Gunsmithing Glass Bead Blasting Media Size?

[Elite_KG]

I am hoping to gain confirmation or new suggestion for glass bead media needed to finish my stainless steel barreled action. I'm looking to nearly replicate the Remington factory finish. I have done a few searches here on the hide and several on the ol' inner web and have determined to no certainty that #9 (80-120 grit / 0.007" a 0.005") to #12 (140-230 grit / 0.004 a 0.0025) is the range used most often. I'm not looking for a dull or gray look, but more of a uniform satin finish, say medium glare.
Can anyone here confirm a size they know and use? Possibly confirm what size would best suit my needs. Hoping someone here has bought and used ranges of media and can comment. I'm not even sure which would be a brighter finish between the #9 or the #12. I suspect the #9 would be brighter, but I could be mistaken. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[bhoges]

I use #10 which gives a nice smooth satin finish. The place I purchased mine from had samples of steel I looked at which was great.

 

[Elite_KG]

Thanks bhoges. I ordered the #10 to try. I will test it on a few scrap pieces of stainless first, but I think it will work out. I would imagine anything between #9-#12 would be fine. You don't happen to have or can take a pic of the finish you have with the #10 media? Thanks again.

 

[bhoges]

 

[bhoges]

Pics up

 

[Elite_KG]

That's perfect! Just was I was looking for. Thanks a lot!

 

[Elite_KG]

I did notice one problem....bolt is on the wrong side of that gun! J/K. Nice rig.

 

[Elite_KG]

Blasted my barreled action with #10 (100-170 grit). Came out awesome. Just for reference to others, you may want to sand out and scratches before hand. My test material had light scratches and they were still visible after blasting.
About 2 hours of hand sanding with 400 grit and it was ready. I'm pleased with the results. Thanks for the info.

 

[Elite_KG]

Got it all blasted and assembled. Came out awesome to me. Couldn't be happier with the finish!

Thanks for all the help choosing the media.

 

[LRI]

+


Now there's an action you don't see too often anymore.

Nice piece.

C.