Neglected Hawes large frame 22 magnum revolver rust removal

[reloaded_in_pa]

I have a neglected revolver that was my grandfather's. A Hawes 22 Western six shooter. It has not been shot or shown any love in at least 25 years. There's rust that I want to remove and stop further decay of the gun. I'm not looking to restore it or re blue it, just clean, lube and stop it from deteriorating.

My game plan so far is to strip, boil the metal, light scrub with 0000 steel wool, then a kerosene bath to displace any water. Then wipe down, lube and blow off excess oil with the air nozzle. Am I missing anything ?

I've attached a few pictures so you could see the rust and corrosion.

 

[vintovka]

Not sure on the boiling part. Good cleaning with hoppes and brush's is enough. Some of these have aluminum/pot metal parts and your cyl has steel inserts so i don't think you'd want to drive water into. These are ok and will last if not abused. Using a .22 LR cylinder will make them last longer and cheaper to shoot in long run. FWIW many were made by JP Sauer auf Deutschland.

 

[reloaded_in_pa]

Thanks, I'll try just brushing it and oiling. It did have the 22LR cylinder but it was lost years ago. I've been looking for a replacement.

 

[Carl N. Brown]

With rusted guns with flat or perfectly round surfaces I have soaked parts over night in penetrating oil in a zip lock bag, then carefully shaved active rust off with a new single edge razor blade.

(Used blades can scratch.)

 

[wiscoaster]

I'd go with your original plan, though the non-blued parts don't need to be boiled.