The Ugly Duckling...

[CajunBass]

I may have told this story, if so bear with me. I took some new pictures the other day, and wanted to show them off.

Several months ago I almost passed on a Smith & Wesson Model 19 (no dash), four screw. The gun locked up tight, everything mechanical checked out fine, but it was "finish challenged" shall we say.





Scratches, worn lackluster blue, some fine surface rust, and just general "crud" all over it. I thought I might send it off to have it refinished.

But figuring I had nothing to lose, I cleaned it with Gunscrubber, Hoppes, and elbow grease. Then I took Flitz Polish to the metal. I know a lot of people say Flitz can harm the finish, but in this case, as I said, nothing to lose.

I put the polish on by hand, allowed it to dry, then buffed it off by hand with a soft cloth. Then I applied Pledge Furniture polish to it several times also.

I got some pictures the other day out in the sun for the first time.





It doesn't look like new by any means. There are still scratches, there are still places where bare metal shows, but those scratches, and blue edges are softer now, the fine rust and "patina" are gone. What's left of the blue reflects light like a mirror.

Next I want to clean those grips. I don't want to strip the finish unless I have to, so I'm thinking just some warm water and mild soap and see what happens.

 

[NZshooter]

LOL you tried Pledge furniture polish on the gun to good effect may as well try that on the smooth parts of the stocks.

Great job saving that 19, looks good

 

[CajunBass]

I've used Pledge on my guns for years. Started off using it on shotgun stocks, and moved to wiping the metal parts off with it. It does a decent job. Doesn't last as long as a hard wax, but it's usually convient.

I don't think it will clean the dirt and crud out of the grips. They don't look awful, but there are a coupld of places that look like they have some nice grain. I'm not going to do anything to damage them, just want to clean them up a bit.

 

[Chukar60]

I like it!! some character born of use is not a bad thing. you did that gun right. I would leave it as is and shoot it.

 

[cherrypointmarine]

It's funny, I was looking at a M27 on line last nite, looks almost the same. Now, I have to give her a second look. Thanks a lot!

 

[greasepiggy]

Grips, uh I mean stocks...

I picked up a set of K frame diamond target stocks a little while back and they were about black with crud and nicotine stains (smelled like my grandfathers car in the 70's.... Cough).
Of all things, I tried windex! The crud came off pretty easily and I was left with a pretty nice set of stocks without much effort. Then a coat of lemon fresh pledge and they were good to go!

My hands smelled like I was back to smoking two packs a day again though...

 

[petepeterson]

Never mind the looks! How's she shoot? My 19 is the most accurate handgun I own (in my hands, anyhow).

 

[CajunBass]

Never mind the looks! How's she shoot? My 19 is the most accurate handgun I own (in my hands, anyhow).

Just like every Model 19 I've ever owned. And they were all outstanding shooters, at least with the 38 Special ammo I usually shoot in them. I almost never use magnums.

 

[Xfuzz]

Shoot the stocks with some EZ-Off oven
cleaner.
Do it outside with some old rags handy.

 

[DAinTX]

Major improvement. Good job!

 

[revolvergeek]

Nicely done! I may have to try that approach on a couple myself.

 

[Watchdog]

Next I want to clean those grips. I don't want to strip the finish unless I have to, so I'm thinking just some warm water and mild soap and see what happens.

If you're going to try soap and warm water, try Murphy's Oil Soap. It's concentrated, so it doesn't take much. Use a sponge and/or a very soft bristle brush.

 

[629shooter]

Good work Cajun Bass.

Never mind the looks! How's she shoot? My 19 is the most accurate handgun I own (in my hands, anyhow).

Yeah, M19s seem inherently accurate. I haven't met one that wasn't a great shooter.

 

[Engineer1911]

To clean the stocks use Dawn dishwashing liquid and an old toothbrush. Use a wet tooth brush, a dab of Dawn (like you were going to brush your teeth), and gently scrub the checkering. Scrub both ways with the checkering cuts.

Rinse with warm water, pat dry with a soft cloth, and gently blow dry on low setting.

 

[c.w.]

Try ballistol next time...I use it inside barrel, on stocks and overall wipe down. It leaves a thin coating that really protects, and polishes up nicely. (doesn't smell too good-but works)

c.w.

 

[DWalt]

I don't know how the story about Flitz got started. It's non abrasive, says so right on the box. I do not use it except on nickeled guns, but it's never done any damage on mine. There was a VERY long thread here recently about waxing guns you might want to read. I use Johnson's Paste Wax as a routine part of gun cleaning, mainly to protect against rust.

 

[sandspur6]

Great job! You've probably added at least a hundred dollars to the value of your revolver. Looks great and beats the heck out of a reblue.

 

[firemanhank]

Great job cleaning the gun. Looking at the pics again, I almost think those are rosewood grips.
Are they rosewood?

 

[CajunBass]

Great job cleaning the gun. Looking at the pics again, I almost think those are rosewood grips.
Are they rosewood?

I got no idea. . It's a dark sort of reddish wood under all that dirt is all I know.

 

[cmichini]

Looks A-OK to me.

I admire firearms that have been there and done that. Plus, there's plenty of 'character' on the finish so you're not scared to use like the functional tool that it is, and not fuss over any minor nick/scratch (the first is the worst - isn't it?).

I'd love to have the opportunity to resurrect a nice of Smith like that.

Good going. Post an update if you get the stocks cleaned up!!