Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association
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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Capital 'Burbs, Pennsylvania
    (Dauphin County)
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    Default 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.
    -gonzo, SoCenPA. "Before all else, be armed." --Niccolo Machiavelli
    http://forum.pafoa.org/feedback-109/...nzogeezer.html

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Wayne, Pennsylvania
    (Chester County)
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    Default Re: Conserving older guns.

    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...
    - bamboomaster

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    On top of a hill, Pennsylvania
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    Default Re: Conserving older guns.

    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

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    USN Retired, Pennsylvania
    (Monroe County)
    Posts
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    Default Re: Conserving older guns.

    Can't say w/o seeing.
    Owner Trigger Time LLc 01 FFL/NFA Saylorsburg, PA. Sales/Service/Transfers/Training
    NRA CRSO/Pistol/Rifle/Shotgun inst. BSA Rifle/Shotgun Merit badge counselor. US Navy Marksmanship Team Staff

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Folsom, Pennsylvania
    (Delaware County)
    Posts
    2,147
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    Default Re: Conserving older guns.

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

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    Richboro, Pennsylvania
    (Bucks County)
    Posts
    3,053
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    Default Re: Conserving older guns.

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

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Loami, Illinois
    Age
    82
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    1,541
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    Default Re: Conserving older guns.

    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.
    Courage is being scared to death--but saddling up any way. John Wayne

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Location
    Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
    (Carbon County)
    Posts
    675
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    2079673

    Default Re: Conserving older guns.

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

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
    (Butler County)
    Posts
    26
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    0

    Default Re: Conserving older guns.

    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.

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