Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Revolvers > S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present
o

Notices

S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 09-02-2009, 06:12 PM
Glock 'em down Glock 'em down is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 1,113
Likes: 0
Liked 41 Times in 25 Posts
Default Dadgum surface rust!

*sigh* Now I remember why I hate blue steel guns!


I was giving my "new" 3 inch model 13-3 a good scrubbing last night and, with the aid of a flashlight, I discovered three things about it.


1. My barrel is plum.

2. I could see surface rust in several areas...especially on the side plate area.

3. The sideplate seems to be rusted in place and will not come off!


So...first of all, I know there's nothing that can be done about my plum barrel. Unless I send it in for a complete re-blue, I'm just gonna hafta love it like it is...right?

Next...what's the best thing to use on the surface rust and what should I use to restore this little guy to a deep, glossy blue finish it wore many, many years ago.

And finally, is there any way to get the sideplate off besides the usual pounding on the left side of the grip/frame with a hard plastic/wood/brass bludgeon of some sort? I pounded like hell on the damned thing and it STILL wouldn't budge!

Dadgum blue steel...Stainless is just SSSOOOO much easier to maintain!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 09-02-2009, 06:15 PM
Joni_Lynn Joni_Lynn is offline
US Veteran
Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust!  
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: I'm here, you're not
Posts: 2,955
Likes: 143
Liked 647 Times in 224 Posts
Default

Tap on the right side of the grip frame. It may come loose.
__________________
Lynnie, Professional Pest
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 09-02-2009, 06:22 PM
Glock 'em down Glock 'em down is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 1,113
Likes: 0
Liked 41 Times in 25 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Joni_Lynn View Post
Tap on the right side of the grip frame. It may come loose.
Good idea!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 09-02-2009, 07:45 PM
H Richard's Avatar
H Richard H Richard is offline
US Veteran
Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust!  
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: West Central IL
Posts: 22,758
Likes: 18,437
Liked 22,313 Times in 8,245 Posts
Default

Try soaking in Corrosion X for several hours or longer then gently wiping off with paper towel first. If that doesn't get it all, soak in Corrosion X again them rub down with copper wool (chore boy scrubber) but rub gently.
__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 09-02-2009, 08:57 PM
RedBerens's Avatar
RedBerens RedBerens is offline
Member
Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust!  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Denver, Colo.
Posts: 373
Likes: 0
Liked 18 Times in 10 Posts
Default

Put Kroil on the sideplate seam and let it soak in. Then rap on the right side of the grip frame and it should pop right off. Kroil will also remove your surface rust as well. Just use a cotton patch soaked in it.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 09-02-2009, 08:59 PM
Glock 'em down Glock 'em down is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 1,113
Likes: 0
Liked 41 Times in 25 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by RedBerens View Post
Put Kroil on the sideplate seam and let it soak in. Then rap on the right side of the grip frame and it should pop right off. Kroil will also remove your surface rust as well. Just use a cotton patch soaked in it.
I don't reckon I've ever used Kroil.

Uh...what is it?

Keep in mind, you can not see this rust with simple lighting. I didn't see it until I used a flashlight.

ETA: I Googled it. You can't get this stuff at your local Wal-Mart, can you? Maybe my gun shop will have some.

It won't hurt the bluing...will it?

Last edited by Glock 'em down; 09-02-2009 at 09:03 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 09-02-2009, 09:13 PM
pinkymingeo pinkymingeo is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Florida
Posts: 729
Likes: 0
Liked 42 Times in 23 Posts
Default

The oil that Kreeps? I go through a gallon a year. Buy it direct from Kano's website and it's cheap. Penetrates better than most anything. After cleaning your bore with your favorite solvent, run a patch soaked in Kroil. You'll get more dirt.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 09-02-2009, 09:15 PM
Glock 'em down Glock 'em down is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 1,113
Likes: 0
Liked 41 Times in 25 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by pinkymingeo View Post
The oil that Kreeps? I go through a gallon a year. Buy it direct from Kano's website and it's cheap. Penetrates better than most anything. After cleaning your bore with your favorite solvent, run a patch soaked in Kroil. You'll get more dirt.
Is Kroil better than WD-40 for loosening rusted things?
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 09-02-2009, 09:16 PM
Bullseye Smith's Avatar
Bullseye Smith Bullseye Smith is offline
Member
Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust!  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mountain State
Posts: 3,569
Likes: 56
Liked 379 Times in 149 Posts
Default

