I use media blasting for preparing parts/slides for refinishing. I use a lot of Brownells Gunkote or Teflon moly spray cans. I got a cabinet sandblaster just to do this sort of thing. I use 120 grit aluminum oxide media just like the directions say. These finishes seem to hold up well and are relitively easy to apply. Never had a rust problem after treatment. Makes nice two tone pistol if your into that sorta thing. (tip) buy the K-phos pre treating fluid for the best results. There are quite a few different colors available through Brownells.
If your gonna do bare stainless, I recomend glass beads for media. The sand/etched finish looks nice but seems to trap moisture. I know some argue it also keeps in oil, but if you were lax on oiling or water made it through and it did rust, good luck removing the cancer unless you wanna re-blast it. My two cents on that....