Question on cleaning exterior of Damascus barrel

[Jim Partlow]

I have a 1904 Damascus G grade 16 gauge. I don't know if
Original finish is gone or just extremely dirty. Damascus
Pattern is there but very hard to see. Is there a way to
Clean and bring out pattern?

[Dean Romig]

I like to use Hoppe's No. 9 for a good soaking ( don't use Hoppe's Bench Rest as I think it may be too caustic. It is designed to dissolve copper fouling) and then while it is still wet I use a Frontier Pad like a scrubbie. It is not as abrasive as 4-0 steel wool and I can even use it to clean case colored areas with no harm to the colors. Works fine on rust blued barrels as well as it does on Damascus.

Click on this http://www.big45metalcleaner.com/

[Jim Partlow]

Thanks Dean, I have frontier pad and Hoppe's, I'll give it a try.

[Gary Carmichael Sr]

Jim, How did your cleaning of the damascus barrels work out Hoppes work good? Gary

[Pete Lester]

I like to use Hoppe's No. 9 for a good soaking ( don't use Hoppe's Bench Rest as I think it may be too caustic. It is designed to dissolve copper fouling) and then while it is still wet I use a Frontier Pad like a scrubbie. It is not as abrasive as 4-0 steel wool and I can even use it to clean case colored areas with no harm to the colors. Works fine on rust blued barrels as well as it does on Damascus.

Click on this http://www.big45metalcleaner.com/

Let me give a second endorsement for the Frontier pad. I used it on the Damascus barrels of a recently purchased Remington 1894. The barrels had areas rough to the touch from oxidation. The pad cleaned up all the crud and in some of the rough areas it turned a little orange. When I wiped the barrels down with Rem Oil and a rag the orange came off. The barrels were smooth to the touch and the Damascus pattern was there. It did not polish them silver and whatever finish and patina was there remains. It's about as close to miracle for neglected barrels as you will find short of a full refinish.

[Pete Lester]

I like to use Hoppe's No. 9 for a good soaking ( don't use Hoppe's Bench Rest as I think it may be too caustic. It is designed to dissolve copper fouling) and then while it is still wet I use a Frontier Pad like a scrubbie. It is not as abrasive as 4-0 steel wool and I can even use it to clean case colored areas with no harm to the colors. Works fine on rust blued barrels as well as it does on Damascus.

Click on this http://www.big45metalcleaner.com/

Let me give a second endorsement for the Frontier pad. I used it on the Damascus barrels of a recently purchased Remington 1894. The barrels had areas rough to the touch from oxidation. The pad cleaned up all the crud and in some of the roughest areas the barrels turned a little orange. When I wiped the barrels down with Rem Oil and a rag the orange came off. The barrels were smooth to the touch and the Damascus pattern was there. It did not polish them silver and whatever finish and patina was there remains. It's about as close to miracle for neglected barrels as you will find short of a full refinish.

[Jim Partlow]

Gary...Tried the Hoppe's with frontier pad. It did clean the barrels, but did not
Bring out the Damascus pattern. I'm planning on taking the gun to my gunsmith
and have a estimate done on restoring barrels. I have had great luck
Cleaning interior of barrels with Frontier pad attached to wood dowel chucked
Into drill. Really makes them shine. Jim P

[Justin Julian]

Jim, I wouldn't take the barrels to just any gunsmith for restoration. There's a small handful of expert Damascus restorers in the country. Most likely, a "regular" gunsmith will just ship the barrels to one of them and then add a middle man charge to the cost. Or worse yet, he may try to restore the Damascus himself and make a mess of it. Brad Bacheldor is a member here and very accomplished at damascus restoration.

[dwight pugh]

Keith Kearcher, in Bend OR has done some excellent Damascus work for me at very good prices.

ddp

[Jim Partlow]

Thanks for the input. I have a few mechanical issues to deal with also
just going to get estimate on redoing barrels to get idea on cost. I have
had great luck with my gunsmith on other doubles.