on new revolvers?

[Bitterbeer]

Recently picked , new, a M629 Deluxe 6.5" and a M686 Deluxe 6". I know some of the new features are troublesome to many but I still love these revolvers.

I do have a question on their finish. Smith & Wesson offer some polishing service. I have also thought about polishing the stainless a bit more to clean 'em up a bit myself, maybe. Any thoughts? Their finish is ok but it could be better.

Thanks
Rich

 

[Seadragon]

That's the great thing about stainless steel; unless it's badly abused, it can be cleaned up very nicely with little effort. Something like 400 grit sandpaper and Mothers Mag and Aluminum Polish should serve you well. Use the Mothers sparingly though unless you want a bright, highly polished revolver! No reason to pay S&W to do the polishing unless the finish is badly abused (and that should be covered by warranty).

 

[350mag]

Sounds like these are new guns. I'd say use them as is. I think stainless is less appealing when it is bright polished. I prefer the factory finish.


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[jeffrefrig]

They look nice all polished up. But as soon as you take it out ya notice every fingerprint. Micro-fiber cloth will take care of that, though.
Your choice. Try just doing one and see what you think, if they're both stainless.

 

[UncleEd]

I think stainless is less appealing when it is bright polished. I prefer the factory finish.
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Just admit it, you're a
dull guy.

 

[350mag]

Bright blue on the M27 is nice.


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[Bobbysixkiller]

Mothers mag polish works really well.

 

[crazyphil]

When I bought my Model 67 It didn't look good enough to suit me, so I
had a local smith bead blast it.

 

[stansdds]

Unless trying to create a BBQ gun, I would not bother polishing stainless. Polished stainless shows fingerprints, scratches, and scuffs very well. If you insist on polishing stainless, S&W or any really good gunsmith or gun refinisher can do it. You can also DIY with some mild abrasives and polishing compounds, just go slow and try not to round off edges and roll marks. If you think you might one day part with these revolvers, keep in mind that a polished finish is not the factory original finish and many used firearms buyers and certainly collectors will pay less for such a firearm.

 

[65Whelen]

When I bought my Model 67 It didn't look good enough to suit me, so I
had a local smith bead blast it.

The bead blast looks good. Did it change the surface texture? Does it feel grittier? As opposed to the S&W normal polished surface.

 

[politicallyincorrect]

My first wheel gun came to me yesterday. 629 6", I like the gun, but the finish wasn't very attractive. I started polishing last night with Mothers….I was surprised how quickly it is coming along. I stopped because im going to disassemble it, tape off the top where I don't want glare, and im going to town! Sounds like while I'm in there, I might as well clean up the insipid the gun and replace a couple springs. Then maybe some nice wood grips. It will be very pretty then! I'm going to shoot it, have reloading supplies already purchased, but I will never carry-except when I take it out to kill a deer. Post pics of what you do!!!

 

[3rdgeargrndrr]

My first wheel gun came to me yesterday. 629 6", I like the gun, but the finish wasn't very attractive. I started polishing last night with Mothers….I was surprised how quickly it is coming along. I stopped because im going to disassemble it, tape off the top where I don't want glare, and im going to town! Sounds like while I'm in there, I might as well clean up the insipid the gun and replace a couple springs. Then maybe some nice wood grips. It will be very pretty then! I'm going to shoot it, have reloading supplies already purchased, but I will never carry-except when I take it out to kill a deer. Post pics of what you do!!!

Its just my opinion, but flashing a deer with a multisided mirror might not be the best way to hunt one.

 

[ImDrRich]

I like to use a product called "Blue Magic" which is a polish only for stainless steel (never for blued guns). It really brings a shine to the stainless steel, and removes those nasty burn rings on the front of the cylinder after a range trip. Check on Amazon.

That's the great thing about stainless steel; unless it's badly abused, it can be cleaned up very nicely with little effort. Something like 400 grit sandpaper and Mothers Mag and Aluminum Polish should serve you well. Use the Mothers sparingly though unless you want a bright, highly polished revolver! No reason to pay S&W to do the polishing unless the finish is badly abused (and that should be covered by warranty).

 

[Well Armed]

Sounds like these are new guns. I'd say use them as is. I think stainless is less appealing when it is bright polished. I prefer the factory finish.


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I agree. I love the brushed stainless finish. Bead blasting make the revolver look like a cheap budget gun like a Taurus or the like and is also more pron to rust which is why I am not as fond of some S&W Performance models. As mentioned, a polished finish will look great on a BBQ, range, or safe queen gun, but will show every scratch, fingerprint, and imperfection.

 

[DGNY]

I'm very glad we have such choices to make. Both in initial acquisitions with factory finishes, and then later with what we may choose to do on stainless, for example. No engraved models in the stash! Maybe someday!

As with many, a few nickel items reside here and I love them for their brilliant looks, but not for my practical use. As well, brilliant deep blue is marvelous! But the look of Highway Patrolmen in their purposely tamed down blues - also beautiful to me.

OK, true confession .... I have fired up the Mothers Mag to brighten up one stag-accoutred stainless four-inch for my viewing and showing pleasure!

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

In the 80's I bought a police trade in 686 4". That officer sat in front of the TV every night polishing the gun with Flitz or Semi-chrome polish. It is absolutely beautiful!

The gun came from a local (my wife's hometown) PD and the 686 had a bent crane from 'Wrist snapping" the cylinder shut, I ask a couple of officers if they knew who's gun it was? They said everybody knew! He bragged about his polish job and gave demonstrations on how he mishandled his revolver!

Ivan