Removing scratches from SS Ruger Mark II?

[Remander]

Any tips on easy removal of light scratches on a stainless Mark II?

My local Academy has a sale going for one more day (thru Aug. 13). They have some Mark II Gov't Competition models that were counter demos and gathered lots of surface scratches from lookee-loo's handling them.

The price marked is about $350 less 20% during the sale, or $280 plus tax. The regular price was about $400 when they were new and in good shape. The manager said they were shipping them from store to store running the sale trying to dump them cheap in light of the new Mark III's now out.

I already have a pristine model that I love, but I'd buy another for this low price if I could easily remove the scratches.

Any tips or thoughts?

Thanks

 

[dfariswheel]

A good method is to use synthetic blending or polishing pads.
These are similar to the green synthetic "pot scrubbers" sold in grocery stores only in finer "grits".

You can buy these in many hardware store sandpaper departments, and at auto supply houses as ScotchBrite pads.

For most guns, I use the pads equivalent to 0000 steel wool.

Simply rub the scratches or marred area until the marks are gone or are blended in, then finish off by stroking in the same direction as the original grain runs.

This will restore the finish to a factory look, without leaving it with a brighter shine like most metal polishes will.

One word of caution: NEVER use steel wool on stainless or aluminum. Tiny particles of the steel will embed into the stainless and rust, damaging the finish.

 

[1911WB]

Polishing SS

Good info, Wheel. What about using any oil when buffing/polishing with the pads- good idea? WB

 

[dfariswheel]

Can't hurt, but I never do.

I just rinse them out once in a while.