1st try at preserving & cleaning my newest M19

[Dino44]

I decided not to go with the "big soak method" for now. I was too anxious to see how it would look after the rust removal. I went at it by hand, with 30 WT motor oil and 0000 steel wool. I rubbed until the surfaces felt smooth. I also used a copper penny and brass wire brush in the pits. Speaking of which, there was more than I had hoped for. Overall, I think it cleaned up pretty well, considering the amount of damage. After degreasing, I buffed with Flitz, then Ren Wax. Before starting I noted, the forcing cone, top strap, cylinder face, and recoil shield were in immaculate condition. So is the bore and chambers. I don't believe this gun was fired much, if at all. The action is tight and smooth. I don't have a trigger gage but if I had to guess, I say it's over 10 lbs. Before photos are posted in my previous thread. " Model 19, four screw variant"

 

[Dino44]

Three more photos.

 

[19leben]

I’m not a fan of steel wool on blue guns. Much prefer the bronze wool. I’m afraid the steel will remove the bluing.

 

[Dino44]

I’m not a fan of steel wool on blue guns. Much prefer the bronze wool. I’m afraid the steel will remove the bluing.

I too wanted to use bronze wool but there was none to be had at my local hardware stores. I did not observe any bluing loss during the process. I used a liberal amount of oil, and I was careful, not to rub too hard.

 

[kev74]

Got any 'before' pics so we can be suitably impressed?

 

[Dino44]

Got any 'before' pics so we can be suitably impressed?

See previous thread Model 19, four screw variant

 

[Model19man]

I too wanted to use bronze wool but there was none to be had at my local hardware stores. I did not observe any bluing loss during the process. I used a liberal amount of oil, and I was careful, not to rub too hard.

Had the same problem so I ordered some bronze wool off Amazon. It took two days to get here so I waited.

 

[DWalt]

I too wanted to use bronze wool but there was none to be had at my local hardware stores. I did not observe any bluing loss during the process. I used a liberal amount of oil, and I was careful, not to rub too hard.

You will find Chore Boy at most any supermarket. Steel wool should not be used.

 

[rct269]

I’m not a fan of steel wool on blue guns. Much prefer the bronze wool. I’m afraid the steel will remove the bluing.

There's no need to be afraid steel wool will remove bluing---it absolutely, positively WILL remove bluing!! That of course is because it removes rust------and bluing is rust------just a different color---noted in its name, "black oxide". Now it's a whole lot tougher rust than the red stuff, but there ain't much of it there, something like .0002"---if my remembering is working.

The process of bluing is known as "controlled corrosion"----'nuff said!!

Given you may have any doubts about this, pause for a moment and think about what regular, everyday cowhide does! Does the term "holster wear" sound familiar? Sure it does---just takes longer.

Bronze wool is the name of the game---along with a little oil to reduce friction, and carry off the crud.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[TLflag]

Brass Steel Wool

My local Home Depot said they didn't have it, so I showed them where it was. Try them.

 

[rct269]

You will find Chore Boy at most any supermarket. Steel wool should not be used.

As an aside, Chore Boy is a copper scouring pad. That said, it too has a place in the shooters'/collectors' tool kit----------as a lead remover.

Go to the "Notable Thread Index" in this section, and scroll down to the "lead in barrel" thread. There you will find the what and how to remove lead (and any other crud)-----quickly and easily---and better than ANY other lead removing device/system/magic potion known to mankind ---so sayeth me-----and any and all others who've had a go at it!!

Ralph Tremaine

 

[Retired W4]

Dino, I see a big improvement from the "before" pictures. Good job.