The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - I just picked up my new Smith 686 PLUS today.

wild cat mccane · June 9, 2021, 09:11 AM

So you know, the finish on that other revolver is cheaper. Bead blasting is just that, media blasting to a fine finish.

I suspect the 686 gets a rougher polished look....to look rougher while not going full bright stainless like the Python.

I agree with you though. It looks crappier. But when you know the others are just media blasted to look good (GP100), you know the 686 gets more attention just with a crap polish.

Your pushed lettering and harder indenting is a new one though. That I would annoyed by. Other than that, actually a good finish for a 686.

June 9, 2021, 09:11 AM	#33
wild cat mccane Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2011 Posts: 3,626	So you know, the finish on that other revolver is cheaper. Bead blasting is just that, media blasting to a fine finish. I suspect the 686 gets a rougher polished look....to look rougher while not going full bright stainless like the Python. I agree with you though. It looks crappier. But when you know the others are just media blasted to look good (GP100), you know the 686 gets more attention just with a crap polish. Your pushed lettering and harder indenting is a new one though. That I would annoyed by. Other than that, actually a good finish for a 686. __________________ My wife is a pulmonologist (respiratory Dr) and epidemiologist. If you have any questions on COVID, please reach out to me in PM.