help assessing corrosion on a k22 17-3

[MarkLH]

help assessing corrosion on a k22 17-3

I've got an opportunity to pickup up a 17-3, finally seeing photos and it apparantly has some light corrosion on the back side of the recoil plate and I think a little on the top strap ( hard to see in pictures, I'm requesting more/better photos )

since it's a package deal, cost for this particular gun is about $550 .. ( I love the $165 price on the box! 8-)

Is this just cosmetic? Does it represent a concern re: the overall integrity of the gun? and how would one go about remedying it - can it be polished off, and then I'd guess needing rebluing in those spots. Something doable DIY, or need to be a gunsmith and at what cost?

I'm OK with a great shooter as I understand these to be tack drivers, not that concerned that it's not pristine/collectable, as long as I can get my $ out at some point if need be, and as long as the firearm itself isn't compromised.

Any help appreciated, and I'll try to get better photos

Thanks! Mark

[kscharlie]

The blemishes on the gun do not compromise the integrity of it in any way. Assuming all the mechanics are in good shape, it should be good for shooting many thousands of rounds. It's too bad that this one is not as nice as the Model 14 that is the other half of your "package deal", but outside of the few marks seen in the picture, it is still an attractive Model 17.

It's really hard to say what those marks are, but it does not look like rust flecks. Perhaps some type of caustic overspray from some other "chemical" caused it. Or maybe it is just some "organic" flecks that have stuck to the cylinder.

DO NOT attempt to "polish" it off and re-blue the spots!!! I would first obtain some KanoKroil, put some on a soft cloth, and rub those spots down. Apply enough oil to put a film of the oil on the cylinder. Let it sit for a couple of hours, come back and wipe it all down with a fresh dry cloth. If spots are still there, apply some Kroil to a piece of fine BRONZE wool and carefully/gently rub down the spots. Don't get carried away by putting too much pressure on the wool. You want to try to remove the spots, not the blueing. Do not use steel wool, as that will just put scratches and more blemishes in the finish. After all that is done, remove the stock (grip) panels, wipe the gun down with rubbing alcohol and apply a coat of wax to the gun. Carnauba Johnson's past wax is used by many. A lot of us prefer to use Renaissance Wax. It is easily found on-line. A small can will last forever.

For $550, it is not a smoking hot deal for a 17-3. But it's not really a bad deal either. You may end up still having spots on the gun, but you will have a very nice shooter to go with the 14.

I am but one voice here, but I say go for the deal. Good luck and let us all know how it turned out.

[bananaman]

To me, the box is a plus, but I personally would not pay that price with those finish issues. I bought a 17-2 (1964) last July $550 "Buy it Now". No box, but the gun looks & shoots great.
You, are the 1 that has to make the decision! Let us know how you make out! Bob

[gwpercle]

The "freckling" doesn't look bad at all, from the photo's posted and should clean up to look decent. The finish won't be perfect , but as a shooter it will not hurt it.
The model 58 in my avatar was carried by a motorcycle policeman for many years....it had a bad case of freckling, all over especially the grip's exposed back strap . I figured it would need a reblue.
I worked it over with Turtle Wax Chrome Polish and Rust Remover, found it in the garage..****st remover. Well it cleaned up so well I decided to leave the finish as is...honest cop wear .
Try some on yours and see if the freckles will almost disappear .
Gary

[gmborkovic]

If the spots bother you , just pass. $550 is not a small sum of money.
If every time you shoot the 17, you regret buying it, just walk.

[ABPOS]

I wouldn't have a problem with those spots. But I would think it would allow for a smaller price.

[MarkLH]

Good to hear it's nothing substantial, and more: cosmetic.

Thank you for the advice everyone!

The $550 is kind of subjective, .. as I'm paying $1,300 for the pair,.. and the K38 14-4 is absolutely PRISTINE, shot only a handful of times.. with perfect box, papers, cleaning tools, etc.

and getting the pair is sort of swinging the whole deal.. so i'm going to go for it.

will post pics upon arrival ( should be Sunday )

Tnx again for the replies..

[shouldazagged]

I don't think you'll regret it. That's a splendid revolver, spots and all.

[k22fan]

Obviously rust was cleaned out of the pitting on the top strap. Consequently, I assume the silver spots on the cylinder are also places where rust was cleaned off. While it is not as conspicuous in the picture, the top strap pitting is deeper so it is the more important cosmetic issue. If it was removed before rebluing the metal removal would give away the reblue.

However, I have bought S&W revolvers that showed similar pitting for shooters and was happy to find them. Look beyond the pitting. This Model 17-3 has almost no turn line, almost no cylinder stop wear and almost no rub marks on its ejector rod. Very few rounds have been fired through it. It is not for me to say how good a deal you can find, but as a shooter this revolver is as good as new.

[MarkLH]

Tnx K22fan
While I wish is was not cosmetically imperfect, most important to me is the shooting .

and since the K38 is pristine, will have two S&W shooters. Looking forward to it. Maybe not the best “ deal “ ever but Ill have ‘em which is the main thing...

ill reference the above cleaning tips to minimize finish flaws..
tnx again