Questions about 1851 Navy

Rube Burrows · May 31, 2007, 11:57:22 PM

Hello, I have a couple of 1851 Navys but they are blued with case color and walnut grips. I really like the old look of the originals and was wondering if there was something I could to to give my gun the look of one that is from the 1800s?
I dont want to mess the gun up of course.
Also....if you sugguest I take the blue off, would I need to finish it with something else so it wont completly rust up on me?
Any help or direction would be greatly appreciated.

St. George · June 01, 2007, 01:36:52 AM

There's a thread in the 'Historical Society' that deals with 'antiquing'.

The thing is - if the guns are contemporary to the Old West time frame you portray - then they're supposed to look fairly new...

Just shooting them and holstering them and cleaning them will put honest 'wear' on them - just as it did to their original counterparts.

Cheaper, and a lot less effort, too.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

Dusty Morningwood · June 01, 2007, 07:25:35 AM

I have read some threads where use of vinegar to clean BP guns has resulted in an accidental antiqued look.

Halfway Creek Charlie · June 01, 2007, 08:27:12 AM

I have antiqued several pistols. If they are repros and you want that look, I say go for it. I would not do it to Second Gen Colt's simply because of the value would be lost.
Fairly simple. Birchwood-Casey sells a blue and rust remover that really works and then use Plumb Brown to brown the steel, FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS on the bottle and You'll do a fine job. Needs several coats carded off between then take it back to the metal as far as you want to go.
Read the How to's in the postings mentioned and follow their directions.
I like the antique look, but as was said, the guns in the time period didn't look the way they do today, they were certainly newer, but the well used look is a good one too.

Flint · June 01, 2007, 12:30:19 PM

Vinegar will strip blue as well as Birchwood's Blue and Rust Remover, just takes a little longer. Vinegar is certainly not as hazardous a material to work with, and is certainly cheaper. with either liquid, make sure you rinse and neutralize it when you're done.

Dusty Morningwood · June 01, 2007, 01:00:15 PM

The great thing about using these methods on a 51 or any open top revolver is that all you have to do is remove the barrel and rammer [or ejector] soak 'em and then rince in scalding water to remove residue. Keeps away from the internals, frames and grips.

Rube Burrows · June 01, 2007, 11:02:30 PM

Quote from: St. George on June 01, 2007, 01:36:52 AM

The thing is - if the guns are contemporary to the Old West time frame you portray - then they're supposed to look fairly new...

Ya know. As simple as that thought is.....it never crossed my mind that they once had the NEW look also. I guess my brain was not working. I just really love the old look. I guess I may try to take it down some and just give it normal wear to get it the rest of the way.

St. George · June 02, 2007, 09:07:43 AM

Like I'd said - handling, shooting, cleaning and holstering will give you the 'look' you're going for - and easily.

Go out and enjoy your guns - they'll look 'right' by the end of the shooting season...

Vaya,

Scouts Out!