Pepper51
Member
I wish I had taken a before picture, but I didn't so I will tell the story anyway. 20 years ago, Mr. died and left 15 guns locked up in a room, most stored in cheap plastic cases with foam lining. They were taken to a local shop to sell. Everyone had rust damage from drawing moisture over the years. Long guns and handguns.
I ended up with the nickel S&W 10-8 with 3-inch heavy barrel. I took it As Is not being able to open the cylinder or work the action. All was frozen. I soaked the gun in CLP for a couple days and that freed up the action enough to get it to move. Side plate off, all the internals were rusty. Stripped all components out and soaked in CLP for a couple days. Cleaned each piece up by hand. Very lightly stoned the trigger, hammer contact points just to smooth out the surface. Cleaned barrel, cylinder with Ballistol followed by Lewis lead remover tool and polished with Flitz. Cleaned outside with Flitz but damage was done in some areas. Did not want to rub too much. Barrel, cylinder and other areas are in excellent condition. I think the nickel plating helped protect. 2 Other guns that were blued in the same case were much worse with rust.
Serial number starts with AEB that S&W 4th edition puts at 1984. Book also says these were available 1984-1987. Don't know anything else about these. I just like the 3 inck K frame. Not the best looking but it functions as original now.
I ended up with the nickel S&W 10-8 with 3-inch heavy barrel. I took it As Is not being able to open the cylinder or work the action. All was frozen. I soaked the gun in CLP for a couple days and that freed up the action enough to get it to move. Side plate off, all the internals were rusty. Stripped all components out and soaked in CLP for a couple days. Cleaned each piece up by hand. Very lightly stoned the trigger, hammer contact points just to smooth out the surface. Cleaned barrel, cylinder with Ballistol followed by Lewis lead remover tool and polished with Flitz. Cleaned outside with Flitz but damage was done in some areas. Did not want to rub too much. Barrel, cylinder and other areas are in excellent condition. I think the nickel plating helped protect. 2 Other guns that were blued in the same case were much worse with rust.
Serial number starts with AEB that S&W 4th edition puts at 1984. Book also says these were available 1984-1987. Don't know anything else about these. I just like the 3 inck K frame. Not the best looking but it functions as original now.
