How to Select Flex-Hone® Tools for Handguns

Flex-Hone® for Firearms tools from Brush Research Manufacturing (BRM) are used to finish and polish parts of revolvers and pistols as well as rifles, shotguns, and paintball guns. Designed for smooth bores, BRM handgun tools are used by gunsmiths and gun makers alike. Flexible hones are also trusted by hunters, target shooters, law enforcement personnel, and other gun owners who want reliable, easy-to-use tools for firearms maintenance and cleaning.

For handgun owners, selecting the right Flex-Hone® is an easy task when you know how gun tools are organized on the BRM website. On the Flex-Hone® Tools for Firearms page, choose the image for the Flex-Hone® for Revolvers and Pistols. Note how BRM provides two types of products: pistol chamber hones for handgun cylinders, and flexible honing tools for surface finishing the slides on semi-automatic handguns.

Tool Types, Abrasives, and Grits

For both types of handgun tools, the BRM website displays three dropdown boxes. Use the top one to specify the caliber (CAL) and/or model of your weapon. Use the other dropdown boxes to select the abrasive type and grit size. Flex-Hone® tools for revolvers and pistols typically use silicon carbide (SC) abrasive because it’s great for removing oxidation, corrosion, tool marks, and other machining imperfections. The resulting surface is less prone to fouling, reduces friction and wear, and holds gun oil and other lubricants more effectively.

Grit size is also important to consider when selecting a handgun polishing tool. Choose either 400 or 800 grit, depending upon your surface finishing requirements. As a rule, flexible hones with smaller grit sizes are coarser and more aggressive. In other words, 400-grit handgun tools are designed for heavier-duty work than 800-grit handgun tools. If your sidearm’s surface is in good condition, you may be able to achieve the desired finish with just an 800-grit tool. Otherwise, we recommend using first a 400-grit gun tool and then an 800-grit gun tool with your firearm.

BRM Handgun Tools for Revolvers and Semi-Automatic Pistols

As noted above, BRM supplies pistol chamber hones for handgun cylinders, and flexible honing tools for surface finishing the slides on semi-automatic handguns.  All pistol chamber hones have a 1-5/8” abrasive surface and an overall length (OAL) of 3”. These gun tools are available for the following calibers and/or models of sidearms: .32, .357 MAG / .38 cylinder, .41 MAG cylinder, .44 MAG cylinder, .45 ACP cylinder, .45 Colt cylinder, and 9 MM. Choose silicon carbide (SC) abrasive in 400 or 800 grit.

Flex-Hone® for Firearms tools for the slides on semi-automatic pistols are also available in SC abrasive with 400 or 800 grit. OAL varies, and is either 4” or 8”. Choose BRM gun tools for the following handgun parts: 1911 Main Spring Housing (4" OAL); 1911 Slug Lug Area (8" OAL); and Smith & Wesson, Beretta, and Sig Sauer semi-automatic internal slides (8" OAL ). For more information about Flex-Hone® for Firearms tools, download this four-page brochure or watch this short, instructional video.