Question:
Some time ago I asked how to subdue the glossy stainless finish on my
revolver and glass bead blasting was suggested. I have not been able to
find anyone to do it. One industrial shop won't due to unfamiliarity with
firearms and doesn't want the liability of a screw up (gotta appreciate
that!) and the smith that I use says that he would have to hunt up someone
to outsource the job. To his credit he said that it would be a lot cheaper
if I found the shop and shipped the gun myself. Trouble is, where do I
start?? Aimless wandering through gun magazines is fun but not all that
productive.
Answer:
-What about motorcycle shops? I am sure they are used for lotsa other
things, I know m/c shops use 'em to clean stuff. Try shops that work on old
stuff indian, excelsor, HD, ect. The ones that sell new in the box would not
have much use for em.
-Well, glass bead blasting will matte the finish somewhat, but it will
come out looking like the S&W auto slides. It won't be a dramatic
difference.
I've found that aluminum oxide blasting will provide a true matte
finish. I have a blasting cabinet set up in my home shop and have
done several guns. I would be happy to do it for you at a nominal
cost but I don't have an FFL license for you to ship to me. I can't
believe your gunsmith doesn't know where to send it; blasting is a
common step prior to rebluing or finishing. You might check out
www.shootiniron.com, and explain to the owner that you only want it
blasted. Mac should be able to help you.
