Post
by cottage cheese » Wed Jul 22, 2009 7:36 am
As dev mentioned, if the collector's value isn't much of an issue with you, then you could have it blued by a competent gunsmith. To be historically correct, it probably sported a caustic salt blue finish - High polish.
Remember to mention this to the gunsmith or he may rust blue it. While Rust blue is my personal favorite, since it is very durable and has this nice matte satin finish, in the case of your gun it would be somewhat incorrect. Also make sure your gunsmith knows the difference between browning and bluing - Many don't.
If the local gunsmiths don't inspire any confidence, simply give your gun a thorough initial clean up. Meaning disassemble it entirely, use hot soapy water and a toothbrush. Don't attempt to open trigger pin- they are usually very tight and you'll probably end up marring the head or surrounding metal with incorrect tools. Everything can be disassembled with relative ease. The trigger with its integral transfer bar will be the only thing that needn't be removed. Likewise, clean it carefully with earbuds or small stuff. Don't use stuff like Axion, Vim powder/soap and similar types- they are abrasive. Remember to clean all the nooks and corners. When dry you could use a sharp pencil to remove dirt from really tight corners. The clay in the pencil lead acts as a very fine and mild abrasive, while the graphite acts to 'lubricate' the dirt removal.
Remember, you don't have to do the water-soap thing every time.
Once done with dirt removal, lightly oil the individual parts as you reassemble them. Do not over oil. Make sure no drops of water or moisture remains in the trigger recesses.
Bore must simply be light oiled with a clean patch, once done run several more clean and dry patches till they come out clean.
If the rust spots are a bit of a bother, initially(before the water-soap wash) you can gently rub down the outer surface of the gun (Particularly the rust areas) with an oiled piece of fine steel wool. Remember- it also abrades and polishes the rubbed area so don't overdo it as you might polish it down to bare metal.
He who can not think, is a fool; he who will not, a bigot; he who dare not - a slave!
