Self tune-up ?

[Vern142]

I have a newer single six in stainless that I got for a grandson. It shoots ok but it is a little rough. Rough edges, some dragging here and there.

Have been thinking about smoothing out some parts myself. Retired, not much else to do!
I have completely field stripped a redhawk, assembly out of frame, AND got it back together!

I do have a dremel tool but figure maybe just some emory paper to start. Just looking to polish a little here and there.

Are there specific materials I should get? Is there a walk through source/youtube/article I should watch as a beginner?

 

[NikA]

Square medium india stone, grey Scotchbrite pad, and 180-400 grit sandpaper are where I would start to restore factory finish. If you're polishing, you'll need finer grits and possibly buffing compound.

 

[contender]

Sounds like a good project,, but keep the Dremel away from it.
Quite often,, it doesn't take too much gentle polishing to smooth things a LOT.

 

[DGW1949]

Contender is telling you right...back away from the Dremel.

DGW

 

[Vern142]

Was hoping that midway or brownells had a basic polishing kit/package but didn't see anything.

 

[contender]

That's because so many people use different things to work on stuff. You have to buy individual items to match the job.

 

[Johnnu2]

Assuming the newer Single Six is mechanically the same as the Blackhawks, you might want to invest $20 and buy "third hand" from Ronnie Wells here: https://rwgripframes-com.3dcartstores.com/loading-gate-spring-depressor.html
I think there is even a video on how it's used on his page.
Double YES, keep polishing MACHINES away from your work (IMHO) & think about Wolff (reduced power) springs to make things work more easily... being lazy, I use them in place of stoning and smoothing. Yes, I know this is HERESY.
J.

 

[rugerguy]

just use it and use it often and things will slick up , smooth out AND your trigger finger will get stronger with time...in the old days I've seen guys simply put toothpaste in an action and work it in..now days there are things like lubriplate, and yes even some oils, PLEASE stay away from power tools and and rough papers ( sand or emery) and BIG files.....,.,.,.,,,,, we used to get all the guns that folks tried to do themselves or took it to 'bubba' the backyard gun plumber and we had to fix it all up,,,hey we made good money at that and the work was ALWAYS out there......,.,.,

 

[bergmen]

I bought a Cimarron 1872 Open Top Navy in 38 Special that was pretty rough internally. I disassembled it, inspected each part under a magnifying glass and carefully smoothed each surface with the tools and components shown. Very helpful was the fine diamond encrusted "hone and stone" since most of the parts were hardened. The result is one of the smoothest action revolvers I own.

 

[RC44Mag]

If it were mine I’d start with a thorough cleaning on internals and a polish parts of trigger group with some flitz clean, lube and reassemble. See how it feels dry firing and putting some downrange.
A good rule of thumb is start small till you reach your desired results. You can always take off more if need be. Taking off to much can ruin parts and more importantly make it dangerous to operate.