IF the gun is blued the chances are it is a type of steel that requires a finish as a protection from rust. In such a case you could give the gun a high polish, but it would be especially sensitive to rust, dulling, and other corrosive enviromental effects.
Stainless steels have become a standard over the last 40 years since the methods of manufacturing with SS became better understood. One of the reasons for it's use in the gun industry is the ability to polish the steel and not have to use a chrome, nickel, or other finish to have a polished silver appearance.
