• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Hey gun people....

S

Soybomb

Diamond Member
I've got some questions for you gun people, especially those of you into older guns! My dad has dug up his fathers old pistol and has been thinking about having it "restored" if you will. Its a Colt, "The Woodsman" model, automatic .22 long rifle pistol. From the serial number 110xxx I've determined that it seems to have been manufactured in 1937. Its in very good shape and everything still moves and slides well. the bluing on it is still in very good shape, except for a few very small pin heads of rust that are forming on the top of it.

Is it recommened to restore it? How about taking it to a shooting range afterwards sometime? Any particular storage recommendations? 🙂

Thanks all, pretty new to this gun thing
 
Restoring it wil kill it's value. Go to the gun store and get the right cleaner to remove the rust and then follow up with a little store bought cold bluing to protect the gun. Tha is all I would do.
 
I sort of suspected that, similar to fixing old furniture I guess 😀 Would there be any concerns to shooting it considering its age? How about proper storage? 🙂
 
As long as the weapon is clean and the barrel has no obstuctions I have no problem firing old weapons. As far as storage I prefer a cabinet or safe as opposed to a gun case. Just keep the outside wiped with oil and if you handle it wipe it down lightly before you put it away. Run a patch of oil down the barrel to protect it's finish. BTW the reason I don't like gun cases is they tend to trap moisture.
 
For surface rust, use 000 steel wool, and some WD-40. It may not have gone thru the blueing, and it may look just fine. They sell a blueing pencil at gunshops, you can just touch up the spots that need it. Won't cost more than 10 bucks for what you need.
 
A touch up would kill the value worse that a complete bluing job! Take it to a gunsmith and have it completely dissambled and cleaned. He will give you any advice you mihght need on the value.
 
I recommend the same as Torminator.

Take it in to a competent gun smith. Have him break it down, clean it, inspect it, set the timing, and show you how to maintain/clean it in the future.

DO NOT BLUE IT! You will destroy it. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Just keep it from getting worse in the future.
 
I agree with Tominator too. If your short on cash just go to your local walmart and buy a gun cleaning kit, there not very much around $15.00 maybe. It will have everything you need to clean it with. Make sure you buy one for 22-rifles because it has the smaller rods for the barrel. It will come with swabs and barrel cleaning solution, its really easy. 22 are abit harder to clean then shot guns because the 22- barrels are much smaller. You will also get some oil to wipe it down when finished. Its always nice to get a gun from a family member, take good care of it! 🙂
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top