Patina - remove it?

[tacotime]

Old blue J frame, carried by LEO for 30 years. Grip part of frame between the wood stock halves is all patina all the way around. Rest of metal not bad.

For the best preservation of the metal, should I remove the patina, or leave it? Looks are not the main issue here, really just want to best treatment for the metal.

I wonder if the existing patina is a kind of protection now, or whether it will continue to deteriorate, even though oiled?

 

[Imaposer]

I'd say clean it and keep it oiled like you would any other blued gun. Other than that I'd leave it alone... Of course pics would help...

 

[iwanna]

I don't ever listen to anybody who tells me: "That should clean up."

Leave it and oil it as was suggested.

 

[Old cop]

I've had that problem before and used gun oil and fine grain steel wool to remove rust from under the grip panels. If you don't take some action it will only get worse. FWIW rubber grips tend to trap moisture and encourage rusting (patina).

 

[The Tourist]

Actually, this is three questions. Let me explain.

If the gun is collectible, leave the patina.

If the gun is a treasured memory from someone like a deceased grandfather, leave the patina.

If the gun is to be used and carried, exposing any corrosion to further abuse, take it to a gunsmith and have the firearm polished and hard-chromed.

BTW, I have told my wife that in the event of my death preceding hers, all of my possessions, including the bikes, are to be treated as "metal with holes drilled into them."

People are important, not things. I want her to sell, barter, crush or enjoy what I leave behind, guilt free.

 

[tacotime]

No collector value. Just interested in stopping any further degradation of the metal.

Really it's also a chemistry question - is the patina a barrier against further deterioration or is the metal under the patina continuing to deteriorate?

There were reminants of visible rust and light pitting on the barrel itself. I removed that with oil, steel wool and 600 grit, and the area is nice and clean and smooth, and of course with no blue there, but that area was active and called for attention.

My dad has an old Rem Mod. 11 from my grandad, that is almost all patina and has been since I ever saw it 40 years ago, and it is not stored in a climate controlled place, and it still looks the same, no visible rust, and it is kept lightly oiled, which makes me wonder... if patina is actually a stable and non-threatening condition?

 

[Pisgah]

I have guns I have owned for 50 years that were all patina when I got them, and still look the same as when I got them. Kept oiled, a patinaed gun won't rust away any quicker than one with perfect finish.