This question is not precision rifle related, but knowing the Hide, I figured I would be able to get a knowledgeable answer here.
I have a buddy that has a Colt 1903 .32 ACP with a nickel finish. It has been seriously neglected and abused over time and has a few spots where the finish is peeling off, some areas with a bit of discoloration and it dirtier than hell. I love to tinker with oddities like this and have volunteered to take it apart and clean it for him. I was curious if there are any gun cleaning products I should avoid with the nickel finish? Or are there any in particular that I should use? I was figuring on doing a complete disassembly and then letting the parts soak in either Breakfree or something else for a day or two, then getting after the crud and seeing what happens. I don't want to do anything that will damage the finish any further, and if possible would like to brighten it up a bit. Would I bo ok to use 0000 steel wool on it to try and shine it up, or will that hurt the nickel?
I have never dealt with a nickel finish before, so I want to try and get as much info as possible before getting started.
Thanks in advance for any and all input / advise.
I have a buddy that has a Colt 1903 .32 ACP with a nickel finish. It has been seriously neglected and abused over time and has a few spots where the finish is peeling off, some areas with a bit of discoloration and it dirtier than hell. I love to tinker with oddities like this and have volunteered to take it apart and clean it for him. I was curious if there are any gun cleaning products I should avoid with the nickel finish? Or are there any in particular that I should use? I was figuring on doing a complete disassembly and then letting the parts soak in either Breakfree or something else for a day or two, then getting after the crud and seeing what happens. I don't want to do anything that will damage the finish any further, and if possible would like to brighten it up a bit. Would I bo ok to use 0000 steel wool on it to try and shine it up, or will that hurt the nickel?
I have never dealt with a nickel finish before, so I want to try and get as much info as possible before getting started.
Thanks in advance for any and all input / advise.
