Cleaning up a 5906?

[scoobysnacker]

I have some questions, since I now have a pair of 5906's coming into the collection.
These both are obviously used, in various states of wear. Stating for the record: I don't have easy access to bead-blasting, nor am I comfortable enough to experiment doing this to them as of now.

I've read up that Scotchbrite pads of various colors, used judiciously, do a fine job of "repairing" the mars on the metal. The trick seems to be blending into the overall finish; I've read mostly that going with the existing grain (which makes sense) does great.
I HAVE read at least 1 post saying to go against the grain, to not leave streaks, but instead leave it hazy.

2nd question would be about the grips. I know a popular opinion is just to replace them, but- I've polished headlights before, and I've polished CDs in the past. I've seen how using a very gentle polishing compound can revive plastics. Can something like this be done to the stock Delrin grips, to restore to near new condition? Mainly, I'm wanting to get rid of the faded color and make an even texture again.

Here are pics of the 2 guns in question, listed in another thread. All suggestions would be appreciated!

#1

#2

 

[mrmike7189]

That is a fantastic looking gun. I've used fine steel wool . (not sos pads either)they have ratings on steel wool. (ooo grit I believe)It removed my surface rust nicely, then I used some car wax paste to shine it up.
btw I have a couple of factory 59 series 10 round stainless magazines for sale if interested for cheap?they make good practice mags,( save the hi caps for self defense)

 

[scoobysnacker]

That is a fantastic looking gun. I've used fine steel wool . (not sos pads either)they have ratings on steel wool. (ooo grit I believe)It removed my surface rust nicely, then I used some car wax paste to shine it up.
btw I have a couple of factory 59 series 10 round stainless magazines for sale if interested for cheap?they make good practice mags,( save the hi caps for self defense)

Thanks, if you look closely, those are 2 separate guns.

My son is getting #1 for Christmas, with the stainless (flash-chromed?) hammer. I have that one already, I don't think the finish needs anything done at all, other than maybe just a relaxed wipe down. The grip has minimal wear.

#2 is currently inbound off gunbroker, has the black MIM hammer. Looking at the photos, it looks clean but has a few spots on the slide, what seems to be holster wear in my opinion- grain probably worn smooth and dark. Front area on the right. Or it could just be crud. If it's wear, I'm guessing a very controlled scuffing (for lack of a better term) would blend that, right?

If you look at the grip, that looks gray/faded, with considerable wear and marks. I'd like to freshen them up, get rid of the worst scratches and marks, without "disfiguring" it. I THINK I could finely polish out the lines, if they are not deep (as I said, we used to do that with CDs and DVDs). The real trick would be to maintain texture, but again, that's going to be related to grit/grain of the polish.
I've looked a little online about 'cleaning' Delrin, some people say it can be done with care. Obviously don't want it too slick.

Just for clarification, these aren't intended to be for carry, they are going to be for fun.

I already have a 915 and some extra mags, I may look into more again since we will now have 3 guns. Gotta wait for funds to replenish after Christmas

 

[scoobysnacker]

Regarding the Delrin grips, what I'm wondering is-

maybe a toothbrush with some fine polishing compound, maybe the stuff they use for headlights? I would think that would get rid of the long "white" lines, but not polish things to a point where I lose the overall texture. I think that in theory, it would just scuff up the surface enough to where everything looks equal, and maybe remove whatever oxidation might have occurred.

 

[tom 45]

you should never use steel wool on stainless steel.
The steel wool leaves tiny pieces of steel embedded in the stainless. The fine pieces of steel will rust leaving the stainless with a freckled appearance.

 

[Jackcpat]

5906

I think you'll find the stainless is in better shape than you think. Just looks dirty to me. I broke mine down and cleaned it up with a toothbrush and mineral spirits. If you can't clean up the grip, Hogue makes a thin replacement

 

[scoobysnacker]

you should never use steel wool on stainless steel.
The steel wool leaves tiny pieces of steel embedded in the stainless. The fine pieces of steel will rust leaving the stainless with a freckled appearance.

Good to know.

This is my first venture into stainless, everything until now is carbon (blued, painted or parkerized).

I generally like 'black' guns over bright stainless, but the idea of a cheap refresh to the finish (i.e Scotchbrite pad) is a plus, in my book.

 

[jmace57]

Regarding the grips - a guy has a ton of these for sale NOS for $12 or $15 a set on eBay.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Looks like nice, honest wear on the grips. From the pictures, with my eyes, I see no problems with the metal. I would leave them as they are and shoot them. Enjoy them.

 

[Jaymo]

PSA time:
You can get stainless steel wool. No lie. It's sold as muffler packing for motorcycles. I bought mine on Amazon, along with fiberglass muffler packing for one of my bike's mufflers.

You can buy new, replacement grips for the 3rd gen pistols.

My 5906 was an LEO trade-in that had some seriously baked on powder residue inside.
I tried various gun solvents, kerosene, Ed's Red, Break Free, etc, to no avail.
Then, I grabbed a can of aerosol carburetor cleaner. Done.
The carb cleaner made such short work of the powder residue that all my gun solvents were humiliated and started making excuses for why they cost so much yet did so little.

 

[scoobysnacker]

PSA time:
You can get stainless steel wool. No lie. It's sold as muffler packing for motorcycles. I bought mine on Amazon, along with fiberglass muffler packing for one of my bike's mufflers.

You can buy new, replacement grips for the 3rd gen pistols.

My 5906 was an LEO trade-in that had some seriously baked on powder residue inside.
I tried various gun solvents, kerosene, Ed's Red, Break Free, etc, to no avail.
Then, I grabbed a can of aerosol carburetor cleaner. Done.
The carb cleaner made such short work of the powder residue that all my gun solvents were humiliated and started making excuses for why they cost so much yet did so little.

Good to know about the stainless steel wool, it may come in handy.

Yeah, when I first get a gun I tend to grab some brake cleaner or carb cleaner. Definitely makes short work of most grunge left inside the guns, then I relube after.

 

[Jaymo]

Good to know about the stainless steel wool, it may come in handy.

Yeah, when I first get a gun I tend to grab some brake cleaner or carb cleaner. Definitely makes short work of most grunge left inside the guns, then I relube after.

Yes, it does.
Bear in mind, brake cleaner is best for removing any traces of oil or grease, and carb cleaner is best for removing any traces of carbon (but will not completely degrease metal like brake cleaner).