Stainless Steel cleaner advice needed

BC Mike

BC Mike

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I can't recall the thread I saw that talked about a good way to clean a Stainless handgun. I shot my new S&W 686 today and after about 50 rounds the cylinder became a bit discolored on the outside (I guess from heat). It's not from powder residue or lead so I'm reluctant to use bore cleaner etc.

Also although it's a new firearm the sides of the trigger and hammer are dull and blackish. (See pix) Can they be polished to look more like the rest of the beautiful revolver?

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Thanks,
Mike
 
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Any chrome type polish will work good on it. Visit Canadian Tire and there are lots to choose from like "Black Magic wheel polish" or "Mothers" in the tire section of the store. Takes a bit of elbow grease but it will look way better after it is done.
 
t-star said:
i use a product called fitz- comes in a little tube-
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+1 Flitz works great for me.:)

You can use flitz on all areas of the gun,with the exception of the sights. Don't get too aggresive on the hammer as this part is plated & it is possible to wear through the plating.

I would also remove the grips as any metal polish leaves a white residue on the black rubber.

Here's a pic of my old 686-2. I've had it since 1989.

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Rod B said:
+1 Flitz works great for me.:)

[You can use flitz on all areas of the gun,with the exception of the sights. Don't get too aggresive on the hammer as this part is plated & it is possible to wear through the plating.
Here's a pic of my old 686-2. I've had it since 1989.]

Wow! That gun looks better than brand new! Where do I buy Flitz? Gunshop or CT or?
Thanks for the info..
Mike
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BC Mike said:
Rod B said:
+1 Flitz works great for me.:)

[You can use flitz on all areas of the gun,with the exception of the sights. Don't get too aggresive on the hammer as this part is plated & it is possible to wear through the plating.
Here's a pic of my old 686-2. I've had it since 1989.]

Wow! That gun looks better than brand new! Where do I buy Flitz? Gunshop or CT or?
Thanks for the info..
Mike
Click to expand...

Thanks, As other members have advised CTC, Home Harware etc.

I have used AutoSol. It too is an excellent product.:)
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BC Mike said:
Also although it's a new firearm the sides of the trigger and hammer are dull and blackish. (See pix) Can they be polished to look more like the rest of the beautiful revolver?

Mike
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Don't bother trying to polish the hammer and trigger because they are MIM.

Smith went from carbon steel, to stainless steel, back to carbon and finally MIM.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the MIM parts (my 625 has a MIM hammer and trigger).
 
RePete said:
Don't bother trying to polish the hammer and trigger because they are MIM.

Smith went from carbon steel, to stainless steel, back to carbon and finally MIM.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the MIM parts (my 625 has a MIM hammer and trigger).
Click to expand...
Ah! That would explain why Rob B's 1989 model looks so shiny on the trigger and hammer. I don't mind MIM parts (My Kimber 1911 has some) but I wish they would shine up just for the cosmetics. For me the gun is about art which combines form and function, not just one over the other.
Thanks,
Mike
 
MIM is a process whereby smaller metal parts are injection molded (MIM). Supposed to be as strong as other metal forming methods but less expensive to produce. Unfortunately I don't think you can make it nice and shiny. Exactly how much more expensive it would be I'm not sure but I'd be willing to add a bit more to a gun I'm already spending a grand on. If you Google this topic you will get a full explanation on the exact process.
Mike
 
I found the product "Flitz" at Lordco, a BC Auto parts store and already I can see quite a difference. It's making the stainless deeper and more alive. I also got some Autosol and will try that too. Thanks for the advice.
Mike
 
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