[Jim PHL]

I am anxiously expecting my first "real" blued gun, a S+W model 19. My only other blued guns are an ancient Colt that I haven't really done much with other than rub with CLP and a soft rag, and a modern S+W snubby that's actually kind of black and hasn't been hard to keep clean using the same method.

My model 19 has arrived at my FFL and I am to pick it up tomorrow. He's told me it's in good working condition but it's in real need of a good cleaning. I would expect once I get it clean I can keep it clean using the CLP and elbow grease but what method for a real thorough 1st cleaning? I am hoping there's a nice blue underneath (1980 mfr.) and I want to get to it without damaging it.

Sorry, I'm sure this has been covered many times but I searched "Cleaning"; "Cleaning Blue" and "Cleaning Blue Guns" and searches came up with no match.

[JoeHatley]

When you get a really dirty gun the best method I've used is to soak it in a homemade solution.

Equal parts kerosene/mineral spirits/ATF fuild

Soak it a bit and then scrub with nylon brushes outside and bronze brushes in the bore and chambers. Dry fire the gun while it's immursed and the action will be cleaned also.

Dry with paper towels.

Good Luck...

Joe

[Jim PHL]

Pardon me, Joe. I appreciate the response but what is ATF fluid?

[Nick1911]

Pardon me, Joe. I appreciate the response but what is ATF fluid?

Automatic Transmission Fulid, IIRC

[Smokey Joe]

What to use depends in part on the nature of the crud to be removed. I'm guessing that in this case, it's a combination of grease/oil plus firing residue, plus maybe dust, dirt, spiderwebs, etc, from storage.

That being the case, I'd use Gun Scrubber, or brake cleaner, which is the same thing only cheaper. It is a good solvent for greasy crud. Fumes are toxic, so use outdoors or in very good ventilation. Pick out the really bad chunks of crud with a plastic probe or a sharpened popsicle stick or such. Follow up with a light brushing or cotton swabbing, blow out the remainder with compressed air if you have it (or just let it dry if not) then you need to re-lube the moving parts carefully, reassemble as need be, and you're good to go.

[SJshooter]

Flitz makes a polish called "Metal and Fiberglass" polish that specifically says it can be used on blue guns on the label. Sold in many gun shops. It will bring out the natural shine of the blue really well, just don't use a real heavy hand on the polish. Beyond that, I would think CLP is all you need. My blue guns get the Flitz when new and then CLp after every range trip and they look great.

And you probably already know this, but don't EVER use a lead-away cloth on the gun. It will take the blue right off. So will spilled beer, cola or blood. And I mean RIGHT off.

[Standing Wolf]

If you use automotive cleaners, be sure they're non-chlorinated. The chlorinated variety can ruin bluing.

[sm]

I often cheat.
I shoot the blued guns and hand back to owner or gunsmith for them to clean them.
This allows me shoot another one. I'm a nice guy. :p

Hoppe's Number 9 is fine for all EXCEPT Nickel guns.

Simple , Frugal, Always worked.

Get you a empty Antifreeze Gal Jug or similar. Cut one side out to make a "parts cleaner". I just measured mine, 7"H x 6" W.

Remove Stock/ Grips of course. Lewis Lead Remover is great for removing lead, a Copper Chore Boy scrubbing pad with wisps on a brush works.

I use low odor Mineral Spirits, and allow the metal parts to soak. Soft toothbrush as need. If have compressed air, great. Can of compressed air works.

I can save this Mineral Spirits, with a funnel , and opening the cap on "parts cleaner" carefully pour back into container.

I use ATF to lube , or Synthetic Motor oil (currently Castrol Syntec 0w-30 motor oil, I gave away some containers with the Havoline Full Synthetic 10W-30).

RIG+P Grease for internals if you like a dab of grease.
RIG Grease for externals.

I use empty Zippo Lighter fluid cans to put lube in.

Still simpler to shoot the Model 29, give to gunsmith, grab the Model 19, the 27, the 10, the....well he said he needed to shoot 'em. I was helping. :p