Polishing Question

[TripleDigitRide]

I am thinking about polishing the barrel and guide rod (maybe a few other parts) on my XD40, but first, I have a couple questions.

1) What is good polish that will give me a very mirror-like shine? I saw on another forum, the mention of "Heavy Metal" cotton swab polish. The pictures were amazing, but I would have to order that. If possible, I'd like to find something I can purchase loacally.

2) Do you happen to know anyone, near the Nashville area, that does this type of thing? Maybe, if I can get it done cheap enough, I'll just pay someone else to do it.


Thanks in advance.

[strickj]

Some blue remover,and some jewelers rouge has worked for me.How much are you looking to spend?Ypu can get a match barrel from http://www.pistolgear.com/proddetail.php?prod=00PG3&cat=15

[TripleDigitRide]

Some blue remover,and some jewelers rouge has worked for me.How much are you looking to spend?Ypu can get a match barrel from http://www.pistolgear.com/proddetail.php?prod=00PG3&cat=15

Well, I wasn't planning on spending anywhere near that kind of money, but I hadn't checked on prices to have it done. I didn't think it would be that big of a job, for someone with all the correct tools. I could be way off though.

[strickj]

Here the before and after on my 1911 trigger useing just 2 or 3 coats of blue remover and a wire brush.It took just a few minutes.
Just remember,its easier to remove the blue,then to add blue.
(pardon the camera phone pics)

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee139/strickj/0214082153.jpg

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee139/strickj/0214082306a.jpg

[TripleDigitRide]

The wire brush doesn't leave scratch marks?

[strickj]

Nope.I used the pack from Wal Mart with three brushes in it.The bristles are not that stiff,and with the blue remover,you do not need alot of pressure.

[TripleDigitRide]

I guess I'll try the blue remover first. I'm guessing that will just get to down to the stainless look, and I'll have to work more to get the mirror-like finish that I'm really after.

[strickj]

The jewelers rouge should give you a mirror finish after you remove all the blue.But I would suggest you try this on a small piece of the barrel thats not seen first.Like I said,its easy to remove blue,and harder to re-blue if you dont like the results.

[nsnate02]

How bout having it done for $30?! http://www.xdtalk.com/forums/general-hs2k-sa-xd-talk/63408-xd-polished-barrel-question.html

Here's some of his work.
http://customizedcreationz.com/images/600_side_1.jpg
http://wsm.ezsitedesigner.com/share/users/44/449710/websites/527085//images/600_polished_barrel.jpg
http://customizedcreationz.com/images/600_top3.jpg

[nsnate02]

Also her is a good one as well, but cost $65. http://www.precisionfirearmfinishing.com/

[DRM]

Guys, don't be afraid to spend a little time with a dremmel, a cloth wheel, and some jewelers rouge to try some polishing yourself. It's not that hard, and really doesn't take all that long.

And when you are done - you get to say "I did it" :D

[TripleDigitRide]

Guys, don't be afraid to spend a little time with a dremmel, a cloth wheel, and some jewelers rouge to try some polishing yourself. It's not that hard, and really doesn't take all that long.

And when you are done - you get to say "I did it" :D

I know some have used other methods, but this is how I ended up polishing many parts on my XD.

1) Blue Remover
2) Wire brush to remove top layer
3) 1000 grit sand paper. This helped get down to good polishing metal.
4) Dremmel (Black&Decker) with polishing wheel and Green (liquid) Jewelers Rouge.

I would post some pictures, but my camera is a piece of trash.