Strippers and bluing

[Jeff H]

Not that kind of strippers unfortunately :banghead::banghead::banghead:

I picked up a M44 pretty cheap ($125.00 OTD)a couple of weeks ago and it looks like the previous owner put a coat of poly or varnish over the whole gun including the metal. Who knows why someone would do this, but I guess you can't be too picky with cheap M44s since there isn't many around anymore.

I want to get rid of the varnish without harming the bluing. Does anyone know if chemical strippers affect bluing? If they do, maybe come strong solvents like acetone would work.

Comments? Suggestions?

The gun is a real good shooter about 6" left (only at 50 yds) with the bayonet folded and POA (within reason) with the bayonet extended. I'll be drifting the front sight so is shoots accurately with the bayonet folded.

 

[Sam1911]

I've not found that chemical strippers (Methylene Chloride, usually) will harm bluing, but it ALWAYS pays to 1) start with the least aggressive method and work up until you get the results you want, and 2) do a test run somewhere unnoticable.