S&W Stainless Factory Finish Horrid - Page 3

gak · September 18, 2011, 08:32 AM

BillCA said:
The real problem, IMHO, is not the fine scratches in the finish. For me, it's the lack of a matte or "frosted" finish. As Old Bear said, he used some polish and had a pretty gun. Sure. A pretty reflective gun. To me, that's a problem on a carry gun, especially one I might use at night.

To me, the epitome of what Bill's talking about is my pre-lock 65 LS (Lady Smith). One of the nicest Smiths made. I've always wondered why its nice frosted (satin) finish was "unique" and not a regular offering--along with why its perfect 3" barrel length has not been as regular an offering, but that's a whole 'nother puzzlement and discussion.

BlueTrain · September 18, 2011, 12:12 PM

I keep wondering how you guys know so much about S&W finances. I couldn't tell you that much when I was getting Colt's annual reports.

BarkSlayer · September 20, 2011, 11:58 PM

I think the finish on my stainless Smiths is fine. Never been an issue.

liv4spd · January 28, 2024, 08:19 PM

I just bought a 686 plus recently, the finish was so terrible that I thought it was a used item. I don't think Smith and Wesson even bothered to polish their stainless steel. There were a ton of scratches from the production.

Pumpkin · January 31, 2024, 07:03 AM

I have an old 66 and 686 along with some new Airweights, a JM 625 and a newer 617.
Other than the triggers and hammers (which are perfectly functional) the fit and finish are very close. The Airweights are particularly well done and if I had to pick my biggest beef is the lack of grooves on the front and back straps, this was a nice touch. As far as performance, I can’t tell any difference between them.

wild cat mccane · January 31, 2024, 10:08 AM

They aren't the same across models.

The 686 line is very rough.

The others are bead blasted. Some are polished.

For a small fee, S&W will do any of the three for you.

Mother's Mag Polish will take a Taurus, GP100, or S&W to the Colt appearance. It isn't magic.

liv4spd · January 31, 2024, 09:31 PM

Many thanks for sharing the info. This is very helpful. Glad to hear about the SW service and Mother's Mag!

September 18, 2011, 12:12 PM	#52
BlueTrain Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2005 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 6,141	I keep wondering how you guys know so much about S&W finances. I couldn't tell you that much when I was getting Colt's annual reports. __________________ Shoot low, sheriff. They're riding Shetlands! Underneath the starry flag, civilize 'em with a Krag, and return us to our own beloved homes! Buy War Bonds.

September 20, 2011, 11:58 PM	#53
BarkSlayer Senior Member Join Date: October 26, 2008 Location: Northwest Ohio Posts: 265	I think the finish on my stainless Smiths is fine. Never been an issue. __________________ Northwest Ohio USA

January 31, 2024, 10:08 AM	#56
wild cat mccane Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2011 Posts: 3,643	They aren't the same across models. The 686 line is very rough. The others are bead blasted. Some are polished. For a small fee, S&W will do any of the three for you. Mother's Mag Polish will take a Taurus, GP100, or S&W to the Colt appearance. It isn't magic. __________________ My wife is a pulmonologist (respiratory Dr) and epidemiologist. If you have any questions on COVID, please reach out to me in PM.

September 18, 2011, 08:32 AM	#51
gak Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2005 Location: Aridzona Posts: 2,767	BillCA said: The real problem, IMHO, is not the fine scratches in the finish. For me, it's the lack of a matte or "frosted" finish. As Old Bear said, he used some polish and had a pretty gun. Sure. A pretty reflective gun. To me, that's a problem on a carry gun, especially one I might use at night. To me, the epitome of what Bill's talking about is my pre-lock 65 LS (Lady Smith). One of the nicest Smiths made. I've always wondered why its nice frosted (satin) finish was "unique" and not a regular offering--along with why its perfect 3" barrel length has not been as regular an offering, but that's a whole 'nother puzzlement and discussion.

January 28, 2024, 08:19 PM	#54
liv4spd Member Join Date: January 28, 2024 Posts: 93	I just bought a 686 plus recently, the finish was so terrible that I thought it was a used item. I don't think Smith and Wesson even bothered to polish their stainless steel. There were a ton of scratches from the production.

January 31, 2024, 07:03 AM	#55
Pumpkin Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2020 Location: Seguin Texas Posts: 450	I have an old 66 and 686 along with some new Airweights, a JM 625 and a newer 617. Other than the triggers and hammers (which are perfectly functional) the fit and finish are very close. The Airweights are particularly well done and if I had to pick my biggest beef is the lack of grooves on the front and back straps, this was a nice touch. As far as performance, I can’t tell any difference between them.

January 31, 2024, 09:31 PM	#57
liv4spd Member Join Date: January 28, 2024 Posts: 93	Many thanks for sharing the info. This is very helpful. Glad to hear about the SW service and Mother's Mag!