I have posted quite a few of my "back to life" restorations on the forum. I describe the epic level of neglect/abuse that I had to work with, and then I show the pictures of the finished project. I have been encouraged by quite a few members to show pictures of what the firearm looked like before, as well as after. This never really set easy with me, as my whole objective is to cover what has been done, erase the damage, and make it look like I was never there if at all possible. I hate memorializing a horrible error in firearm care, but I do recognize the importance of comparing where the firearm started to what I have helped it become.
In this case, Doc44 approached me back in the spring about restoring his Dan Wesson 357 Magnum which through no fault of his own, had become horribly damaged by rust. I accepted the challenge, but Doc44 also insisted that I post this restoration on the forum with whatever I am able to accomplish, and he also insisted on my posting "before" pictures, which I agreed to do.
So without further ado, here is the pictures of what I was presented with some months ago:
Attachment 156544
Attachment 156545
As you can see, the damage is extensive, and the rust had set in deep.
I began this project by soaking the pistol in Kroil, and I kept it freshened over the months that it waited its turn for my attention. This allowed me to easily crack all the screws and the sideplate loose when the time came to carefully disassemble it.
Once disassembly was complete, I began as I normally do, with stones and files, gently working the offending areas down to a common plane, and doing my best not to wipe out lettering and features, keeping the sharp things sharp, and the smooth things smooth. I try very hard to strike a compromise in all that I do when refinishing a firearm. My point of view is "I'm not supposed to be here, and what I am doing should be done with as much apology and respect as possible for the original maker of this gun." After all: damage to a firearm is an injury. A smith who damages it further in an attempt to correct the damage that was already done, is just an insult.
Attachment 156546
Attachment 156547
Attachment 156548
Once all the filing and stoning is complete, I work through progressively finer grits of abrasive paper with custom backers to bring the finish back up to par and to erase all evidence of my work. The final touch is applied with a buff using jewelers rough with extreme trepidation and care. Buffing is an extremely aggressive process, but I perform it with as much care and skill as I can muster. I never work tired, and I never allow myself to go too far, especially around the lettering.
Once the buffing is taken care of, the parts are carefully cleaned and then dipped in a boiling bath of soapy water followed by a rinse in clean boiling water, followed by the bath in the hot tank, which I take great care to properly manage the temperature and saturation of.
The results, I dare say, speak for themselves:
Attachment 156551
Attachment 156552
Attachment 156553
Attachment 156554
|
   
   
|
|
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by Artful
