SIG P229, Polish your barrel at home w/ Pics DIY

[A_N_G]

Hi,

rather new to the forum, so if im not in the right place please go easy on me.

I recently purchased a used SIG 229 two tone 40S&W from a NES member. First 40 I ever owned so im kinda excited!

the only issue is the Sigs are notorious for the black barrel finish to wear, and on a 2-tone it just looks bad. I did a
search and found you can polish almost any gun part at home and it comes out pretty cool. So i decided to polish JUST THE WEAR spots, so not to invoke rust to areas not visible or hidden.

here are the pics and materials used. the whole job took ~2h after dinner one night.
https://picasaweb.google.com/beanto...&authkey=Gv1sRgCOvcwbP-mse3Kg&feat=directlink

AG

 

[Kicker96FS]

You want to post a link to the site you found this info. on doing this or explain step by step what you did and what you used for materials?

Looks really good BTW!

 

[jaymce]

+1 looks good.

I usually find 600 to be a little aggressive when polishing metal. I would go with 1000 as it will tend to cut less and make for easier polishing in the long run especially when polishing by hand.

If attempting something like this I would also recommend using a solid flat surface (machined piece of metal etc) to ensure you do not round edges etc and remove the min amount of material that you can. I do not know what the tolerances on are but finish thicknesses can be taken into account when the parts are made which could hinder performance. (not saying this is the case here)

 

[A_N_G]

Thanks!

i can post up later in the weekend with more info. found a few links to forums and youtubes than help a bunch + some of my own metal working experience.

As jaymce said it helps to have a nice FLAT surface to work on an go light on the grit. at work we have a granite table... at home kitchen or bath granite counter tops work great.


AG

You want to post a link to the site you found this info. on doing this or explain step by step what you did and what you used for materials?

Looks really good BTW!

 

[Kicker96FS]

Thanks!
at home kitchen or bath granite counter tops work great.


AG

Yeah, Like that would work. The wife would be standing over me with a frying pan and whack me on the head the first time I missed and sand paper or metal hit the counter!

I have a nice steel plate in my work shop, I think I will use that.

 

[A_N_G]

Ok, here is the write up and a link with NEW pictures.

Disclaimer:
This describes how to polish a portion of a sig barrel (or similar make). The finish looked great to me, but your opinion and expectations may differ. Use judgment and I'm not responsible for your work or outcome.
I'm comfortable with metal and machining, If you’re not, then I suggest 2 things.

- Have a pro do it (see links below)
- Practice on some other metals you have available, this will set your expectation and give you confidence.

Equipment:
- Sheet of wet-dry emery paper, 600, 1200, 2000 grit
- Can WD40
- metal polish, I used Happich Simichrome polish
- Clean, soft cloth. Flannel is best.
- Flat 12" x 12" surface, home kitchen or bath granite counter tops work great

Procedure:

Look over the pictures here: https://picasaweb.google.com/beantown.share/HowToPolishASigBarrel?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCOvcwbP-mse3Kg&feat=directlink

Step 1 - Unload, and remove barrel.
Determine the surfaces you would like to be polished. I chose only the surfaces visible from an assembled firearm (So 2 sides of the square chamber and the barrel)
Note: my thoughts on this were the black finish is there for a reason, so let it be. However on surfaces known to wear, it will expose metal, so why not polish them to look nice and uniform.

Step 2 - Start out by laying the 600 grit emery paper down on a flat SMOOTH surface like
a granite counter top. spray the paper with WD40, be generous. I like a nice puddle. (see pics)

Next place your flat surface of the barrel to polish on the paper and work it softly in a figure 8 pattern while keeping the barrel parallel to your body. Another method is to drag the part back and forth in 8 directions for a total of ~16 moves then repeat (see pics). This will cover all directions and give you a uniform finish. Don't go nuts, remember your removing material. Take off as little as you can until you see bare metal.

Clean with rag.

Repeat on all surfaces desired with the 600 grit. If you see metal or a pool of dark oil on the paper, move to a clean spot on the 12 x12 section.

Step 3 - The barrel section is a bit different, but uses the same guidelines as above. Spray oil on the paper, but wrap it around the barrel like a hammock. Next using two hands work the barrel in the paper like a back
on forth while adding twist like a candy cane.

Clean with rag

Step 4 -Inspect your work, does it look uniform? Are there sections in the
middle of the metal that look untouched? Your surface may not be true (flat) don't worry its normal. Take a tear of paper and work the center of the local area in the 8 direction motion.


Step 5 - Now repeat steps above with 1200 and 2000.
Clean with rag and inspect

Step 6 - Finally, apply 5 applications of metal polish --- follow directions on the box, it’s very simple. Wax on wax off.

Step 7 - Lastly apply a thin coat of oil to your surfaces and reassemble your firearm.


References and other ideas and methods (no affiliation)

http://customizedcreationz.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2S5H6RdpUnU
http://www.xdtalk.com/forums/sa-xd-xd-m-faq-stickies/68951-diy-barrel-polishing-write-up.html
http://www.xdtalk.com/forums/xd-gunsmithing-maintenance/68755-polished-barrel-home-job.html