Happy new year! I took a well deserved break with the family and it is time to fill everyone in on the current status of my restoration.
Well, there seems to be good news and bad news. The good news is; all the rust is now completely removed. That is about the extent of the good news I'm afraid. Upon soaking the metal in a rust removing solution for a day, it became obvious that there is some pitting on certain parts. The barrels look good, except for some minor to moderate pitting on the underside. Still, the barrels are smooth and clean.
The other metal parts though: As the rust desovled it left the metal feeling rough and dull. Not smooth and finished. The scroll-work on the locks still look great, but the tang and mount is rough like sand papper. The butplate is the worst. Even the screws are a bit rough-feeling. Further; the worst case has happened. I found the mainspring on the left lock plate had snapped in the night. I have no idea how this happened, it was in excellent shape last night. Anyway, looks like I'm in the market for a new mainspring. Also, the spring that compresses the right firing pin is badly degraded. It was terribly rusty, and I suppose the rust ate through most of the body of the metal. So, I'm looking for a left mainspring and a new firing pin spring.
Anyone have any thoughts as to what to do about the rough feeling on the metal? It was certainly covered in rust before I soaked it, but is this entirely due to pitting? Are there any methods or systems I should be aware of? Where can I find a mainspring and firing pin spring?
Thanks again everyone for your expertise. Here's to a new year!
Sean
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