Fixing scratches on matte stainless?

StainlessFan said:
Thanks for the info guys, figured it wasn't a big deal but I just wanted to know if this is something to look out for next time. Maybe I'll get it refinished eventually when I get a trigger job (DA is pretty heavy) but probably not.

The car analogy makes sense, I'm sure it will have a few more "scars" after I shoot it for a couple years! I wish my car only had minor blemishes lol.

Nice smith btw, is that a single stack 9mm? Grips look nice and thin!
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Yes, the S&W 645 is a single stack, but it's a large pistol and it's still beefy. Fantastic DA and SA trigger (someone worked on it). Think I'm going to sell my 1911 because of it... :redface:
 
I vote for shooting the p!ss out of it for the next 10 years, THEN re-finish it if you feel the need to. It's a tool - nothing more. Treat it accordingly.
 
I buy a gun to shoot....well I shoot them...this puts wear on them, can't be avoided.
If I buy a collector piece it doesn't get touched.
 
The bottom line on stainless beadblasted finishes is LEAVE IT ALONE. If you try fixing it, it usually turns out worse than before you screwed with it. If it really bothers you, sell it and buy another one. On shiny stainless finishes it's a different story. Scratches can usually be polished out using Flitz Stainless Polish without any problems.
 
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jackrabbit000 said:
The bottom line on stainless beadblasted finishes is LEAVE IT ALONE. If you try fixing it, it usually turns out worse than before you screwed with it. If it really bothers you, sell it and buy another one. On shiny stainless finishes it's a different story. Scratches can usually be polished out using Flitz Stainless Polish without any problems.
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Thats what I thought... The "Idiot mark" actually extended a little ways up on to the brushed flats and I polished it out with a scotchbrite pad, but I didn't touch the matte curves for fear of losing the "matteness."
 
Leave the scratch alone. Unless you plan to keep the pistol unfired and mounted on a display case, then have it bead-blasted. If you are planning to use it, you will end up with unavoidable scratches. Use it, clean and lube it, keep it!
 
StainlessFan said:
Thats what I thought... The "Idiot mark" actually extended a little ways up on to the brushed flats and I polished it out with a scotchbrite pad, but I didn't touch the matte curves for fear of losing the "matteness."
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Smart move because you will never match the factory finish. Trying to fix it always seems to make it worse.
 
Do you wear a wrist watch or carry a pocket knife?
Be careful when handling your guns as it doesnt take much to scratch them.
Rivets on your jeans etc.

This is a reason why i dont support pre-handled hardware in gun shops.
Display models should be a single discounted unit, while the new guns stay in the back.
Better to have a mint new gun than a scratched one thanks to some non-buyer or careless clerk.
 
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