[DMason]

Jolly well stated. I have enjoyed the 12 year Redbreast, I'm sure the 15 year is even finer yet. I'm a highland single malt Scotch man myself, but the Irish is a pleasure as well. I will have to fill you in on fine Japanese whiskey one day, an absolutely amazing culture of distilling over there, some very good stuff. I learned of it through my interest in Japanese blades, the two go hand in hand.

I will continue with my hand finishing of the gun metal. And I agree, a paper backing and silicon carbide provides a predictable scratch pattern, especially if oiled. I am going to drop down in grit but I think you are right, 180 will be too coarse. I will most likely start tomorrow with about 320 grit, just to get rid of at least some of the marks that are bothering me.

I know 2000 grit or even finer sounds over the top, but as I have mentioned, I have been exposed to ridiculously highly polished steel with many of my Japanese blades, and thus have become quite fixated on a very smooth finish. I have Katanas that are polished to mind boggling lusters!

Good tip on taping Over current engraving. I would like to think of re-engraving this gun as a distant option and not a necessity. It is a family heirloom but I do have others, besides, I want to leave my mark on this one. I just hope the mark isn't too ugly!