Model 19-4

[jimmyj]

Stripped a Model 19-4 6" that was reported to be a "Safe Queen".
Inside the internals were smeared with grease and ouside every nook and cramie had grease.
Afternoon taken up with cleaning out the grease.
The sideplate screws slots looked untouched. However the trigger return spring had been cut so someone had been inside in the past.
looks great now.

 

[Peak53]

Stripped a Model 19-4 6" that was reported to be a "Safe Queen".
Inside the internals were smeared with grease and ouside every nook and cramie had grease.
Afternoon taken up with cleaning out the grease.
The sideplate screws slots looked untouched. However the trigger return spring had been cut so someone had been inside in the past.
looks great now.

Glad you got it cleaned up. Replace the mainspring and carry on.

 

[chief38]

First thing I do when acquiring a new gun (new to me or brand new) is to completely strip it, clean and inspect it, properly lubricate it. I've had brand new stainless guns with some light rust inside. I have also bought brand new guns that were bone dry. Used guns are all over the place, but most I have purchased were never opened - just either dry or dirty inside. One was greased up. I leave nothing to chance and always service them prior to shooting them.

When buying a new or used long gun or shotgun always disassemble the magazine tube, clean and inspect. That is a very common place for rust to start and many overlook it.

I also disassemble pistol magazines - they are usually dirty, gunky and some are even lightly rusted. Most mags come apart easily.

 

[stansdds]

When buying any firearm, new or used, you really don't know what's hiding inside until you look. The internals might be in perfect condition and properly lubricated, they might be full of hardened lubricant and residue, they might be full of manufacturing debris.