question on steel; cleaning

[mlawson]

Hey guys, im not quite a knife maker yet but im working on it. for now just playing w/ knives that i already have. I would like to as you all a question steel related but not knife related if thats cool:
My uncle is moving for the first time in 35 years and knowing i was a firearms freak he brought me all 18 of his weapons for safe keeping and cleaning while he moved. many of his guns are very nice very expensive hunting weapons. One in particular was a gift to him from my grandfather, a Browning over under with beautiful engravings over every non-blued piece of steel. It has seen some use, not much. This gun has been in his attic for years kept in a case. What can i do, after cleaning the steel, to make it look as nice as possible. I am not expecting a mirror finish but a good look. I have to be very very careful not to mess up the wonderful etching. Any thoughts from the masters of steel out there?

 

[Mike Hull]

That's not "etching" but hand cut engraving. The finish is that way on purpose, don't try to alter it at all or you'll ruin all value.

As long as it has no rust, I would just clean as normal, and wipe a very thin coat of oil on the exterior.

Edited to add; that "non blue" finish is called "French Grey" in the gun trade, and is done that way on many of the better quality engraved shotguns.

 

[mete]

Some of these are plated with nickel or chrome some just case hardened. Just clean, do not polish. Wipe down with a rag and gun oil or I use RIG preservative grease . At most you might treat minor rust with fine , 0000, steel wool and oil. No abrasives !! If there is dirt in the engraving use an old toothbrush.

 

[mlawson]

ok guys, thanks. Once i get it all squared away and looking nice ill buy a gold membership and post some pics. It is a firearm even those that do not care for firearms would admire not to mention people like us. Thanks again.