Polishing a SS S&W

[Uffdaphil]

I just got a LEO trade-in Model 64 in decent condition, but a little dowdy. What is a good method to shine it up a little? I don't want it to look mint, just polish a bit. On the Smith forum a guy used scotchbrite and Mother's mag wheel goop to good effect, but it looked a little too matte to me. Jeweler's rouge on a rag? Do you swirl or wipe straight back and forth on the barrel? Dremel buffing wheel a good idea?

[Stone]

Partly I think it depends on what kind of finish you are after. High gloss, matte, etc.,etc. Remember that scotchbrite pads come in different abrasive levels so matching your scrubber to the polish is key. For instance an abrasive scrubber with an abrasive polish will take off more material faster. You want to start gentle and if more is needed you can always up the game. If it was me I would start with a microfiber towel and some Flitz. There are some decent videos on YouTube that might help.
https://www.amazon.com/Flitz-Plastic...s=flitz+polish

[Uffdaphil]

Thanks. I’m just looking for minimal improvement towards the original finish. Definately not the matte of modern SS. The Scotchbrite kinda scares me. I’ll start with micro fiber and see how it goes. Waiting on some G10 grips and will post pics when they arrive.

[FortTom]

I just got a LEO trade-in Model 64 in decent condition, but a little dowdy. What is a good method to shine it up a little? I don't want it to look mint, just polish a bit. On the Smith forum a guy used scotchbrite and Mother's mag wheel goop to good effect, but it looked a little too matte to me. Jeweler's rouge on a rag? Do you swirl or wipe straight back and forth on the barrel? Dremel buffing wheel a good idea?

I would take a pass on the Dremel. They're great for polishing small parts where the wheel can cover the whole part at once. Polishing a pistol with one is a hazardous proposition. They have a tendency to give you bright and duller streaks. I'd try a little jewelers rouge or some flitz with the micro fiber and go slow. Another danger of the Dremel is the shank of the buffing wheel will eventually find it's way to the surface and really leave a mark to buff out.

FT

[Uffdaphil]

Thanks. Nix on the Dremel then. Flitz and new grips on the way.

[Eric]

You should do some before and after photos.

[Uffdaphil]

I should have clicked a pic before I scrubbed it down with Weaponshield. What I thought was surface rust was mostly just crud. I’ll still do a before and after Flitz when I get back in town.

[Uffdaphil]

After Flitz and CZ grips

Attachment 4736
Attachment 4737

[Uffdaphil]

Photo loader keeps timing out. If this time fails I will try again later. The Flitz worked great.

[Uffdaphil]

All done

Attachment 4739

[Eric]

All done

Attachment 4739

That turned out nice. Classic 38 Special.

[Aragorn]

Wow, yeah that turned out nice.

[Stone]

Nice job! I like those grips...

[Uffdaphil]

My last Smith was a 7” 686. It felt like a fat squirrel was hanging onto the barrel. This one has a sweet balance.