Model 19-3 with issues

[Riomouse911]

I had a Bianchi Miami Classic holster take the bluing off the side of my 2.5” Model 19 barrel because I kept the gun holstered too long. The process used to tan certainly is a variable on how it reacts to the bluing (It caused verdigris on the brass Boston screws on the straps, too.)

For a friend; I’d clean it up a bit, make sure it functions and give it back. Offer him a fair $$ if he wants to sell, or at least ask for the right of first refusal if he doesn’t want to sell… yet.

Stay safe.

 

[gobsauce]

I had a Bianchi Miami Classic holster take the bluing off the side of my 2.5” Model 19 barrel because I kept the gun holstered too long. The process used to tan certainly is a variable on how it reacts to the bluing (It caused verdigris on the brass Boston screws on the straps, too.)

For a friend; I’d clean it up a bit, make sure it functions and give it back. Offer him a fair $$ if he wants to sell, or at least ask for the right of first refusal if he doesn’t want to sell… yet.

Stay safe.

Chrome tan tends to be tanned with chromium salts. Most mass produced holsters are chrome tan, or very bad quality veg tan.

As you can guess , the "salts" part isnt good for guns.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Actually, I was always under the impression that the leather would attract moisture out of the air, which would then attack the finish.

 

[P5 Guy]

nph_141015.pdf (nickelinstitute.org)
My first real job was in the plating shop at S-D in Pitman NJ.
They had Copper, Tin, Cadmium, Chrome and four types of Nickel plating.

nickle won't stick to steel

Yes, Nickel will stick to steel. I plated millions of steel parts for relays with Nickel and never needed Copper to make Nickel stick.
All the Tin-plated parts got a Copper flash before the Tin was applied (Brite Acid Tin)

 

[SeanSw]

Looks like a lot of dried oil or grease on that gun. Try some wd40 to wipe it off and see how it looks from there.

 

[Orion Jim]

Looks like a lot of dried oil or grease on that gun. Try some wd40 to wipe it off and see how it looks from there.

That was the first thing I tried, did nothing. I tried an inconspicuous spot on the underside of the trigger guard with some Flitz and that seems promising. I’ll wait a few days to ensure it has no latent effects before I proceed.
It isn’t as simple as an old layer of grease or oil. The nickel tarnished, some form of surface corrosion, from sitting in a leather holster for as many as forty years.

 

[Orion Jim]

Progress report. Not done yet but looking pretty good. Flitz is doing the trick. Very light applications are yielding great results with no apparent harm.

 

[gobsauce]

Progress report. Not done yet but looking pretty good. Flitz is doing the trick. Very light applications are yielding great results with no apparent harm.

View attachment 1049632

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Holy ****

 

[stonebuster]

Looking much better! If it were mine, when I was done with the Flitz I'd use Renaissance Wax to protect it. It's non abrasive, protects finish and seems to mask imperfections on my guns. Get it any better & he won't want to sell it.

 

[Tallball]

Nice work! You're a good friend.

 

[pharmer]

Excellent results. Now that you have rescued that old girl convince your friend that wearing leather long term is very bad for the complexion. Joe

 

[Orion Jim]

Excellent results. Now that you have rescued that old girl convince your friend that wearing leather long term is very bad for the complexion. Joe

That’s a novel way to put it, very amusing. He will get it back next week in a silicone pistol sock I bought for him. Hope he learns by his misdeeds.

 

[Pat Riot]

Nice work @Orion Jim

Very nice work.

 

[Bo]

I used Mother's on this 19-3.

 

[Orion Jim]

Gave my buddy back his 19-3. The results were amazing cosmetically and a thorough cleaning and oiling did wonders for the action. I bought him a pistol sock to properly store it. I know he doesn’t have a proper gun safe so I offered to clean it once a year…..it will make me feel better knowing it’s being looked after.





I’m not much of a photographer and just used natural lighting. The shine is even and bright on the entire surface. The barrel, shroud, and crane, are just as shiny as the rest of the frame.

 

[stonebuster]

You did a great job! Shiny but not too much so. I don't use Mothers on my stainless because I don't want a mirror like shine.Your friend must be very pleased.

 

[wcwhitey]

Very well done! I hope your friend is appreciative.

 

[UncleEd]

Orion Jim,

Being the cynic that I am, one will
get you five your buddy will sell it.
And not to you.

 

[Odd Job]

Jim, that fella owes you a steak with all the trimmings!

 

[barnfrog]

Gave my buddy back his 19-3. The results were amazing cosmetically and a thorough cleaning and oiling did wonders for the action. I bought him a pistol sock to properly store it. I know he doesn’t have a proper gun safe so I offered to clean it once a year…..it will make me feel better knowing it’s being looked after.

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I’m not much of a photographer and just used natural lighting. The shine is even and bright on the entire surface. The barrel, shroud, and crane, are just as shiny as the rest of the frame.

You are a gentleman and a true friend.