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  • Mreed911

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    UPDATE: New post at the end with restoration photos linked!
    Restoration Photos:
    https://www.icloud.com/photostream/#A4GWZuqDGYHFgk

    Picked up a S&W M&P/Mod 1899 .38 SPC CTG. that by serial number is likely made in 1901/1902 today at an auction. It's in fair shape but needs a careful cleaning to remove some surface rust without marring the natural patina.

    To the degree appropriate I'd like to work on restoring this gun. It'll be my first, slow project, and I'd take any advice given (especially what not to do... like use steel wool to scrape to shiny metal).

    A pic of the newbie:

    IMG_4422.jpg
    DK Firearms
     
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    ArmyZach

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    Pretty cool old pistol.
    I guess cerakote is out of the question?
    Like you said, I think a good cleaning is all that it needs.


    Sent from my AN/PRC-77 using Tapatalk.
     

    Mreed911

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    I was thinking pink Cerakote... :)

    I'll clean it up and probably bake it in the oven then "soak" it in Militec. I just want to clean gently enough to not mar the existing finish, and lube everything that needs lubing.

    I'd absolutely love to consider re-bluing or nickel-plating, but that's not a decision I'm going to make anytime soon.
     

    shortround

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    You might try some "Evaporust." Put a little on a cotton ball and dab over the rusty spots, wait a bit, then wipe off with a clean cloth. Full instructions are on the bottle.
     

    rsayloriii

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    Try some frog lube. I'm a fan of it. Best stuff I've ever used and it won't take much. Dab it on a cloth and rub it in well. Repeat until cleaned up.
     

    rsayloriii

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    Won't cleaning it hurt it's value?

    He's already talking about re-bluing it or re-nickeling it, so I don't think he's worried about value. However, I think non-evasively cleaning the rust off without scratching or changing anything but the rust, won't hurt any value. JMO
     

    Mreed911

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    Won't cleaning it hurt it's value?

    Yes and no. Cleaning the rust off won't hurt it as long as I'm not rough and don't mar the actual finish to date. If I decide to fully restore it, I'll have to go beyond cleaning, but there's enough to do to get there first.
     

    Mreed911

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    I should note I picked it up for $200, the minimum bid, with no competition. The action is smooth and tight and the barrel looks acceptable so far. I think the first thing I'll do is use a dry non-scratch brillo pad on it then disassemble and ultrasonic clean/dry/lube and see what it looks like from there.
     

    mitchntx

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    I found a product called brass-wool ... think steel wool only made of brass.
    A local gunsmith turned me onto it.

    That and Ballistol cleans powder flash brilliantly and doesn't leave a trace.

    I would think it would be marvelous at accomplishing what you want on this project.

    Keep us updated and post pics of the progress.
     

    ArmyZach

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    Keep in mind - if it would take the blue off of a firearm, it will remove the patina. If you wouldn't do it to your favorite rifle, don't do to this pistol.
    The cylinder chambers and bore could use brass wool. Never dull as a patch also works to brighten the bore.


    Sent from my AN/PRC-77 using Tapatalk.
     

    mitchntx

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    So far I haven't seen any marring of the finish when using brass wool. But I can see that if I get jiggy with it, it certainly can.

    Use a light touch ...
     

    Mreed911

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    hmm ... "seems to work really well when I use it to remove residue off of a brushed finished 627" sound better?

    :peace:

    No no, wasn't arguing the application. Just the nice play on words with brass wool and brass balls.

    I tested a brass brush in a small place and there were no problems, so this seems like great advice from someone in the know!
     

    mitchntx

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    No no, wasn't arguing the application. Just the nice play on words with brass wool and brass balls.

    I tested a brass brush in a small place and there were no problems, so this seems like great advice from someone in the know!

    Understand ... I just didn't want to be banned for another "22 Qt E46 oil change".
     
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