I know where I can pick up an older Pinned and recessed .38 Special. Its kind of like a skinny lost puppy that I cant let suffer. I believe it either lived in a glove box or under the seat of a truck for a loooooong time. It functions perfectly but just needs TLC. I was wondering what the best way to half-way bring the stainless finish back. I have heard flitz or mothers polish. But I am wondering if I should scotch brite it first to uniform the finish. I am kind of thinking about buying it to be my first tinker/project.

You need scotch brite to give it a proper brushed finish. Abrasive paper would work also with about a 400 grit.

Bead blast it to as new..It works very well indeed...and doesn't cost much....

Try to get a piece of 17-4 stainless to practice on. Like mete said use about 400 grit wet or dry paper (silicon carbide) backed up with a block to keep flat surfaces flat and use it wet with something about like WD-40.

Another great product for stainless guns, as well a lot of other metals, is "NEVR-DULL". You can pick up a can of this chemically impregnated cotton wadding at most automotive parts stores.

For real bad staining or rust, you might want to try a "Lead Remover" cloth as sold by Hoppe's.