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Old January 26, 2005, 02:02 AM   #1
riverkeeper
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Question: +'s & -'s of Glass Bead finish??

Wear better?

suspect it is just appearance.
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Old January 26, 2005, 09:44 AM   #2
Jim Watson
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+ to the maker = It's cheap. It's "tactical."
+ to the user = It might keep the cost down to you, a little.
It is less reflective than polished or even brushed.

- to the user = I don't know how to touch it up when worn except by re-beading.
If they bead working surfaces it can affect operation of the gun. I had a 1911 built up from odds and ends of unmatching parts and once it was shooting, wanted it to look the same all over, so I had it beaded and blued. Had to have the slide refitted and lapped to the frame because they beaded the rails and roughened them to where it would not run.
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Old January 27, 2005, 11:47 PM   #3
riverkeeper
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Jim-thanks for the useful post. r nm

rk
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Old January 28, 2005, 05:03 PM   #4
Clemson
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I have found that a blead-blast finish, once blued, holds oil or grease pretty well, but....... If it ever gets dry, it seems to rust three times faster than a polished blue job. I had a Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 19 revolver that had a bead-blast finish. I could not seem to keep the exterior of that gun from developing rust spots.

I personally bead-blasted an FN Mauser barreled action and then had it hot-blued. The finish was just what I wanted -- non reflective and even. I have had no problem with that gun in 4 years since I blued it. With respect to Jim's caution. I did the bead blasting myself, and I stayed away from wear surfaces.

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Old January 29, 2005, 01:25 AM   #5
riverkeeper
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Glad you checked in..

I'm getting one to be carried outside about 2 hours a day - rain or shine all year. Think piedmont SC but even wetter.

Sounds like a bead blast finish would require more care than others -- any recommendations for the best finish for wet work with least day to day fuss.

Saw a good deal on a bead blast finsih revolver but passed on it.
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Old January 29, 2005, 02:13 AM   #6
Sir William
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Stainless and Flitz has worked for me. I have had auto parts bead blasted and been none too pleased.
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Old February 2, 2005, 12:40 AM   #7
Dave Sample
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I have two blasters and I love it.
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