How to care for Blued Pistol (got a new hi power!)

C

Coltdriver

New member
I traded a S&W Sigma and $300.00 for an unfired 68 vintage Browning Hi Power in Blue with wood grips today.

When I got it home and took it apart to clean it I noticed that the Hoppes #9 soaked patch would pick up a fair amount of rust scale as I cleaned the pistol.

The blue is beautiful, no pitting or thin areas but this rust has me a bit concerned.

I wiped it down good, lightly oiled it then wiped the outside with a silicon cloth.

Any other suggestions on taking care of the blued surface of a gun this old??

Thanks
 
The "rust" is probably just the usual oxidation found on blued guns. Take most any blued gun, coat it with a rust proofer, and don't handle it for a long period of time. When you get it out of storage, wipe it down with an oily patch, and the patch will show "rust" color. Bluing IS rust, a controled form. This will often "bleed" noticeably if the gun isn't handled, which of course, wipes the rust off, before it builds up.
This is nothing to worry about. Just wipe the gun with rust preventing oils or your silicon cloth. Don't store in a holster or gun rug.
 
BLUE vs RUST

Minimum = wipe down once a month.

(I have no idea why I'm posting on this subject; even my stainless Rugers rust. My guns deserve NP3.)
(Like my weak cast frame Caspian 1911.)
 
BHPs made in the '60s are things of beauty--congrats! Taking care of such a fine gun is the way to go.

As Dfariswheel says, the "rust" you found on the blued surfaces is probably just residue from the original bluing process, especially if the gun hasn't been used. I wouldn't be concerned about it. I would not use anything abrasive, like steel wool, to clean the gun if there's no evidence of "rust" other than the color of the wiping cloth.

Maintain a thin coat of preservative oil on the blue, inside the barrel, etc. I never handle a blued gun without wiping it down afterward, and I never put it away without wiping it down beforehand. I also dribble a little oil in the finger grooves on the slide and in the serrations on the hammer, safety, and slide stop. Also, don't forget to wipe down the magazine tube and flooplate. The front surface of the mag that came with my '68 BHP has a polished blue front surface, which looks vulnerable to rust if neglected.

For storage try a Bore-Stores pouch, which is impregnated with silicone. It's inexpensive and it works. But still avoid keeping the gun in an environment with high humidity and/or excessive temperature changes.

Most of the rust I've seen on older BHPs has been light pitting on the front and back of the grip and on the rear of the slide. But rust can happen anywhere. This is a shame, but is easily avoided with proper care.

HTH.
 
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I put a light film of CLP on all of my firearms. The ones that are going to be warming the safe shelf for a while get a light coating. That and a bag of dessicant will keep that rust monster away.
 
Use corrosion inhibitor bags from Kleenbore or others after a good wipedown. I've used these bags from various manufacturers for years. They work even in the environmental extremes of Florida's barrier islands.
 
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