Rusted BP revolver, how can I free it? It is totally seized!!

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songsofreedom

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Hello All, I have an Uberti Peacemaker BP revolver 6 1/2" barrel. My father used it last, and he forgot to clean it. It has rusted and seized. I have tried everything to free it, soaking it in wd-40, citrus cleaner, nothing will free the cylinder. It is totally jammed, although all exposed areas with little rust was cleaned off. Do you guys have any solutions??
 
Is there a service out there that frees rusted BP revolvers?

I was wondering if there was a service out there to free rusted BP revolvers.. I don't know if I can do that, soaking in diesel fuel and all, and then using a wedge? I don't have a work table in my house or a working area where I could do that.

Thanks, Dixie I really appreciate it, you gave me some hope, I was so heartbroken about it, but I will try to free it..
 
There are a number of things you can try at home without a fancy setup. It's either that or pay a gunsmith to do it.

First off, I'd try soaking in penetrating oil. If you can find liquid WD-40 rather than spray, it's worth a try. It's a good penetrant but doesn't always break up rust very fast. Use a stiff brush and brush away as much rust as you can, then let it soak some more. It'll come free sooner or later, but it takes a little time.

Here's my trick-Brownells Steel White will melt the rust (and the bluing) like magic. I've used it to restore BP guns that were literal rustballs. Again, it takes some time and work, but it basically dissolves the rust away. Follow the directions and it won't harm the metal.

You will still probably need to make a wooden wedge to tap between the barrel and cylinder to force them apart. That's can be as simple as a wooden clothes hanger whittled to fit. Hang in there, have faith in yourself, and you'll have it working again before you know it.
 
best penetrant I've found

Good old fashioned Brake fluid is the stronges penetrating oil I have ever found. I don't know just how deliterious it would be, but I would soak the thing overnight in a pan with it completely covered. If this helps break things free you are home free just needing to wash everything with soapy water and then throroughly drying in an oven.

KKKKFL
 
I was able to break an old 1858 ASM revolver that had been in a barn for a few years by soaking it in Kerosene for 24 hours completely covered in it (minus the grips of course :) ).
 
Be sure to pull the grips off this gun first. I have soaked one in "S'OK" (IIRC) to help work things loose.

The one I had was some sort of .32 revolver, not a BP gun, but same principle. Removed grips, hosed it down. Had it soaking in a 'baggie' full of the stuff for 3 or 4 days, would give the bag a swish every so often.
 
Go to AutoZone and buy some of this stuff:
http://www.pbblaster.com/store/moreinfo.cfm?Product_ID=1
I used it to free up a completely locked down and rusted shut Hi-Standard that my fiancée’s uncle had. Put the pistol in a bag, spray the blaster all over it, then spray even more in the bag. Let it soak overnight, then work on it a little. That stuff works wonders.
 
Try Liquid Wrench - spray/soak for a day or two and it should loosen up the rust.
 
Thank You so much guys and gals... I really appreciate it.. I have sprayed WD-40 on it and been trying to scrub as much rust off, but I think I will need a wedge to hit it free, I was scared to hit it. But I think I will have to take the grips off and completely submerge it in oil or one of the solvents that you guys suggested over night or two.

thanks,

Songs of Freedom
 
i had pretty good luck with my 1860 revolver. Everything was frozen on it. The cylinder was stuck good. I used the pb blaster penetrating oil, and it worked pretty good. Ive used that stuff a ton working on my truck..Its good stuff. I didnt use the wedge, but i did tap the cylinder with a rubber mallet until i got it to spin. you just have to get that oil down in there, which may take some time depending on how rusted it is. Im no expert, but i was just in the same boat as you this past week. Mine works great now that ive cleaned it all up really good, and oiled and greased it well.

Ryan
 
I have had good luck with KROIL. I ordered two cans from MIDWAY USA and have been using it for everthing. It claims to seep into the tightest of places.
 
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