Dug up a SA revolver

GBExpat said:

kind soul.

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. . . de nada señor.
I also learn more here than I ever impart.

This is a great thread.

I would truly like to see the endgame of this. It's an interesting find/project/thread.

Thanks for sharing.

Much worse has been restored to shootable condition.....

Watch this guys video series on a M1911 he found. FYI he used electrolysis mostly.



He also had a thread here on it.

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/dug-relic-1911-restoration-pics-and-video.669817/


Will

I wonder if those primer powered Speer Plastic bullets might shoot from it , you could at least say you shot it!

-kBob

Sovblocgunfan said:

This would be a PERFECT candidate for electrolysis. I’ve used it many times to great effect.

See here for a tutorial: https://forums.gunboards.com/showth...Tutorial-for-Mondragon&highlight=Electrolysis

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Electrolysis should keep the most original metal intact of any of the rust removal methods mentioned. I would definitely use electrolysis if it were me!

If you want to fire it, my suggestion would be to make your own bullets with a mould and hot glue, use a standard pressure primer and a light charge of trail boss. That’s the absolute lowest pressure way I can think of for making noise with the old girl. I was thinking about possibly using 22 Colibri ammunition as well but I doubt you could get good walls on a conversion cartridge, and the rifling would have to be hand cut, and you would have to get it lined up just right, then recreate the process a few more times... nah. Just use low pressure rounds and make a little noise. At least put primers through it. Maybe primers and empty Speer shot capsules... all of this is assuming you reload...

Sometimes miracles can be worked.
I don't know if it's possible with your particular piece or not, but this guy has some impressive videos.

OldIron86 said:

I have talked to the sheriff, he ok'd me keeping itView attachment 867720 View attachment 867721 View attachment 867720 View attachment 867721

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Why would you need permission to keep that? Why would you even think you did?

AZAndy said:

When I need to get rust off of something, whether a tool or a firearm that I'm going to refinish, I use a product called "Evapo-Rust."

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It's available at Wallyworld.

That's where I got mine.
Works wonders.

Were it not for one single photograph, the Colt Lightning would be a mere historical footnote. There is only one photo of this person and it last sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars, after it was discovered that the photo was printed in reverse. William, AKA, Billy was not left handed and he carried a Lightning because it fit his smallish hands. More movies have been made up about him than would ever be warranted. But you do have an item of some historical note, plus, it is an old Colt, they were made in sequence and Colt keeps pretty good records as to mfg dates and where it was shipped.

Take the gun to a restoration gunsmith to have it cleaned and preserved, do not attempt to shoot it. Replace the black rubber grips with reproductions and put it in a glass display case. It is worth more as a conversation piece.

KevininPa said:

I do this a lot with rusty stuff. Strong mix of generic kool aid works well also. Learned that in the Navy.

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LOL. Didn’t learn that but pulled enough mess duty to learn catsup is real good for brass.

Evapo-rust will work on it.

Hooda Thunkit said:

Dang. The only thing I've ever dug up on my property has been old horseshoes.

And rocks.....

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Digging up this thread, and quoting my own post, to show that I'm not kidding.

Planted an apple tree in my " C'mere deer " corner of the pasture and dug up this shoe, complete with the rubber cushion that was mounted under it.


I call it the 'Come here deer ' corner, because I have 2 Pecans, 3 Honey Locusts, and now an apple tree there.