Post purchase cleaning

[CMichaud]

Apologies if this is posted in a thread but couldn't find too much when I searched...

I am wondering what you guys recommend for a newly acquired antique with respect to cleaning it up and make it presentable but still maintaining it original

So far my drill is a 24 hour soak in WD40 followed by a scrub down with WD40 and a nylon brush. After the bath, the gun gets a good bore bore scrubbing with Kroil and a wipe down with a light oil.

 

[Skinny 1950]

I am new to antique gun collecting and so far have four,upon receiving them I didn't feel compelled to do anything to them except fix the mechanics and get them working. I would be open to suggestions on how to improve dark and pitted bores to make them more shootable but find the original finish doesn't need to be altered. All of my guns are oiled before being put away and so far I haven't noticed any change in the finish of the antiques.

 

[david doyle]

pitted bores

Don't buy em in the first place is the best solution. You can clean up minor stuff with some abrasive on a stick that is shaped to fit the grooves or maybe use a lead lap with abrasive.
Lining the bore, fitting a new barrel can also be done. If the pitting does not pose a saftey hazard and accuracy is bearable then just put in the extra cleaning time and enjoy as is.

Really though just do not be buying guns described as 'typical black powder bore', ' may clean up', 'typical bore', ' not as bad as some', 'shows evidence of black powder'.

Either as collectibles or shooters bore condition is everything.

 

[wr.sainsbury]

cleaning antiques

greetings-i find just a fine steel wool and lacquer thinner used gently on both stock and barrel do a fine job of removing old oil, dirt, sweat etc. a little hot linseed oil rubbed into the stock with the grain will pick up the original color and within weeks looks like original only cleaner. as far as bore goes i believe the NRA guidlines say bore is virtually irrelevant unless you plan to shoot it. the condition of the rest of the piece-original finishes etc. and mechanical workings are most important.

 

[DANCESWITHEMPTIES]

Apologies if this is posted in a thread but couldn't find too much when I searched...

I am wondering what you guys recommend for a newly acquired antique with respect to cleaning it up and make it presentable but still maintaining it original

So far my drill is a 24 hour soak in WD40 followed by a scrub down with WD40 and a nylon brush. After the bath, the gun gets a good bore bore scrubbing with Kroil and a wipe down with a light oil.

I think your on the right track. Moderation being the key...