Question on S&W 686

[ulflyer]

Bought a used one today at the Lexington NC gun show. Was laying there on the table all slick and shiney saying "take me home". So I did. Looks as tho its only been fired a few times. No Box or papers with it and I paid $375..not a steal but seemed fair. Have to see if I can find a proper box.

My question is: with this polished stainless finish, what is the best way to keep it shiney and looking new? I use Hoppes 9 and G96 or Rem oil for cleaning, and I think thats ok, but for polishing the outter finish what is good?

 

[Bandit01]

You're gonna enjoy that pistol. I bought mine at the Metrolina show in Charlotte a few months ago. I bought it new for $400.00 I forget what I use to keep it clean up brother, I love shooting that pistol.

 

[Ala Dan]

Two products I really like at Flitz Metal Polish and Simichrome. FMP is
available from most gun shops, and Simichrome at most automotive
centers. BTW, FMP is more semi liquefied while Simichrome is more
of a paste. If no automotive center is close to you, Simichrome is
also available from The Western Wood Doctor for about $6.98 a
tube + S & H to your door.

 

[ulflyer]

Ala Dan, thanks....I'll prob find some Flitz at the Hickory Nc gun show 12 mar.
Will give it a try. Just realized I have a can of Brasso and its for chrome, stainless, pewter, copper. Might try that until I get to the gun show.

 

[Frank1991]

ulflyer:
What size barrel did you end up getting and is it one of the newer ones with the lock? Happy shooting!

 

[Tacoma]

Mothers mag polish. It's at any wall-mart and give excelllent results. Just as good as Flitz and cheaper IMHO.

 

[ulflyer]

Frank1991 (I take it you shoot a Colt?)...the barrel is 4 inches and thank goodness..no lock. It has the SW wood target grips and serial begins with BEH. Prob around 1989 or thereabouts.

Tacoma...will give it a try. Thanks for tip.

 

[deuce20]

Original S&W Factory SS Finish

ulflyer,

If you ever want to match/blend the original S&W factory, brushed stainless steel finish, try 3M's Scotch-Brite #7448 Ultra-Fine Hand Pads (light gray in color), available at autobody supply stores, some paint stores, and supposedly some Home Depots. I've had great success with these after trying Flitz, Simichrome, Mother's Mag Polish, etc. over the years - and I'm very particular about the condition of my SS S&Ws.

Cut a small patch of the #7448 hand pad and start brushing in the same direction as the existing finish to match/blend. If this isn't enough to remove your more serious scratches, I suggest 1200 or 1600 grit wet/dry autobody sandpaper followed-up by the #7448 hand pads for the final finish. Go slow, take your time and it will come-out "ultra-fine" as advertised.

Here's the 3M data sheet in Adobe .pdf format: 3M Scotch-Brite Hand Pads
Good stuff - one #7448 pad was between a buck to a buck-fifty and will treat a boatload of revos.
Hope this is helpful ...

 

[ulflyer]

Duece, good info and I'll clip it out for future use on my SW 64 which is brushed. My 686 is one that is highly polished...looks like chrome and it only has a tiny line around the cylinder which I don't think I'll mess with, unless one the milder versions talked about above works. In fact, its so darn clean I'm hesitant to shoot it. May just stick with my mod-15 banger.

 

[Mike Kerr]

I use Flitz on my 686.

Regards,