Springfield G.I. 45 gag me like a spoon

[Hanky]

I just bought this gun and evidently my eyes are so poor the rust went unnoticed. Any ideas on what I can use to remove rust damage?
I'm guessing the P.O. did not wipe down after use and maybe even stored it in plastic case. Rust is visable on front of frame in grip area predominately.
I'm sure it's a nice gun even though I hav'nt fired it and supposedly has a 2 1/2 lb. trigger pull and I want to fix that, maybe 5-7 lb. range.
Any thoughts?
Thank you
h

[Jeff_Green]

naval jelly?

[hhscr]

Whatever you do don't use a wire brush or steel wool. It will immediately affect the value. I would send an email to springfield and see what they would charge to take care of the rust and the trigger pull.

Just my 2c worth. YMMV

[David_3]

Start gently, as parkerizing is fairly easy to remove. I'd try something simple like CLP on an old terrycloth washcloth. If that doesn't work, you can always get more aggressive with chemicals, or mild abrasives later.

But start gently, first.


Edit to add: I've heard Ken Crawley is a good 1911 Gunsmith, but I have no actual experience with him.

[WarrenG]

If it is not yet pitted, you can try a Baking Soda paste for something non-abrasive. Naval Jelly and Vinegar will affect the finish. Make sure you check under the wood grips for any rust there as well. You cannot stop rust once it is there, but you can slow it down with a quality lubricant.

Corrosion Technologies Corporation

[Kalrog]

How bad is the rust? I LOVE Blue Wonder for a cleaning product in situations like this. If it is just surface rust, that will be enough to clean it right up. If it is pitted, well it will still remove the rust but it won't be perfect no matter what.

Blue Wonder Gun Cleaner Blue Wonder Gun Care Products - Cleaner, Bluing and Protection

[WarrenG]

Originally Posted by Kalrog

Blue Wonder Gun Cleaner Blue Wonder Gun Care Products - Cleaner, Bluing and Protection

I would not put this on a Parkerized finish.

[Hanky]

I think it is only surface rust, the grips were removed and oil put every where.
It's depressing to see such poor care for a firearm, maybe I expect too much.
Any way Thanks to all for your advice.

[Biff]

I wouldn't worry about it. Just wipe it down with gun oil.

[Kalrog]

Henry - That is almost certainly only surface rust. I agree with the gun oil thought at that level. Start there and then get more serious.

Warren - I have used the Blue Wonder on all sorts of finishes - including parkerized - with great results.

[WarrenG]

Nathan,

I was simply stating my opinion that I would not put that on parkerized. My opinion was based on 8 years of deployements with John F Kennedy Special Warfare Center and the US Army Rangers, and then several years as an LEO in Georgia.

I offered what I believed to be the best tool for the job, and simply suggested that I would not use the blue wonder on the parkerized finish. I have maintained a lot of weapons for different agencies, and I guess you get partial after awhile.

It is good to know that your experiences with the 2 part Blue Wonder process have yeilded excellent results.

Thanks

[janikphoto]

2 1/2 lb trigger pull?!? Were they building a race gun or other highly-modified competition gun? That is too light for a regular carry weapon! However, the minor rust is nothing to worry about. It looks like someone held the gun and didn't wipe it down afterward. Then, it sat and let the moisture from the fingers cause a little rust.

That's a nice looking gun. I thought about buying the same make and model a few times...

[KD5NRH]

Heck, a little gray Krylon will cover that right up. Lay it on thick, and it'll firm up the trigger too.

[Murph]

2 1/2 lbs! That is insanely dangerous for a carry gun, but acceptable for a "race gun". 4-5 lbs is ideal.