Glock, You can put it down in good old KO oil out of your heater and let it soak over night. Then the side plate should pop off. While you are at it after the soak, put some Remington oil on the rust area and under a bright light go over it with steel wool. 4 or 5 - 0 will do the best, and go easy on it, very little preasure. The rust should come off easy. Take your time and treat it with kit gloves .
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 09-02-2009, 09:24 PM
jack the toad jack the toad is offline
SWCA Member
Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust!  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 4,896
Likes: 3,295
Liked 4,962 Times in 1,950 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Glock 'em down View Post
Is Kroil better than WD-40 for loosening rusted things?
It penetrates better than anything I've tried.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 09-02-2009, 09:27 PM
Glock 'em down Glock 'em down is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 1,113
Likes: 0
Liked 41 Times in 25 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by jack the toad View Post
It penetrates better than anything I've tried.
You're a fellow Okie, do you just order yours direct? Or is there someplace here in Oklahoma where you can buy it? Is it sold exclusively in gun shops or can you find it in hardware stores, Lowe's, Home Depot as well?
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 09-02-2009, 10:08 PM
dmar dmar is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,544
Likes: 3,089
Liked 2,923 Times in 1,066 Posts
Default

Kroil works great, I use it with good ol' hoppes #9 for most of my bore cleaning. I've noticed a difference on how clean it gets a barrel compared to just using a solvent, and it seems like the barrel is easier to get clean on subsequent cleanings... I know a lot of competitive .22 rifle shooters that use it, as well.

You can order it directly through their website, or through Midway-USA. I've not seen it in any of the 'big box' stores, or even local gun shops. Machinists also use it, so you may find it at a supply house that serves machine shops...

As others have said, go easy when using any steel wool on blueing. The copper-wool is really a better option, but still go easy. Blue guns are not bad if keep up with the maintenance. I like my SS guns, but in my opinion, there's just nothing like a nice blued gun.
__________________
NRA Life Member
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 09-03-2009, 09:04 AM
Sgt 127's Avatar
Sgt 127 Sgt 127 is offline
Member
Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust!  
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: High Desert Nevada
Posts: 656
Likes: 12
Liked 459 Times in 148 Posts
Default

Quick note before you start buffing the finish off that gun. Blueing IS rust, controlled rust. If you look at any blued gun, up close with a flashlight, for some reason, alot of the time it will show a very definite brown tint to the blueing. If you can't see rust under natural light, I don't think its rusted.

Magic gun soaking/cleaning solution formula:

In a .50 cal ammo can mix 50% WD40 and 50% Kerosene. Add a cup or two of Marvel Mystery Oil. Soak, scrub and drip dry or, blow out with compressed air. I've had a can of that around for years, works like a charm and, cheap.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 09-03-2009, 09:13 AM
ronnie gore ronnie gore is online now
Member
Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust!  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: newnan,ga
Posts: 991
Likes: 13
Liked 508 Times in 188 Posts
Default Rust

the kroil works well,but will burn your eyes becareful.
i use bronze wool to remove surface rust with any type oil on the wool, it will not scratch blue like steel wool will. brownell's sells it.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 09-03-2009, 06:53 PM
Groo01's Avatar
Groo01 Groo01 is offline
Member
Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust!  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: central ohio
Posts: 1,385
Likes: 949
Liked 826 Times in 488 Posts
Default

Groo here
If you want use K-1 to soak in.
Old trick my smith showed me.
Take off grips and soak for 2-3 days in warm area.
Drip dry and try-great for years of dirt and junk in old revolvers.
"cheap trigger job"
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 09-03-2009, 07:03 PM
Glock 'em down Glock 'em down is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 1,113
Likes: 0
Liked 41 Times in 25 Posts
Default

Excellent ideas guys and gals. Keep 'em coming.

Also...what is the best stuff to use to get this little feller's finish to shine up nice and purdy like it used to.

There's not a ton of holster wear on it...a typical tad around the muzzle and one little spot on the cylinder, but it's just kinda dull as of right now.

I need some kind of metal polish that won't hurt or (gasp! God forbid!) take off any bluing.

