Question about polishing SS Mini 14

[Stephen68]

Hey everyone, i have a Mini 14 that has the SS Barrel and Receiver and black nylon stock. Is it possible to polish the SS barrel and receiver without causing any harm? If so, can someone tell me what the best procedure for doing this would be? Thanks in advance!

 

[RJ556]

OK. I'll take a stab at this. If you are going to polish by hand, I would start with 400 grit wet or dry sand paper and progress thru 600 to 1200, then finer polishing compound. It depends on how much "Bling" you want. I would caution you to back your sand paper when sanding sharp edges to avoid rounding them. That stainless is hard and will take a while by hand, but I think it will come out better than using buffing wheels. Just my personal preference, but I would glass bead blast it and call it good. I'm not trying to sell you on it, but this is what bead blasted stainless looks like in case you are not already familiar with this type of finish.

 

[SteelShooter]

RJ 556

What type of glass bead media, what grit size did you use? No. 1 looks great, would like to do to a MK II and a Mini-14

 

[Buckeye Bill]

Short of polishing a mini, "simple green" is a cleaner that will make your SS mini clean and shinny. 8)

 

[RJ556]

Size 80 glass bead media from Harbor Freight. The good things about a bead blast finish on a stainless gun is: less reflective finish, better looking finish, if you have a compressor, the only cost will be the blasting media, impervious to sovents and if you ever get it scratched up, hit it again.

 

[Stephen68]

Thanks for the replies...i have decided to go with the Mothers polishing method. So far i have the barrel pretty much finished and i must say, i looks awesome...seems like every coat i apply makes it shine that much more...

 

[RJ556]

Stephen, when you finish, please post a pic.