I polished my 1911 once (using 1500 grit sandpaper from Advance Auto Parts), but after about a week, I re-brushed the surface (Scotch-Brite pad works well for this). Polished steel seems to be real bad about picking up tiny nicks and scratches; every time I would lay my 1911 down, I would have to polish out a scratch that got on it. I also used to have a polished Vaquero that behaved the same way, but i got rid of it because I decided i didn't like shooting .44 magnum. Anyway, my point is you have to be really careful with polished steel. Chrome plating holds up better, but I doubt anyone wants to pay for that.