Detective Special blueing under grips

[Danus ex]

I've obtained an unfired 4th issue Colt Detective Special that's obviously in superb shape. It was dry as a bone inside, and after I took off the Pachmayr/Colt grips for a more thorough cleaning, it appears the blueing under the rubber grips is a different color/shade/tint than the rest of the gun. Anyone else seen something like this? Makes me wonder if it was stored some place really hot and humid for its whole life.

 

[dfariswheel]

It's probably discoloration caused by the grips, or it may be oxidation of the bluing.

I'd suggest cleaning the area off with lacquer thinner, then applying a coat of CLP Breakfree or Kroil and allow to soak a day or so.

After soaking, wipe dry with a cloth and check the color again.

In any case, I'd keep a thin coat of CLP on it.

 

[Standing Wolf]

All I can add to dfariswheel's comment is that I'd give it a week's worth of oil if the first day's treatment didn't produce the desired result.

Both light and heat can adversely affect bluing.