THE CARE AND CLEANING OF COLLECTIBLE
COLTS
by
Al De John, Superintendent
Custom Gun Shop
Colt Firearms Hartford, CT.
The care and cleaning of collectible firearms differs
slightly from shooting models because of the special characteristics of the precious metal
finish normally applied to a collectible model. "Tender Loving care" is required
to maintain the original beauty and luster of the finish and, also, preserve the firearm
to a 'like new" condition indefinitely. Moisture and fingerprints are the enemy we
must guard against. The frequency of cleaning will depend on your climate and storage
conditions. We recommend at least two cleanings per year (i.e., every six months) or after
each handling of the firearm prior to storage. Marring and scratching the finish adversely
effects its value and, thus, we recommend the following on the maintenance of collectible
firearms:
DO remove fingerprints and protect the finish with a light coat
of preservative oil on blued firearms using one of several reputable
aerosol sprays now being marketed. Be
sure to read and follow all manufacturers directions and warnings before using any aerosol
product.
DO use a non-abrasive silver or gold
polish to remove fingerprints, smudges, and tarnish from all plated surfaces. We use
"Flitz" metal polish, marketed by Flitz International
Ltd., 821 Mohr Avenue, Waterford, WI. 53185. The polish should be used with a
very soft flannel cloth or jewelers cloth made especially for this purpose. Be sure to
read and follow all manufacturers directions and warnings before using any polishing
product.
DO apply a very light coat of preservative
oil in the barrel bore using an aluminum or brass cleaning rod with flannel patch.
DO display the firearm in its display case
for short periods of time, such as gun shows, etc., after wiping off any oil or substance
which may stain the case lining.
DO store the firearm in a plastic bag for
long term storage. The firearm can then be stored in a container which includes a moisture
absorbing packet of silica gel or other type of moisture absorbing material, as added
insurance. The packet should not be enclosed in the plastic bag, as it may stain wood and
metal surfaces. This moisture absorbing material Is available at most hardware and
sporting good stores. Keep in mind that the life of moisture absorbing material is limited
and should be replaced periodically. (According to another Colt
collector, you can revive these packets by putting them in your oven on
extremely low temperature to dry
them out to reuse. Keep an eye on them!)
DO remove any heavy oil residue
accumulated from long periods of storage from the firearm with lacquer thinner and a soft
flannel cloth or a soft artist's brush. This solvent will not damage precious metal
surfaces, but the stocks should be removed, as it may damage the stock finish. After
cleaning with this solvent, a very light coat of preservative should be applied. Care
should be taken not to let the lacquer thinner come in contact with the internal
mechanism, as it will dissolve any lubrication. CAUTION: Lacquer thinner
is an extremely flammable solvent and the manufacturers directions should be carefully
followed.
DON'T cock Single Action or Double Action
revolver hammers or function automatic slides, as they may cause friction marks and
scratches, unless cleaning is necessary. A visual check between the cylinder and frame
will determine if a Double Action or Single Action model is loaded. With automatic models,
remove the magazine, and carefully retract the slide just enough to insure an empty
chamber.
DON'T store firearms in holsters,
presentation cases, soft gun cases, seeks, or any material which may absorb moisture.
DON'T use the presentation case as a
shipping container when transporting or shipping your firearm.
DON'T use abrasive polishes, cloths, or
steel wool to restore the luster of precious metal plating.
DON'T disassemble the firearm for routine
cleaning.
DON’T use excessive oil, which will
accumulate dust, etc., or allow oil to contact wood stocks.
DON'T use a steel brush or rod to clean
barrel bore or cylinder chambers. In stubborn cases, a brass brush can be used, but a
bristle brush is preferred. Do Not reverse brush direction, if avoidable.
DON'T assume a new-in-box (NIB) gun will
stay that way without periodic cleaning and lubrication.
DON'T use nitro bore cleaning solvents on
plated surfaces, as damage will result, especially to soft precious metal plating.
DON’T handle the firearm, especially
the metal surfaces, with your hands anymore than absolutely necessary, as fingerprints and
smudges will eventually become corrosive.
In summation, collectible firearms will retain their
original finish, if properly maintained at regular intervals. The frequency of maintenance
care will vary depending on individual storage conditions, but good common sense will
always prevail. Don't allow stains, fingerprints, and tarnish to become corrosive. Should
your gun develop finish deterioration, don't become overzealous in attacking the trouble
spots, but contact the manufacturer for recommendations.
A. De John
Superintendent
Custom Gun Shop
Colt Firearms Hartford, CT. |
