There are two types of finishes needed for firearms. Most (military and hunting) require a matte or dull finish to minimize reflection and give good ‘grip’ properties. Firearms used for show pieces or when reflection is not an issue will often need a higher polish or near-mirror finish on certain areas of the gun.

The part above is an as-produced finish. The surface is relatively smooth but dull. To process large quantities of these parts, a single-step process can be used to significantly improve the finish. The same part below was barrel tumbled for 18 hours (overnight) in Stainless Steel Ballcones and a solution of Kramco 910 Burnishing Compound to produce much brighter, mirror-like finish.