Colt Pistol Collection Surfaces. What would you do with them?

[junkman]

Here is a nice collection of original Colt revolvers. The owner left them with me to clean them up as they have been in storage for 5-6 years. It is nice to be able to handle these beauties. There are 4 1849 Pockets, 2 5inch barrels, 4 inch and 6 inch. All have matching serial numbers. 3 1862 Police 6 ½, 5 ½, 4 ½, inch barrels all have matching serial numbers, 1 1860 Army, all matching serial numbers, 1 1851 Upper Canada, Coburg, Ontario, London Address, all matching serial numbers. Most of these have been fired at the range and are in good working order.

 

[Grizzlypeg]

I think you should clean them twice. Once before you fire them and once afterwards.

 

[41 Colt]

Are they going back into storage? If so I would give them a good cleaning, get rid of any rust, then apply a grease to all bare metal.

 

[Rod]

Colt Pistol Collection Surfaces. What would you do with them?

Well; since you asked . . I think you should send them all to me, where they'll be well cared for and appreciated . . I'll pay the shipping . .

 

[Max Owner]

Get a cherry wood case made with glass in it and put them on daplay away from direct sunlight.

 

[hatman1793]

Wow!

Some guns right?
Don't clean them, appraise them for value. Cleaning can lessen the value.
Join the ColtForum.com and post the pictures there. The superb guys that haunt that site know everything about Colts. A hay-day will ensue if you show your stuff there. Particularize.

 

[DATAM]

Would be nice to know the history behind each one of them. What a fantastic collection.

 

[ParaOrd14.45LTD]

I'm not going to tell you what to do with them, but I do want to say amazing collection... im jealous!

 

[USP]

Put them in a sealed container maybe with some dessicant in it for moisture and store it somewhere dry and not to high of temperature? Nice collection. I think cleaning them could potentially destroy thier value, if done improperly.

 

[tiriaq]

....I think cleaning them could potentially destroy thier value, if done improperly.

That is a given.

 

[Ganderite]

For longer term storgae I wipe guns, inside and out with Krown RustProofing oil. Gets into all teh corners and does not dry out.

 

[41 Colt]

I think cleaning them could potentially destroy thier value, if done improperly.

If done improperly yes, like dunking them in Evapo-rust to remove rust....then bye-bye bluing. It depends on what the antiques are for, in terms of cleaning (collecting or shooting?).

The OP says they have been to the range and fired (shootable antiques), so I would clean them and treat them as any other BLACKPOWDER gun.

 

[BCRider]

Bang on 41 Colt!

Any gun that is used or stored long term needs to be cleaned and oiled periodically regardless of being used or just stored. But I suspect a few folks thought "cleaning" would involve more brutal treatment.

I was thinking Colt DA revolvers or 1911's. My jaw hit my keyboard when I saw this glorious collection. He sure does like his open tops doesn't he?

 

[josquin]

Here is a nice collection of original Colt revolvers. The owner left them with me to clean them up as they have been in storage for 5-6 years....

What to do with them?
1) Obtain a couple of sturdy suitcases
2) Fill with said pistols and necessary accoutrements
3) Run like like hell to somewhere inaccessible.
4) Enjoy.

But seriously, folks- you are one very lucky fella. Clean 'em up, oil lightly and regularly (as drool can lead to rust.)

Stuart