Conserving older guns.

I have a bit of a collection of vintage handguns. Some of them would benefit from a facelift. But I want to stay away from refinishing, preferring to first try conservation. In particular, I have a 1917 Beretta pistol that I’m willing to use as an initial victim, errr, patient, and if successful, move on to a Frommer Stop. I’ve seen some videos on the YouTube but they are short on details and material specifications. I’m wondering if anyone up here and point me in the right direction to gain some knowledge about the proper way to go about it, with information like what kind of wheel is used to card the converted rust off the metal, and what is it made up of, etc.

Thanks.

Warning:

1. Keep away from the Dremel!

2. Extended contact w/Hoppe's No. 9 will remove nickel plating.

Notwithstandingtheforegoing, it sounds like a great project (aka labor of love) and you're approaching it the right way...

Have your tried complete disassembly then soaking for a longer period of time in a penetrating oil then using something like a Frontier Big 45 cleaner to remove any rust?

http://www.big45metalcleaner.com

Can't say w/o seeing.

You probably already know, but... Beware of chemical rust removers. Blueing is rust. That’s all I got for you.

Quote:

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with information like what kind of wheel is used to card the converted rust off the metal,

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Never use a buffing wheel of any kind if your firearm has any value. To remove rust start with 0000 steel wool and solvent then live with the freckles.

Wipe them down with RIG and clean them with a COPPER scrub bud. Copper not cooper plated scrub pad will just remove the rust bloom and not the bluing.

Automatic Transmission Fluid loosens rust. It is a good pre-soak prior to scrubbing.

Head over to YouTube and search for "anvil mark novak".

His videos on conservation of firearms are educating and fascinating. They are not tutorials, but they are well worth watching.