S&W 3rd Gen Refinishing?

[C&Rcollector]

Does any here have experience with refinishing S&W 3rd gen pistols at home?

I've heard wet/dry sandpaper, then Scotch-Brite pads, then finish with Mother's. Can anyone provide me their method? Specific details please. I'm trying to get them as close to the original finish as possible.

Please note, none of the 3rd Gens I'll be working on have scratches or dents just holster glazing/wear.


Notice: please don't recommend sending them to S&W. I'm not going to pay $200+ for a refinish job on a $400 - $500 gun.

[Click Boom]

Sandblasting?

[RobG]

Disassemble and bead blast. If stainless or white alloy, that is.

[bwhited]

While no experience with the 3rd generation S&W, I have worked with stainless steel guys (bar and food equipment). They use scotch-brite pads. You just need the right grit to match the finish that you want.

[QXSOUP]

The original finish was bead blast with very small beads. I have used the scotchbrite trick in the past on my 4006 and while it works, it is VERY easy to leave behind a "grain" in the stainless.

[C&Rcollector]

Scotch-Brite Method...

What color do you start with and finish with?

[stevie]

I have used 000 steel wool and oil. Rub lightly to take out small scratches.

[bwhited]

I have no idea.

Scotch-Brite Method...

What color do you start with and finish with?

[QXSOUP]

start with the green and move to the gray then the white if you can find them. You gotta take your time and really pay attention. The white pad is their finest and will give it a polished look... if that is your intention.

Honestly, i'd just bead blast the thing.

[C&Rcollector]

Anyone know a bead blaster in San Diego?

[steelholder]

Whenever I get a ding on any of my third gens I use a green scoth bright pad if it's a few scratches(nothing deep) I'll add some oil and GENTLY go back and forth, works every time.

[C&Rcollector]

Thanks Steelholder.

I've give it the Scotch-Brite treatment a try. If all fails, I'll bead blast them.

[JTROKS]

If your gun model ends with a 6 and you can completely disassemble it why don't you ask your local auto or welding shop if they have a bead blaster. You'll need fine grit beads to get original finish. You don't want sand blast for its not the original finish.

[Write Winger]

Thanks for this thread. I'm getting a 6906 today that has a little holster wear.

[C&Rcollector]

I've been talking with a guy on the S&W Forum. He used the Scotch-Brite Method with successful results.

Wet/Dry sandpaper for scratches, then bending with Scotch-Brite pads, then finish with light Mothers.

His 4566 is at the bottom of the page. Looks good enough for me.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/315668-4566-refinish.html

I'm going to try this method sometime soon, I'll post my before and after results when completed.