Work on 1883 SAA without sacrificing value?

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gilgsn

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Hello,

How much work, mainly externally, can be done to a first generation SAA to get rid of light surface rust (no pitting) without sacrificing value, or would even that be a sacrilege?
How would one go about it?
Thanks.

Gil.
 
For very light rust, I use oil and a copper (NOT STEEL) pad. (Try a magnet, some pads are copper plated steel!) You will have to use a cloth to rub off the copper, but that should be no problem. Just use a light hand. If the rust turns out to be too deep, STOP!. You can remove light rust - you cannot restore metal that has rusted away and a heavy hand with coarse sandpaper won't help at all.

Jim
 
Thanks Jim. I need to really research what can or should not be done to such an old gun...

Gil.
 
gilgsn

I remember some old-timers told me to use a copper penny and penetrating oil to remove light surface rust. Tried it a couple of times on magazines and it worked. Just don't use too heavy a hand while rubbing the penny over the rusted areas.
 
Hard to find a copper penny these days, but copper wool will usually work OK (again, make sure it's copper).

Jim
 
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