Would this method work for rust removal on an old revolver?

My question is why? It isn't worth the trouble. You can't even make that thing work anymore, and with the time you put into it you could buy one that works. It looks like an Iver Johnson, so a working one will run approximately $70, and its not a good revolver anyway. I know of no uses for one in today's world. Don't bother, my two cents.

BTW, I'm probably gonna' get thumbs down because "That's not answering the question", well if a man was asking "How should I commit suicide" would you suggest a means?

I'm am not an expert by any means, just something to consider. If it is what I think it is, a Smith & Wesson Model 3 in .32 caliber made around the turn of the century (around 1900) it would not have a safety. The release for the top break would be to the left of the hammer at the top. Again, if it is what I think it is, it would be a small button or knob in appearance. Given the condition of the pistol, if may have well rusted off. The picture below is not perfect, but it will give you an idea as to what it should look like.

http://mhguns.com/images/uploads/Forehand_Arms_32....

As far as helping with hints on the restoration, I don't think you can do any better than what you are already doing and the advice you have gotten. Good luck!

Edit: Good call Shogun! It could be the Iver Johnson too!

Get a gallon of white vinegar and a 5lb bag of salt. Pour the vinegar into a large bowl and stir salt into it until no more will dissolve in it. Submerge the piece into it overnight.

Word of warning....it *has* to be fully submerged! If you leave even a tiny part exposed, it will leave a score line where rust removed on one spot and not on another. That score line is next to impossible to ever get fully removed.

I've been using that method on old knives, axes and hatchets since the late 70's. It works every time.

When done soaking the rust off, leave the part in a bowl of fresh water again overnight or rinse it well for a good while. I've been known to boil axes if I'm in a hurry. If you don't get the solution fully rinsed off, it'll re-rust. Be sure to lube it heavily when done.

Just looked at your pic. I agree with Randy. That's not ever going to be fireable. It's a relic, nothing more or less. I'd remove all the rust, boil it and chemically degrease it and then seal it and display it.

I had never seen that technique before thank you for posting it. It is very interesting and I see no reason why it wouldn't work. I read your post yesterday and agree that it's probably a Harrington and Richardson but two people had already told you that so I didn't post on that question. It looks like you've removed a fair amount of rust compared to the first photo of it nailed to a 2x4. Is this how you found it? You said in your first post that you were restoring it. Do you mean back to firing condition or as a wallhanger that is if you don't mind me asking. You come off as kind of angry and the people in this category are a pretty nice bunch for the most part. You are a newbie and some people take pot shots at newbies on purpose as I guess a way of paying your dues don't take it personally. Strictly out of curiosity I was wondering what your end result goal is with this revolver again if you wish to share that. I've also done projects "just because" even when it was not "worth it". Being insulting to other members is usually counter productive especially from a 5 week member. I'm not blasting you I'm just saying. Good luck with your project, Mr. P

This set of pictures that DJ posted on your previous question looks to have the best views blow them up to see as much detail as possible.

http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view?back=ht...

the system will work for surface rust. But, what you have is a revolver that is rusted so deeply, that using that system would likely dissolve most of the remaining metal as well, leaving you with nothing.

My 2 cents worth is this: you have the revolver cleaned as far as I would take it, now, use a good quality, clear sealer, let it dry completely and mount it on a wooden placard with a label telling where you found it etc.

It would make a great conversation piece.

I did this with an old 1893 winchester rifle (or what remained of one) that I found while hiking the old gold mining area's of Idaho.

shoot safe

Sure, it will work but what's the point? You will never make a serviceable firearm from that chunk of rust but you probably make it look a whole lot worse than it does right now. I might keep it as a display piece as it is if I didn't already have a ton of useless junk.

Great answers. You should be able to open it by pulling back and up on the latch located just above the hammer. If it's the Iver Johnson I think it is.....

That's a very cool method. But I've always been a fan of using toxic chemicals to solve these kinds of problems.

I have never seen that method, but it looks good. I was going to suggest naval jelly and a brush.

great help for us who need to know thanks!!sorry I have nothing better- but do your thing goodluck!!