Has anyone polished their slide?

U

ultrastar

New member
It didn't start out that way but I passed the point of no return and polished the whole thing except the safety. Now that it's all shiny, what next? What can I do to preserve that shine.
 
If it is a stainless gun, just don't shoot it or handle it and it will stay nice and shiney. If it is carbon steel, you need to have it blued, then don't shoot it and don't handle it and it will stay nice and shiney. I don't think I own a gun that doesn't have a scratch, scuff or worn spot, but I like to shoot them often.
 
That is exactly what I don't like about fancy mirror polished guns.
They show every smudge and fingerprint. Even minor honest wear and tear sticks out like a sore thumb.:barf:
 
Ultra: I always polish the barrels or slides on my new stainless guns (then get lazy after that and hardly ever do it again). If they are stainless, all they need is an occasional buff up with chrome polish to get the mirror finish back. You can use a soft wheel on a Dremel tool as long as you don't get the metal hot.

The down side of a very shiny surface is that it shows finger prints. I would not recommend shining up carbon steel as it will rust. If you do buff carbon steel and don't blue it, it has to be kept sealed with a good preservative like Shooters Choice. FYI- if you get rust on carbon steel, chrome polish will remove it easily (that's what it's made for).;)
 
There is just something wrong w/ a gun that doesn't have at least a smudge on it. Just go out, get your gun dirty & clean it again! ENJOY IT!
 
I'm sorry that I didn't explain it better than I did. The gun was blue and I just tried to polish one little part and I slipped so I kept on going. I meant to ask what would protect it from rust. I don't mind the fingerprints I'll just polish them out. I also did the mag release, the trigger, the hammer and it looks good!
 
Navy Joe- I'm right by NOB. Maybe we can get together and put some down range. I'm going this Sat.
bountyh- I used Blue Magic Liquid metal polish w/my dremel and it has a mirror finsh. It says that it will leave a protective coating but will that be enough.
 
I would either get it reblued or hard chromed. You will have rust developing soon unless you really keep it oiled up. High maintenance.
 
Rust and corrosion will be a real problem in the Tiredwater area :D. All that moisture with a little salt added to the mix.
 
YOU'RE SCREWED

Hardchrome can rust.
Stainless can rust.
NP3 will not rust.

You'll lose the 'polish', though.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND contacting Bob Cogan at Accurate Plating & Weaponry (in Florida!) for options; I'd get it 'finished'.
 
Or' use the Shooter's Choice spray preservative on the slide. Wipe it off with an oil patch and then give it a light shot of the spray when you put it away and keep your hands off the polished part. Before you panic, remember even in my blued and hard chromed guns, the inside of the slide is bare naked and subject to rust. As are all the many places the bluing has rubbed off. You just would have to be careful about finger prints on the exposed metal as your hands have sweat which is salt water. Rub it off with an oily patch and shoot sealer on it and no worries.;)

Forgot to mention: you could also "cold blue" the exposed metal using the liquid or paste but it isn't very durable compared to the bluing that comes on the gun (which is "hot blue" process).
 
I'm currently customizing a Colt Government Model. The blue has been polished off all the sides, but I keep a thin film of oil on it. I've even been taking it out and shooting it while I work the bugs out. It stays in a case while not shooting or working on it, and that has been enough. I'm still up in the air regarding what finish to use once I'm done, however.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top