Rust...

[ghenshaw]

So I inherited several of my dad's guns, including a lovely Winchester model 1892 .25-20 that I haven't dated yet but is probably going on 70. Unfortunately, though, it's been neglected - stored in the basement. It appears to be in generally ok condition but has quite a bit of light rust and light pitting. What's the best way to take care of it? A good cleaning? A trip to the gunsmith? Something more drastic?

 

[bigjohn]

gunsmith. cleaning may remove some of the value

 

[NathanJ]

gunsmith. cleaning may remove some of the value

Yes, something that old needs to be gone thru anyway. Good point John.

 

[ghenshaw]

OK. Will the local gunsmith do, or do some of them specialize in old guns? I live in Calvert, would welcome a recommendation.

 

[GNLaFrance]

Definitely find one who specializes in old guns. You want restoration, not refinishing.

 

[smores]

Definitely find one who specializes in old guns. You want restoration, not refinishing.

This. Old parts are not easy to come by. Companies like Jack First Gun Shop try to stock real old gun parts, and if those aren't available they stock some reproductions which will make the gun functional but don't always look right and usually require fitting/finishing. As a gunsmith I can say I love working with old guns (when they work), but when they're missing parts that are impossible to find it turns from an exciting project to a nightmare in a hurry.

Guns from around the turn of the 20th century and older tend to have flat springs or coil springs that did not hold up well over time. Nothing wrong with their initial quality, but advances in materials science and metallurgy have made those old springs obsolete. If one is broken, and needs to be replaced or fabricated, you need someone who has experience doing this. I've made a FEW flat springs and tried reproducting some complicated music wire springs. Unless you know a lot about the materials and how to properly heat treat springs it can be VERY difficult. Trial and error is not the way to do it.

 

[ghenshaw]

So in the meantime, should I oil it, or do anything else to stop the rust?

 

[mopar92]

So in the meantime, should I oil it, or do anything else to stop the rust?

Yes oil he living f*ck out of it. DO NOT USE WD40. It will gum up the action and firing mechanisms. Use Eezox or something similar.

 

[ghenshaw]

Don't worry, I have seen far too much equipment ruined by WD40 in my life already. I don't even own a can.

Do I need to pay any special attention to the wood? Will oil damage the finish?

 

[mopar92]

I believe wood preservative or water sealer may help the stock. HOWEVER I am NOT a gunsmith. So do some research on it but I think you'll be alright.

 

[GNLaFrance]

Ballistol will protect the metal and the wood.

 

[teratos]

Ballistol will protect the metal and the wood.

+ 1 on the Ballistol.

 

[Maryland Hunter]

Ballistol will protect the metal and the wood.

+100

MH

 

[RW2111]

Like coat of CLP will do the trick also