Satin finish K-38 revolver

[Dudemeister]

I have a 1950 Smith & Wesson K-38 Combat Masterpiece, that has some pitting on the side plate. I purchased a replacement side plate that is in really nice shape, but...

...the original finish of the gun is not a polished blue, rather it's satin finish. The replacement plate is polished.

So the question: How do I turn the polished blue to satin finish without destroying the blueing

 

[mnrivrat]

You don't . The satin finish is bluing over a non polished metal surface. Like a bead blasted metal. Taking the side plate off and having it bead blasted paying attention to the grit size, and then re-bluing the side plate may get as close a match as you can expect without doing the whole gun.

 

[Dudemeister]

Thanks, I think I'll keep looking for the right plate, once that is already satin finish.

 

[Jim Watson]

In the return to the commercial market, S&W did less polishing for several years.
My .22 Combat Masterpiece was sent back for replacement of a bulged barrel before I bought it. The barrel is shinier than the rest of the gun. But it shoots well and is one of my favorites.

 

[Dudemeister]

I really like the look. That finish is very similar to the finish on my Lugers. Lugers were not high polish, rather they have a satin finish to them. In fact a high polish finish on a Luger it's dead giveaway of a refinish/reblue.