[AcceptableUserName]

So, let's take, say, the bolt on an 870 Wingmaster. Polished smoothe. Shines like a mirror.


Now let's take the bolt on an old 500. Rough. Has burrs. Not shiny.



I'm basically looking to HIGHLY polish the internals of this old 500 to improve the action. It might not make a huge difference, but it will some I think. What tools would you use to go about soing this? I have most anything at my disposal. I don't to sand or grind - I want to polish as finely as possible. Most of the bluing is already gone off of the parts anyway.

[oneounceload]

How about jeweler's rouge and a small Dremel buffing wheel?

[highorder]

a 6" bench grinder, a loose muslin wheel, some rouge, and some time will work.

Go slow, let the wheel do the work, and wear eye protection.

[dfariswheel]

The reason the 870 Wingmaster bolt shines so nicely is because its chrome plated.

You can polish a 500 bolt by starting off with very fine sand cloth and finishing up with Mother's Mag polish.
Its faster if you have access to buffing equipment.

[AcceptableUserName]

thanks guys appreciate it. i have the major components of everything. a 10-20 dollar trip to home depot should set me up.

[Grunt]

Try wheat germ in a brass tumbler. Tape off anything you don't want polished or the finish removed and let it go for a couple days. That gives the finest polish you can get.

[Uncle Mike]

Vibratory polisher with ceramic bead.
Stuff will come out looking like chrome!

[oneounceload]

Where's the best place to find the ceramic bead material?

[zhyla]

Hmm, I dunno if this is a good idea. The parts where the bluing is worn off aren't much of a concern (they're flush against something so they don't corrode as easily), but the parts where it hasn't will become unprotected metal will become a corrosion concern.

If your old 500 is so worn I really doubt the burrs are contacting anything. Won't make a bit of difference. But if you're looking for something to do... well have at it :).

[AcceptableUserName]

Grunt, good suggestion!



I know what you mean about leaving the parts unprotected. The gun never leaves the house though and is wiped down regularly. That and I live in a relatively dry climate.

[oletymer]

To slick up the action put a coating of fine valve grinding compound on the internals and work the action a lot. Clean the action thoroughly and lube.

[Dave McCracken]

Run 1K shells through it. Repeat as needed....