Refinishing S & W stainless 686-8P

[richyojimbo]

Hello fellow Calguners,
I'm looking for your recommendation on how or who and what type of finish I should put on my 686 Smith. Pics would be much appreciated.

The original finish is ok(factory finish) but because of slight wear I was considering glass beadblasted look.
1. Anyone local gunsmith with great recomendation in SoCal?
2. How's smith & Weston's performance shop results?(combat Revolver package)
3. Or how can I duplicate the finish of factory without polishing the 686(note there are a few scratches light ones)
4. Any reason why not to glass beadblast this gun?
Any help would be appreciated

[Revoman]

By working very slowly and lightly....key word 'lightly', you can prolly do it yourself with some of the ScothBrite pads. They come in different coarseness/grades. I think that the maroon color is the most abrasive, then green, grey and white is the least. (I think) Paint or automotive stores usually carry it and I'm sure that they will know the grades.

If you chose to try, start with the lightest abrasive and use it without 'sanding' too hard, just lightly. Go with the original grain, the factory uses a wheel that leaves a grain that goes east west or north south, you can readily see it on your firearm. It usually runs from back to front, or butt to muzzle.

Take your time and use light strokes until the scratch, rub, what have you is not so prominent. You may have to start with a little rougher pad if the mark is deep, but still go slow and lightly.

Using this method, I was able to eliminate some heavy scratches from my 686 and I cannot tell where the factory started and my finish ends.

I suppose if this doesn't work, then you might consider bead blast or send back to factory for the finish.

What ever you do....DO NOT USE STEEL WOOL ON A SS GUN!!! The wool will get stuck in the grain of the stainless steel and rust, it's impossible to get out. DON'T DO IT!

[old bear]

Before you start with the ScothBrite pads try using Mothers mag polish and an old cotton T-shirt. Apply the Mothers with your finger and gently buff off, this will generally remove most scratches and ground in gunk. Again use a lite pressure and take your time. If the finish does not clean up the way you want do it again.
Remember this is one of those times when "less is more."

[jeffrice6]

Crappy Pic ~ But here is my bead blasted 686 & GP100. BTW, they look much better in person.....

[bwiese]

Keep that polish/abrasive crap way away from muzzle/crown. Plug it up/block it if you're abusing the rest of the gun so at least we won't see "Why did my revolver accuracy drop just because I polished my gun?"
here...

[bsg]

sometimes it's best to ignore that little itch that demands tinkering with things that have absolutely nothing wrong with them. simply, enjoy your S&W.

[LuvBug]

sometimes it's best to ignore that little itch that demands tinkering with things that have absolutely nothing wrong with them. simply, enjoy your S&W.

I would have to disagree...... If one is not happy, change it! If you feel your pistol is no longer sexy, chage it! Like any of our firearms, we make it our own.

I take it all your arms are stock BSG?