Thread: Survey: to keep going, or not?

So, yesterday I picked up, inter alia, this Wade & Butcher. I proceeded to remove the busted up scales, and gently begin taking off some of the years of neglect. Here's the question:

Should I keep going and get it cleaner?

Or,

Should I just buff it out and polish it as is?

So, what would you prefer, and why? Getting it cleaner would mean more hand sanding. I plan to finish it out with micarta scales with nickel silver pins/ss washers.

Looking forward to your thoughts!