What do you suggest?
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 09-03-2009, 07:10 PM
ladder13 ladder13 is offline
Member
Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust!  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: NC
Posts: 30,692
Likes: 57,549
Liked 52,817 Times in 16,468 Posts
Default

Alot of folks recommend Renaisance Wax for polishing a blued firearm. I have not tried it yet but have some coming from Brownells.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=2...LEANER__POLISH
__________________
Sure you did

Last edited by ladder13; 09-03-2009 at 07:13 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 09-04-2009, 12:41 AM
andyo5's Avatar
andyo5 andyo5 is offline
Member
Dadgum surface rust!  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Oro Valley, Arizona
Posts: 2,370
Likes: 497
Liked 943 Times in 518 Posts
Default

Use a wooden or plastic dowel to pry the sideplate off from the right side, after removing grips and mainspring.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 09-04-2009, 02:29 AM
borntoraisehogs's Avatar
borntoraisehogs borntoraisehogs is offline
US Veteran
Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust!  
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 430
Likes: 0
Liked 42 Times in 17 Posts
Default

I use Flitz to remove surface rust .Doesn't everybody ? No abrasive , it will not remove factory bluing . All my blue guns look like new , but when you clean any blue gun for its first time the amount of rust on the cloth will scare you to death . Specially when hunting around salt water .
__________________
Idaho , Elmer and Milt
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 09-04-2009, 07:03 PM
bmcgilvray's Avatar
bmcgilvray bmcgilvray is offline
SWCA Member
Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust!  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Texas
Posts: 3,353
Likes: 10,447
Liked 6,092 Times in 1,249 Posts
Default

Love blue guns! I'm another happy Kroil user. Great for safe surface rust removal with judicious application of bronze (never steel) wool or brushes. Just the thing for the newly found "oldie" firearm that needs a bit of attention.

Been using RIG for rust prevention since the late 1970s. It has never let me down, even for wet weather waterfowling, and I only use blued guns. Whether it is after hunting or caring for one's concealed carry handgun, a quick wipe down at day's end with a RIG impregnated rag gives perfect protection.

Stuff's been hard to find lately as it had been discontinued however I've heard that it's being marketed again. Old fashioned, but it's been tested and found to work as well as the best of the "high-tech" wonder remedies.

Of course a firearm that receives a thorough dousing requires more care.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 09-05-2009, 10:11 AM
jack the toad jack the toad is offline
SWCA Member
Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust!  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 4,896
Likes: 3,295
Liked 4,962 Times in 1,950 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Glock 'em down View Post
You're a fellow Okie, do you just order yours direct? Or is there someplace here in Oklahoma where you can buy it? Is it sold exclusively in gun shops or can you find it in hardware stores, Lowe's, Home Depot as well?
Hello fellow okie.
Some auto parts stores may carry it.
I have an ample supply from where I used to work and no, I didn't steal it. My employer was ok with me taking it home.
Brownells carrys it. I haven't tried the new sili-kroil.
BROWNELLS : Brownells Search : Search Results for "kroil" - World's Largest Supplier of Firearm Accessories, Gun Parts and Gunsmithing Tools
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 09-05-2009, 05:12 PM
scooter123 scooter123 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Metro Detroit, Michigan
Posts: 6,919
Likes: 179
Liked 4,294 Times in 2,106 Posts
Default

If the Kroil doesn't do it, I have one other suggestion but it will require some good heavy leather gloves. Take the grips off the gun and bake it in a 200 degree oven for about an hour. Then will it's still hot, try tapping the sideplate loose. The reason why this may work is very simple, metal expands when heated and you may get it to expand enough to free up the side plate. BTW, if you don't have a plastic insert on the front sight, you can go as high as 400 degrees but it may effect the blueing color by some small degree and you'll probably need some true welders gloves to handle it.

