How to antique your revolver

[ShotgunDave]

Here's another great article from Mr. Pettifogger. It explains in detail, with pictures, two separate ways to give your gun an antique finish. It will make your gun look like a well used original. The question has been asked many times here, "how do I antique my pistol?" Now you have a tutorial.

[Bishop Creek]

I used Pettifogger's second method on a Pietta Shooters Model Remington a number of years ago.

First pic is right out of the oven after browning it and pic two in 2nd post is the finished revolver after using steel wool to smooth it out.

[Bishop Creek]

Finished revolver:

[G Dog]

Lookin good, Creek.  I think I recall photos of that gun when it was still blue.

It is said that there are no dumb questions here and I'm about to test that theory.  Can one screw up the bore doing all that?  I wouldn't care to have to use 0000 on what had otherwise been a nice shiny bore.

[Bishop Creek]

Hi G Dog! No didn't have to touch the bore at all, no Browning got into the barrel and it still shot as accurately as before I antiqued it.

[Zulch]

Hi G Dog! No didn't have to touch the bore at all, no Browning got into the barrel and it still shot as accurately as before I antiqued it.

Bishop Creek, Hi That looks great!!!  I've heard some folks say they submerge the entire revolver in vinegar. One has to wonder how they prevent ingress of vinegar into the barrel when submerged. I've even seen a few videos but nothing was mentioned about plugging the barrel to prevent ingress? Interesting. I guess soem old fashioned corks would work. LOL

[Bishop Creek]

Thanks, I didn't soak it in vinegar, I brushed it on and let it sit. Like you, I was concerned about the bore.

[Zulch]

Thanks, I didn't soak it in vinegar, I brushed it on and let it sit. Like you, I was concerned about the bore.

Okay, I understand and thank you for clarifying Bishop Creek.

[ShotgunDave]

Not a dumb question at all G Dog. When I did my beat up Dragoon, I submerged it in vinegar. To keep it out of the bore, I used those squishy, disposable earplugs. Just twist them up, insert them into both ends of the barrel. They expand and plug the bore nicely.

[Marshal Will]

Not a dumb question at all G Dog. When I did my beat up Dragoon, I submerged it in vinegar. To keep it out of the bore, I used those squishy, disposable earplugs. Just twist them up, insert them into both ends of the barrel. They expand and plug the bore nicely.

Now that's a good idea, Dave. Did you get any rust right at the end of the bore where it might have soaked into the ear plug at all?

[ShotgunDave]

It didn't seem to Marshal. I think I used the type that have a rubber like coating on them. Seemed pretty waterproof.

[Marshal Will]

Thanks, Dave. I'll remember the kind you mention.

[ssb73q]

Hi, it only takes 30-40 minutes to remove bluing in vinegar. That's not enough time to remove or pit any metal. The bore will be just fine. Just flush the vinegar out with water after removing bluing and dry. BTW, if you don't intend on doing anything more immediately to the revolver, Ballistol it up to prevent rusting.

Regards,
Richard

[G Dog]

Blackie Thomas has some vids that are relevant to this topic.

[Zulch]

I’ve seen those videos. I thought they were well done and informative. I’ve also heard a lot negatives regarding Blackie. Personally speaking I think his videos are good tools. 👍