Revolver restoration

[Jinx]

I'm currently at work (slow day) and am limited to key search words. I know some of you are in the know about these things so I am posting here to bypass the office filters.
I have recently found myself in the possession of a S&W .38 special with some rust issues. It appears that the pistol was never properly cleaned after handling and never stored properly. Rust locations include trigger, safety, cylinder, front sight and hammer. It was bought from a pawn shop and there is some previous signs of pitting.
The breach and barrel look clean.

I know I need Naval Jelly to remove the rust, but what do I need to re-finish the frame and cylinder since the Jelly will probably remove any bluing or protective coating there?
Any tips or tricks are appreciated.





Thanks.

 

[Ronin38]

Once the rust is cleaned off, you have various options to refinish it. You can buy blueing kits to use at home, have a gunsmith re-blue it, or send it to various companies for Cerakote, Duracote or Hydro-dipping. There are various pros and cons to each. Good Luck with it.
Considering the shape it's in, you should probably have a gunsmith check the internal lockwork and make sure it is safe to fire and functioning okay. Revolvers must lock-up properly to be safe to fire. Lock-up referring to the alignment of the cylinders with the barrel when cocked and ready to fire, in case you didn't know.

 

[Jinx]

Once the rust is cleaned off, you have various options to refinish it. You can buy blueing kits to use at home, have a gunsmith re-blue it, or send it to various companies for Cerakote, Duracote or Hydro-dipping. There are various pros and cons to each. Good Luck with it.
Considering the shape it's in, you should probably have a gunsmith check the internal lockwork and make sure it is safe to fire and functioning okay. Revolvers must lock-up properly to be safe to fire. Lock-up referring to the alignment of the cylinders with the barrel when cocked and ready to fire, in case you didn't know.

Thanks, it was fired 5 times after purchase then it was wrapped in the cloth shown in photo and stored in a dark small closet (never cleaned). I have been tasked with selling it and thought I might get more for it if it were cleaned up somewhat. I don't want to spend more in cleaning it up that what I can get in return for selling it. So keeping cost to a minimum would be best.

 

[Ronin38]

Ah, I didn't know you were planning on reselling.