Last edited by scooter123; 09-05-2009 at 05:15 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 09-05-2009, 05:44 PM
Sgt 127's Avatar
Sgt 127 Sgt 127 is offline
Member
Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust!  
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: High Desert Nevada
Posts: 656
Likes: 12
Liked 459 Times in 148 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by borntoraisehogs View Post
I use Flitz to remove surface rust .Doesn't everybody ? No abrasive , it will not remove factory bluing . All my blue guns look like new , but when you clean any blue gun for its first time the amount of rust on the cloth will scare you to death . Specially when hunting around salt water .
A couple of points I have found. First off, Flitz is abrasive. I have used it for years on my badge and, after 15 years, the badge looks like a river rock. all the high points are worn down. I switched to Mothers Billet polish. MUCH less abrasive than Flitz ot Semichrome. I have not used it on a blued gun, so, you are on your own if you want to try it.

I hear from people all the time about how they polished thier blue or stainless gun with Flitz and couldn't believe all the dirt and rust that came off...the rag just kept turning brown or black...

That is not rust and dirt...it metal, or the finish coming off. It comes out black because the metal polish abrades it and dissolves it into solution as it takes it off, thats why a satin stainless gun looks like nickel after a while.

If you don't believe me, take a gold ring. Gold does not normally tarnish except under strong acids...Polish the heck out of it with Flitz and a T-shirt...The ring will get shiney...tiny scratches will disappear and the rag will turn black. The scratches are going away because your are removing the surrounding metal...Thats what is now on the rag.

Last edited by Sgt 127; 09-05-2009 at 06:42 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 09-07-2009, 12:43 PM
Glock 'em down Glock 'em down is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 1,113
Likes: 0
Liked 41 Times in 25 Posts
Default

Well, I finally got the side plate off this little feller. Luckily, no rust. It was just tight. Obviously it had never been off before.

Anyway, all the guts were a little dry, so I lubed 'em up pretty good, dry fired it about a thousand times and gave it a good rub down with a soft cotton diaper.

The bluing is very cloudy. Not just the side plate, but the entire revolver! It doesn't appear to have been reblued, that I can tell. What will "uncloud" the bluing?
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 09-08-2009, 01:48 AM
shadowrider shadowrider is offline
Member
Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust!  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Central Oklahoma
Posts: 117
Likes: 12
Liked 17 Times in 7 Posts
Default

Cloudy bluing? Hmmm... You might try that wax. I use Johnson's Paste Wax on mine and it works real good. Let it dry completely before you wipe it off and degrease it real good first.
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 09-09-2009, 12:12 PM
CAJUNLAWYER's Avatar
CAJUNLAWYER CAJUNLAWYER is online now
Member
Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust!  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: On da Bayou Teche
Posts: 18,410
Likes: 18,442
Liked 58,601 Times in 9,624 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by andyo5 View Post
Use a wooden or plastic dowel to pry the sideplate off from the right side, after removing grips and mainspring.

WHOOP WHOOP WHOOP DOWEL ALERT DOWEL ALERT DOWEL ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Take cover take cover
__________________
Forum consigliere
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 09-09-2009, 09:44 PM
jack the toad jack the toad is offline
SWCA Member
Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust! Dadgum surface rust!  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 4,896
Likes: 3,295
Liked 4,962 Times in 1,950 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by CAJUNLAWYER View Post
WHOOP WHOOP WHOOP DOWEL ALERT DOWEL ALERT DOWEL ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Take cover take cover
Now that there's funny, I don't care who you are.
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 09-09-2009, 10:17 PM
2K7's Avatar
2K7 2K7 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 360
Likes: 0
Liked 425 Times in 110 Posts
Default

Like you, I purchased a Smith & Wesson Model 34 that looked perfect in regular light. That night at home, the power went out, so I just happened to shine over it with my flashlight on the dining room table.......THERE IT WAS.....a two tone gun. Looked like blue steel and anodized aluminum combo!

I have since ALWAYS carried a flashlight/bore light combo whenever I look for a new purchase.

The color differential harms nothing but there's just something about it that irritates me.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
brownells, concealed, glock, leather, model 13-3, remington, renaissance, sideplate, solvent

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Surface rust gutterman S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 11 02-16-2016 12:19 AM
Surface rust on a 15-4 LedFowl S&W-Smithing 15 01-03-2014 12:22 AM
Surface rust oversize S&W Antiques 12 01-30-2013 11:05 PM
Surface Rust danno1 Smith & Wesson M&P15 Rifles 6 12-19-2012 02:32 AM
Removing Surface Rust. Big Lou S&W-Smithing 10 10-19-2009 12:33 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:23 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)