Rust removal

polkey · November 1, 2008, 06:03 PM

Got a new S&W DA .38 revolver, only problem is it's got a bit of rust, if anybody knows how i can get it off without ruining the rest of the finish, tips would be appreciated

fastforty · November 1, 2008, 07:16 PM

Before I looked at the pics, I was going to tell you to get an old real-copper penny & use it to rub the high spots off (won't damage existing bluing). Then I looked at the pics. It looks like it's been shot with corrosive powder & not cleaned properly (edit: Ok, now I remember, I'm in the BP forum, LOL). It looks bad enough to go after it with a soft metal wire wheel on a bench grinder (not sure if it really is as extensive as it looks). That much rust has surely gotten under & lifted some of the plating off.

Rather then looks, I'd be more concerned about the condition of screws, pins, and the inside of the cylinder & bore. You may have what will be a good shooter for a long time, if it passes mechanical inspection. I'd say that a complete teardown is in order, for cleaning & inspection.

polkey · November 1, 2008, 07:36 PM

person i bought it from had it inspected before i bought it and it's safe and locks up fine. haven't actually fired it yet wanted to clean it it up a bit first.
i was looking for more of some kind of solvent or something like that and just soak it for a while, want to keep it as original as possible. nothing to evasive.

Hawg · November 1, 2008, 07:45 PM

You're going to lose a lot of plating no matter what you do. Going to be some pitting too. Under the rib is probably going to be the worst from the look of the pics. Maybe some Kroil and 0000 steel wool

mykeal · November 1, 2008, 09:53 PM

Nevr-Dull, plus some 0000 brass wool. Will remove rust and reveal pitting if any, will not fix pitting.

ZeSpectre · November 1, 2008, 10:07 PM

Makes me sad.
Really I'd say take it to a professional and have it done up right.

November 1, 2008, 07:16 PM	#2
fastforty Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 1999 Location: In a kornfield in kalifornia Posts: 1,161	Before I looked at the pics, I was going to tell you to get an old real-copper penny & use it to rub the high spots off (won't damage existing bluing). Then I looked at the pics. It looks like it's been shot with corrosive powder & not cleaned properly (edit: Ok, now I remember, I'm in the BP forum, LOL). It looks bad enough to go after it with a soft metal wire wheel on a bench grinder (not sure if it really is as extensive as it looks). That much rust has surely gotten under & lifted some of the plating off. Rather then looks, I'd be more concerned about the condition of screws, pins, and the inside of the cylinder & bore. You may have what will be a good shooter for a long time, if it passes mechanical inspection. I'd say that a complete teardown is in order, for cleaning & inspection. __________________ When Banjos are outlawed, only Outlaws will have Banjos The Bible is my lawbook. I turn the other cheek when applicable, and spend the rest of my days resisting evil at every front, until I have breathed my last breath. Last edited by fastforty; November 1, 2008 at 07:19 PM. Reason: Duh

November 1, 2008, 07:36 PM	#3
polkey Junior Member Join Date: October 25, 2008 Posts: 6	person i bought it from had it inspected before i bought it and it's safe and locks up fine. haven't actually fired it yet wanted to clean it it up a bit first. i was looking for more of some kind of solvent or something like that and just soak it for a while, want to keep it as original as possible. nothing to evasive.

November 1, 2008, 07:45 PM	#4
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,188	You're going to lose a lot of plating no matter what you do. Going to be some pitting too. Under the rib is probably going to be the worst from the look of the pics. Maybe some Kroil and 0000 steel wool

November 1, 2008, 09:53 PM	#5
mykeal Senior Member Join Date: October 8, 2006 Location: Northern Michigan Posts: 2,772	Nevr-Dull, plus some 0000 brass wool. Will remove rust and reveal pitting if any, will not fix pitting.

November 1, 2008, 10:07 PM	#6
ZeSpectre Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2007 Location: Shenandoah Valley Posts: 3,276	Makes me sad. Really I'd say take it to a professional and have it done up right.