Cleaning a Nickle 29

[442js]

I unexpectedly picked up a 4" 29-2 Nickel made in 1980 (at least per the serial number). The gun was in a batch of confiscated guns by the sheriff, and it is in reasonably good shape. I haven't seen a nickle 4" model before so I decided to pick it up. Unfortunately the criminal who had the gun previously didn't take great care of it, and I need to clean it up.

I have used CLP on my blue and stainless guns. Is it okay to use on the nickle finish? I also have to clean up the forcing cone, and I know the polishing cloth for stainless will damage blued guns. Can I use it on nickle without any damage?

The grips are marked up as well, but I think I might be able to clean them up. Any suggestions on how to clean the wood grips? I will post pictures once the gun is cleaned up.

Thank you.

 

[JCS&W]

Can't help you with the wood grips, but I do own a couple of nickel guns and here is what I do. I would not use CLP. I would use Prolix, it is a citrus based cleaner and cleans up nickel very well and is safe on the nickel finish. Do not use a polishing cloth, not even on the forcing cone, this is just my opinion but I like to be safe. Use Flitz, or Mothers Mag Polish to polish out the nickel finish and clean the forcing cone. It will take some time, so be prepared for that. Do not use a polishing wheel. Use a cotton cloth, old T shirt, and your fingers spread the Flitz and to buff it out. The cloth will darken as you rub, so turn it frequently. It may take several times to completely clean the finish. Any milky or cloudy areas will take more time to polish, but it will be worth it in the end. Once your nickel M29 is polished out, I would put some Reniassance Wax on it. This protects the finish. Once polished out, you will not need to use Flitz again for many months. Good luck and take your time.

Seems there were quite a few M29-2, nickel, 4" guns made in 1980. This is mine wearing some Kuracs

 

[dlbx2]

Maas polish did this! It is the only thing that I will use. As far as the wood, if you have a Dremel tool, get the two finest quick release buffing brushes, use the finer one last. It will both clean the old varnish off, and polish the wood. Then finish it with whatever you like. I prefer Birchwood Casey Tru Oil. This nickel 29-2 has a polishing with MAAS Fine Metal Polish & Renaissance Wax. By the way, cut a round piece of tape to cover the S&W medallion when applying the finish, which usually takes at least 2 coats. I hope this has helped.

 

[TAROMAN]

My nickeled 29 wasn't too bad.
Polished it very lightly using Mother's and a microfiber towel.
Finished with Renissance Wax, too.
As for the stocks, my solution for grungy ones is a soak in acetone to strip everything, then refinish with tru-Oil.

 

[442js]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I think this gun needs a thorough cleaning so I am going to try to hunt down some Prolix and other items you guys recommend. I posted some pictures to this posting showing some of the issues I have.

 

[nutsforsmiths]

I purchased a nickel 29-2 manufactured in 1977 with a 6.5" barrel. The previous owner didn't take very good care of this pistol, so it took a bit of work to get it to look nice. I used Flitz, then Renaissance Pre-Lim to remove any oil or film left and finished it off with Renaissance Wax.

It looks a lot better then when I bought it, but it still has a bunch of scratches and some marks on the barrel where a scope used to be.

 

[doc540]

Flitz, Renaissance wax, Sunday football, elbow grease

good combo