Un-sticking a old Beretta

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UncleMeanie

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I've not really touched something that was older than I was, that wasn't maintained by someone who knew what they were doing. I've not really been a collector, per se.. the few things I own were all bought new. So when my Dad handed me a 1934 Beretta today and asked me if I could get it to work, I kinda took it as a challenge.

I've posted in a Beretta specific forum to identify things like the rollmarks and such to get more info on the history, but I've also found the takedown instructions... and from what I can tell, this thing hasn't been fired in at least my lifetime. And I'm pushing the half century mark.

So... this thing might still be a shooter, if only for giggles, but I'm not interested in more at this point than getting the thing unstuck. Can't yank / pull hard enough to move the slide, or the hammer.

My first thought with something like this would be ye olde WD-40, but I'm not sure I want to expose this thing to a solvent that might degrade the look of the thing. It's in fair condition on the outside, but I need to look inside for details. I can tell it's not loaded, at least... a flashlight down the muzzle lets me see the firing pin.

So.. suggestions for un-sticking this thing?
 
Take the grips off, and have your way with it using any kind of solvent or penetrating oil you have or can get.

No Navel Jelly, Rust Remover, white vinegar, or sand-paper!!!!!.

But any other gun solvent is fair game.

Use 0000 (Super-Fine) steel wool & oil to clean any rust off the finish.

Other then that, do what you gotta do to take it down and stop the rust.
 
I'm not a big fan of WD40 to penetrate rust. Kroil or Liquid Wrench works better. That being said, good 'ol kerosene doesn't do to bad. As small as the gun is, I'd take and drop it in a couple of inches of kerosene in a bucket and let it soak for a couple of days. Just remove the grips first.
 
IMHO, WD-40 should never be close to a gun, unless you want to keep your gunsmith in business! I recently had a Smith M-10 come in that was so gummed up from WD that it was totally inoperative. After disassembly, I could not find a solvent that would cut the goo without a vigorous scrubbing. I had to resort to a hot tri sodium phosphate (TSP) bath. That always does the trick, just a lot of hassle compared to my parts washer.
 
Remove the grips and submerge in kerosene or #2 diesel, let set for a week, then try disassembly, it will go a lot easier.
 
Since the OP said the outside is in good shape, I suspect the gun might be clogged up with old dirt and grease, not rust. I prefer G96 Gun Treatment for that kind of job. I would not use acetone, since it is very bad for wood finishes and plastics, including painted markings like the red safety dot on some guns.

Jim
 
The gun may be gummed up from very old lubricant. You might want to soak it in some type of solvent warmed up a bit, be careful warming up the solvent...
 
I prefer Kroil for a penetrating oil. It will have to sit for several hours to over night if it is really gummed up. Hoppe's #9 will also work for soaking but make sure you use a metal container and not a plastic shoebox. It will eat through the plastic. As others have said, take the grips off before soaking.
 
I can tell it's not loaded, at least... a flashlight down the muzzle lets me see the firing pin.
Click to expand...
:eek:
Please, next time use a dowel or something.
Or you could wind up looking like Fearless Fosdick.
 
Diesel fuel, ATF (the red kind) and kroil. Let soak for a day or two. Should loosen it up for you. PS Remove The Grips First.
 
Remove grips and make sure the magazine is all metal with no plastic bottom bumber. Soak it in your choice from the listings suggested.

Let sit for at least a couple days, remove the magazine, then with a small plastic hammer gentily tap around the slide in the frame area. If that doesn't free it up look for any other reason that might bind it up. Then soak it some more if needed.
 
Try "Eds Red" after you remove the grips. Let it soak over night. Then hose it out with brake cleaner. I'll be surprised if things stay stuck. All the old gunk inside will soften and wash away. Then you can disassemble and inspect.

Try "search". Should help find the recipe for Eds Red...its been talked about...a lot.

Have fun!

Mark
 
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