Finish/markings on S&W-made PPK/s

[JJE]

Here's a shot of my new PPK/S. There are some micro-scratches on the satin part of the frame and slide (not visible), and on the matte-finished top part of the slide. Normally, I would just take some polishing compound and clean it up. However, the serial#, caliber mark, Walther logo and S&W markings aren't roll-marks. I'm not sure how they are applied - they feel slightly raised and rough to the touch.



Are these marks durable? Since the serial# is put on this way, I guess it better be. Can I clean this gun up with Flitz or Simichrome, or am I going to mess up the matte finish and markings?

 

[dfariswheel]

The markings are applied with an electric etching machine.
How easily they will degrade depends on how deeply the etch was done.

Since the BATF has strict standards about how deep and durable the serial number is, I suspect that at least will be fairly durable, but I'm sure the logo will be degraded.
Usually, the black portion of the logo will be removed, leaving a deeper "ghost" of the markings.

As long as you stay away from the markings you'll be OK.
I suggest going to the automotive supply house and buying a couple of the finer grades of Scotchbrite synthetic polishing pads.
These are the best way of removing light scratches and restoring the original factory satin grained finish.

Using metal polishes will not do that good a job of removing the scratches, and will leave an area of a brighter polish that won't match the original finish.
The Scotchbrite will remove or at least blend in the scratches and make them less noticeable, while restoring the grained factory finish.

 

[MICHAEL T]

I saw a used one last week that had been polished except where serial number and PPK/S-1. It looked Like a Interarms Much improved still had tang but liveable.. This horrible lettering ,the silly tang and the razor sharp edges of slide is reason I have and still buy older Interarms. I do go back next day to look at a 2nd time and was gone .

All of the Interarme I have bought have worked perfect and cost about $360 in my area, Add a new recoil spring from wolff and you should be good to go. For a lot less than 500 for a S&W