[s.forktraveler]

i have two of these one prior to the lock and one with it -- the finish on the newer gun (that is covering the aluminum) seems to be sprayed on ? after a few years of pocket duty quite a bit of the finish on the right side has worn off --
mostly between the grips and the cylinder -- i used some flitz & steel wool to
remove the rest of it -- it looks great for a short while then begins to darken -- no problem i understand why however it rubs of & discolors trousers
-- can i coat this with clear lacquer or some type of polish ? --any one else encounter this ? any help would be appreciated

[pete950]

How about a picture of what you are talking about?

[rcmodel]

The newer alloy frame S&W's are hard anodized then clear coated.

If you scrubbed off the hard anodizing with steel wool and Flitz, you are down to bare aluminum now.

The best answer now is to send it back to S&W and have them refinish it.

rc

[Remllez]

Steel wool on a clear coated gun is quite aggressive for cleaning. The Flitz by itself with a soft cloth is probably more than you need as well. I'm not making excuses for Smith and Wesson, but you may want to review your cleaning routine.

I'm with RC on this one, send it to Smith and take your lumps if it bothers you. It's a very common and well known problem with this series of revolvers.