why polish

[Lopper]

I'm not trolling and been around guns 50 plus years. Why polish the barrel on the outside. I understand the slide for the look, and the end of the barrel at the bore to make the bore look bigger. I don't understand polishing the barrel as removing the finish would seem to just give more places to rust plus removing the finish takes some of the metal and would increase the chance of decreasing accuracy.
Sorry for being long winded.

[Montourage]

Well I actually just did this today on my XDm barrel and I hear you about the accuracy and possible rusting issue. Since it is a match grade barrel I actually didn't polish the back part of the barrel where the bullet enters. I figured if I removed even the smallest amount from where the barrel meets the slide I would be messing with the accuracy so I didn't touch it. So my barrel is actually only polished where it is visible from the outside of the gun.

I'm not too worries about rust and most people that put the effort into polishing a barrel will probably keep the weapon in good condition by wiping it down with proper oil to keep it from rusting. Aside from aesthetics I assume it has the same benefit as polishing elsewhere on the weapon. Because you are brushing the metal to be even smoother than it is factory it reduces friction between moving parts and thus wear. So not only does it look nice but it is functional as well assuming a person polished the places where the barrel rubs against the slide.

Regards,
Tim

[Keltyke]

If you simply polish the finish off for appearance, you're only removing a few ten-thousandths of coating which shouldn't affect the accuracy. If you start smoothing metal, that's a different story. It would seem to me the polishing would possibly be for friction reduction. If that's the reason, you might better check it - the finish might actually be slicker than the bare metal.

[Another]

between parts of a well designed tool.

I personally find a beauty in all parts being the same color causing me to look with intention to see what is distinct in its design.

I do see the desire to distinquish some parts with color. If too many are done this way on one weapon it becomes confusing and gaudy.

Tactically, dull black is less revealing.

[Montourage]

As someone else mentioned it polishing the barrel may actually increase the friction. Just to my touch my finger actually feels more friction on the polished part of my barrel vs the side I didn't touch. I'm sure metal will interact differently but thinking about it I can see how polished might actually increase friction over a non polished barrel.

[GoldToes]

It's like raw-dawgin without a condom. Duh.