Driving through "snow-globe" snow yesterday, I went to a ~40 mile distant shop. A gorgeous from the outside, but sewer-pipe barrel Fulton Armory (Springfield) 5.4mil s/n Garand almost brought tears to my eyes ($599 price!). Germane to this thread, and a real question I have is re a Ruger Vaquero in bright stainless .45 Colt also on display.
This --what no doubt was gorgeous revolver -- probably (my guess?) was fired with both black powder and smokeless; lead bullets; and -- again, my guess -- probably has not ever been cleaned. The cylinder throats resemble 100-grit sandpaper!
My question, hopefully to one of you knowledgeable persons who have tried this:
Would it be a "good" or not-so-good move to drop the entire revolver, minus of course its grips, in, say, a Hornady ultrasonic cleaner, using their parts cleaner mixed in distilled water? Visiting with most pleasant salesperson, we both agreed it would, indeed, be quite the challenge to clean this revolver -- the reason the shop is offering it "as is". (the price is low enough to cause the wheels in my noggin to start turning... BUT... is it restorable/cleanable?) I've never seen a stainless firearm soooo crudded, and surely will be appreciative of your experience?
Thanks much! geo