I had a S&W 686 many years ago that falls into the "Never should have dealt" category. I've been keeping an eye open for a while now, in an era of really high revolver prices, for a good deal. I might have found one. LGS has a 3" 686 that appears to be well maintained but is covered in fine scratches all over. Has a leather holster as well that is as worn as I've ever seen. Not a safe queen to say the least. But the price is right.
What are my options for the scratched stainless? Not looking to make it a show gun but it's a bit of a pound puppy at this point.
Fine scratches?...Mothers followed by Renaissance. I would buy any 3 inch 686 (no lock) I came across, scratches by damned, so long as it timed correctly.
____________ Pace
October 26, 2024, 04:13 PM
soflaac
There was a gent I found a couple years ago in north Florida who had a side business for polishing handguns. I've lost his contact info but for sure polishing and cleaning up wear / scratches is doable.
The downside is someone doing it who isn't skilled and they over do it and round off high points or cause other damage to screw heads, etc.
Here's a site in Ocala, Fl. who polishes (lots of pics for an example). I personally don't like stainless guns that are that highly done, but a little buffing to clear up scratches looks great.
<>< America, Land of the Free - because of the Brave
October 26, 2024, 04:16 PM
huskerlrrp
Have someone with a glass bead machine make it look new. Other than the trouble of tearing the weapon completely apart, it's super easy to do.
October 26, 2024, 05:42 PM
Nick42
Try calling the factory, their new one. Maybe they will recondition it for you at a reasonable price. You know a Performance Shop trigger job might be a good excuse.
______________________________________________________________ Common sense is no longer simply uncommon. It is rare these days.
October 26, 2024, 09:33 PM
Sgt 127
Grey Scotchbrite pad. Sweep, in the direction of the existing grain, don’t rub.
October 27, 2024, 06:23 AM
SHOOTIN BLANKS
quote:
Originally posted by Nick42: Try calling the factory, their new one. Maybe they will recondition it for you at a reasonable price. You know a Performance Shop trigger job might be a good excuse.
As long as it worked well, I think I’d be ok with the fine scratches.
With an older S&W revolver, unknown history, I usually take the sideplate off & ensure the inside is clean & lightly lube. I have found some a little gunky and dry as a bone.
October 27, 2024, 10:08 AM
Nick B
quote:
Originally posted by Sgt 127: Grey Scotchbrite pad. Sweep, in the direction of the existing grain, don’t rub.
^^^ This is your correct answer . A grey pad sweeped in only one direction with the grain structure. NOT back and forth . Will come out like it just left the factory.
October 27, 2024, 10:35 AM
1lowlife
quote:
Originally posted by Nick42: Try calling the factory, their new one. Maybe they will recondition it for you at a reasonable price. You know a Performance Shop trigger job might be a good excuse.
I had S&W polish one of my 686+ revolvers and do a combat trigger job on it. Had them replace the trigger and hammer as well. They did a great job on all of it.
Oh great, now Photobucket is watermarking my pics.. It only seems to be happening on this forum and not my others?
October 27, 2024, 01:29 PM
egregore
quote:
What are my options for the scratched stainless?
Two: only let a professional gun refinisher touch it, or leave it alone. An amateur polish, if not done correctly, will look worse than the scratches, with edges rounded, stampings blurred, and an uneven appearance from wavy surfaces.
For that matter, fine scratches all over doesn't sound like normal wear. A little burnishing on the muzzle and cylinder from holster wear I could understand. How is the gun internally, e.g., the cylinder timing?This message has been edited. Last edited by: egregore,
October 28, 2024, 08:08 PM
gnappi
quote:
Originally posted by SHOOTIN BLANKS: I had a S&W 686 many years ago that falls into the "Never should have dealt" category. I've been keeping an eye open for a while now, in an era of really high revolver prices, for a good deal. I might have found one. LGS has a 3" 686 that appears to be well maintained but is covered in fine scratches all over. Has a leather holster as well that is as worn as I've ever seen. Not a safe queen to say the least. But the price is right.
What are my options for the scratched stainless? Not looking to make it a show gun but it's a bit of a pound puppy at this point.
Last year I got a five inch S&W 629-5 (pre lock) that looked like it sat under the seat of a 4x4 in rough country and was in horrid shape.
It had the cheezy shallow S&W etching for marking so I polished it up removing it and had the lettering laser etched. I'd post a before and after pic but I don't send pix to image hosting services.
Also, you could try grey scotch brite which I'm told can work on a whole gun but I've only used it in spot applications.
October 29, 2024, 07:25 PM
andronicus
If it's a 3 inch 686 without the stupid lock, and the price is right, get it now and figure out the rest later. They are rare. And yes, I know that this is well established knowledge.
