Colt WWI Commemorative 1911's - Need some work

E

Elvislives

Inactive
Hello all!

I have a friend whose father gave him 4 WWI commemorative 1911's that were made around 1969 some years back. He has kept them stored in a plastic gun case with a foam interior for many years, and they've gotten a little rust and tarnish. He asked me over to look at them, and being that they have never been fired I was hesitant to take the brushes and oil to them.

Anyone here have advice on perhaps taking them to an armorer for a refurbish? Someone good in DFW? A general price?

He's a great guy, and I told him I'd post here to see what advice I could find as he has never been on a forum. I told him that I wouldn't tell that he's a retired USMC gunny, just so he wouldn't catch hell for not maintaining his equipment.

Whoops. Guess I let the cat out of the bag. :D

Any help would be appreciated. He got them with his promotion to gunny, and want to pass them on to his boys some day. Preferably sans rust. ;)

Thanks-
 
Breakfree CLP and 0000 or 000 steel wool. It will remove light rust without harming the bluing. If it is too pitted for that, you're probably looking at a refinishing job.
 
Sorry to disagree, but I strongly recommend against using steel wool of any grade. Steel is still steel and even a little aggressive use can harm the finish of a fine gun. I suggest going to the grocery store and getting some bronze wool or copper wool (sold for pot scrubbing). It will not scratch and any residue is easily cleaned off. In any case, use that type of cleaning only on rust, not on dirt.

I also recommend a product called G96 Gun Treatment for penetrating crud and removing light rust, but other products may do as well.

Jim
 
Clean them up the best you can as advised and he will have four pre-'70 shooters and family heirlooms. Those commemoratives are not worth any extra money unless absolutely perfect new. Friend of mine shoots a commemorative SAA that was about $200 LESS than a standard blue gun because it was slightly marred.
 
That's some sound advice Jim. I'll pass that along. Perhaps he and I can learn to shoot two handed together. (kidding)

Brandon
 
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