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Posted: 1/2/2021 6:27:44 PM EDT
Inherited a Colt 1908 Vest Pocket Hammerless .25 ACP from my grandfather. Serial number is 288XXX indicating it was built in 1921. I was hoping to clean it up a bit but don't want to do any additional damage to the finish. Grips appear to be aftermarket "Franzite" so I may try to find some period correct mother of pearl or walnuts.
Any advice or threads detailing the clean-up / restoration process would be greatly appreciated. The gun probably hasn't been cleaned in over 50 years. Thanks!  Attached File |
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Posted: 1/2/2021 6:50:52 PM EDT
[#1]
Tear it down as far as you are comfortable with (able to put it back together). I have an ultrasonic cleaner so would put it in there sans the grips and then blast it clean with compressed air. Order new springs from Wolff. Any rust should be taken care of by soaking in oil. Then get an old credit card (I use a cheap dental scaler made out of cheap chinese steel as it is quite soft). You want to remove any rust clumps. I advise against steel wool, but if you do go light and only use 0000.
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Posted: 1/2/2021 8:00:44 PM EDT
[#2]
Thank you! Wolff springs ordered. Greatly appreciate the advice / assist.
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CT, USA
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Posted: 1/2/2021 8:27:29 PM EDT
[#3]
Detail strip and put everything but the grips in a pan of Mineral Spirits ( Available in the paint dept of Lowes or Home Depot)
Let soak overnight. Put some gloves on and take a tooth brush and scrub the bad areas. Pull parts out and hit with some compressed air or just put on a towel and let dry. Parts will be clean and ready to reassemble, don't forget to oil the parts as you reassemble. Grips can be cleaned with Simple green and toothbrush and then rinse with water. |
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MI, USA
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Posted: 1/2/2021 8:39:54 PM EDT
[#4]
If you don’t have an ultrasonic cleaner, detail strip and boil in dawn//water mix, let cool, rinse, boil in clean water , dry off, rinse in oil
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Posted: 1/2/2021 8:53:18 PM EDT
[#5]
I agree with what everyone above said, I also use a copper penny(a real copper penny, not a modern one) to remove the rust. You just rub the rusted area with the edge of the penny and some Hoppe's. It will leave copper marks but they will come off with some Hoppe's and elbow grease.
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Posted: 1/2/2021 8:53:48 PM EDT
[#6]
Choir Boy copper scrub pads and Kroil work well to remove rust.
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Posted: 1/2/2021 9:04:29 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By fxntime: Choir Boy copper scrub pads and Kroil work well to remove rust. Copper scrub pads, not copper plated steel. I gave up finding copper pads in a store here, but they are available on line and apparently in gas stations that cater to recreational drug users. I bought a roll of mesh from a beer making shop. Paid too much, but it also works for desoldering. |
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Posted: 1/2/2021 9:04:38 PM EDT
[#8]
Everyone keep in mind that this gun is probably rust blued. Some compounds like Flitz that some may use will remove the patina under the blue.
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KY, USA
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Posted: 1/3/2021 7:38:14 AM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By P08: Everyone keep in mind that this gun is probably rust blued. Some compounds like Flitz that some may use will remove the patina under the blue. More likely heat blued. |
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Posted: 1/3/2021 8:59:03 AM EDT
[#10]
in for the restoration, hopefully with walnut grips
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Posted: 4/4/2021 5:24:43 PM EDT
[#11]
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Posted: 4/4/2021 5:26:14 PM EDT
[#12]
thanks for the advice on the Colt. cleaned up nicely. springs replaced. new stock walnut grips (correct for year of manufacture)
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Posted: 4/4/2021 5:36:05 PM EDT
[#13]
Yay! Good job
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USA
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Posted: 4/4/2021 5:55:22 PM EDT
[#14]
Looks nice with those walnut panels!
Makes me want to go buy the Browning my old man buddy has an extra of. Just cannot get into .25 ACP despite appreciating the craftsmanship. |
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Posted: 4/4/2021 9:06:48 PM EDT
[#15]
I like it! Part of me would want to park it, but it would require allot of metal to be removed, the lettering obliterated and even then... GREAT JOB.
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MI, USA
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Posted: 4/25/2021 4:58:58 AM EDT
[#16]
Shoot it yet?
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Posted: 4/27/2021 10:01:24 PM EDT
[#17]
Your Grandfather's name wasn't Russ by chance?
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Posted: 7/10/2021 6:17:15 PM EDT
[#18]
Update, how's it shoot?
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