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Old 09-28-2014, 01:28 PM
MrFun60 MrFun60 is offline
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Default Preserving patina

I recently picked up a S&W Model No 2 Army revolver. As you can see from the photo, it is rough, but it was all I could afford. I have always wanted one of these revolvers. Anyway, I want to preserve the finish so it does not rust or pit any further. But, I also do not want to ruin or alter the existing patina. What is the best way to do that? I searched the Internet and some say WD 40 or Krill Oil. Others say no, as that will ruin it. One guy said olive oil because it is natural and contains no corrosive agents. The Internet has confused me more, and now I am really lost. Any help is much appreciated. Thanks.
Terry
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Old 09-28-2014, 01:43 PM
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If you just want to preserve the finish that you have you can clean it with Kroil oil with a rag. Then wipe it down with acetone to remove the oil. Now use a good wax such as Renaissance wax. You can use the wax inside the barrel and cylinder. You can use it on the grips too.
But if you want to remove much of the rust you can use bronze wool with the Kroil oil. Soak the entire gun, without the grips, in Kroil. Then use the bronze wool with the oil lightly. Try to avoid the edges too much. After you remove the rust clean and wax.
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Old 09-28-2014, 04:01 PM
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I do not see rust on that Model 2 and think the finish is pretty typical of what is out there today, plus it is in better shape than many. I would have that ejector rod done correctly to represent the original. Does not take much work, but will make all the difference in the world when it comes to appearance. As for preservation, you already got good advice and all I would add is make sure you lubricate the internal workings of the revolver with synthetic oil. I normally use Johnson's Paste Wax on the exterior, but have also used Renaissance Wax, both work well.

As for the ejector rod, I already had helped someone else on the Forum with a Model 1 1/2, so have some pictures that might help you or a machinist fabricate the correct shaped rod. The Model 2 rod is 1/4" longer, so about 2 1/4" long and the diameter is .315". You could use some rust browning solution to age and match the finish to complete.
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Last edited by glowe; 09-28-2014 at 04:06 PM. Reason: added content
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Old 09-28-2014, 05:29 PM
MrFun60 MrFun60 is offline
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Thanks, That is exactly the kind of advice I was looking for. I trust everyone on this forum, so that is why I wanted to hear from you. I will do that, and thanks again. I wasn't going to use any bronze wool on it, as I thought it was better to leave the grayish finish the way it is, or am I wrong about that? Thanks again.
Terry
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Old 09-28-2014, 05:31 PM
MrFun60 MrFun60 is offline
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Thanks, Gary. This is why I love this forum. I did not even know that was not the correct rod. That advice was an extra added bonus for me, so thanks a million.
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Old 09-28-2014, 05:32 PM
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Bronze wool is for active rust, so unless you have some raised areas of corrosion, skip that step.
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Old 09-28-2014, 08:33 PM
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I will venture the fact that you need a correct hinge screw as well. If you see a gunsmith for the ejector rod, have that checked out too. Also, S&W had their own "proprietary" screw diameter and thread pitch so it will need to be made if a replacement can't be found.
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Old 09-28-2014, 08:55 PM
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Thanks, Mike. I was not aware of that, regarding the screw. I am learning so much from all of you. Thanks.
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