Smith and Wesson 1917 - Polished Backstrap?

[rcathey]

I have not used a detergent. Only acetone.
That may be something to try as well.

[rcathey]

Ok, this one went better.
The main difference was I pretty much ignored the instructions, haha.

They say to basically use a slightly damp cloth to apply the solution. This leaves the thinnest of films on the surface.

I did not do that. Using a wet q-tip, I applied an even (but heavy) coat of the stuff. Since the revolver just came out of the boiling water from the last cycle, the solution dried almost immediately. Overnight, I got the rust layer you see below.

After boiling the surface got almost uniformly black.
Finally, I attached a picture showing the surface after carding. It's hard to capture the color with light reflections but I assure you it's getting darker and more even.

Nice! Next coat is rusting as we speak.

[bigduke6]

Looking good, look forward to the final carding, I've got my Webley .455 Auto to do at some point

[browningautorifle]

Next coat is rusting as we speak.

Looking good and I think on it's way. Patience and let's see what the end looks like. Don't stop short until it's prefect, we have time...

[rcathey]

I think I'm pretty much there!
It's a little light but I think this will match the level of wear elsewhere on the revolver.

I have this "curing" with a coat of oil right now. I'll see how it looks tonight and decide if I want to clean and do another cycle. I think it's going to be just right though.

I'll get some pics once it's all assembled again. I'm taking this opportunity to give the internals a deep clean.

[browningautorifle]

Yep, looks like it's coming along...should match nicely. I guess we'll see how long it lasts, depending on how much you shoot it.

[rcathey]

I guess we'll see how long it lasts, depending on how much you shoot it.

A good long while! I spend more time buying/selling than shooting these days.
I got into because I like guns and their history and now I'm doing so much of it I don't have time to enjoy them. That's about how life works out.
But hey, I have 'em and not many people do. So I'm thankful!

[rcathey]

And here it is!

Yup, I'm definitely happy with this. If I picked this revolver up as it is now, I wouldn't even look twice at the backstrap. It came out great and really blends in with the rest of the revolver. I attached a picture showing the front strap for a comparison.

For anyone on the fence, I suggest trying the rust bluing. It's much more time intensive than difficult.
If I were to do this again, I'd use a soap first then acetone for the surface prep.
For the rusting phase, I'd track down a toaster oven and put the revolver on one rack and a pan of water on the other.
When applying the solution, I used a heavier hand than the instructions suggest and that worked best for me.
I wiped down with acetone after carding before putting on more solution.

This is a mighty fine looking wheel gun .

[browningautorifle]

Yup, looks pretty good...another story to tell when taking a friend on a tour of the gun box... Nice.

[bigduke6]

Excellent, amazing what controlled rust can do......