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what is the best way to protect and clean the old brass covered winchesters
May 2, 2009
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Do not do anything to a brass gun except wipe it down with a oil rag. Cleaning the brass on a gun destroys its value.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
March 31, 2009
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Do not remove the patina on the metal surfaces. Polishing is absolutely the worst thing you could do. Like Bob said use an oily rag and it will wipe off crud but not hurt the patina of the metal.
June 4, 2017
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Rubbing gun metal, (aka brass), with anything including a dry rag will gradually wear off the natural patina. Natural patina is what all collectors want on brass, rubbing it off will greatly reduce the value of your gun! Steel blued or cased surfaces are a different matter, collectors like them clean and shinny, petroleum products help clean and prevent corrosion. T/R
April 15, 2005
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TR said
Rubbing gun metal, (aka brass), with anything including a dry rag will gradually wear off the natural patina. Natural patina is what all collectors want on brass, rubbing it off will greatly reduce the value of your gun! Steel blued or cased surfaces are a different matter, collectors like them clean and shinny, petroleum products help clean and prevent corrosion. T/R
The term “Brass” Winchester is incorrect. “Gun Metal” is accurately Bronze versus Brass.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
March 31, 2009
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I’m sure TR knows that it is gun metal bronze but many don’t. It is very common to call it brass though. Brass is way too soft.
November 1, 2013
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Bert H. said
The term “Brass” Winchester is incorrect. “Gun Metal” is accurately Bronze versus Brass.
Bert
The alloy used for the ’66 was 80% copper, 14.5% tin, 2% zinc, & .5% lead, according to Art Gogan’s “Fighting Iron.” (The publisher’s stupid name; Art’s was “Metals Handbook for Arms Collectors.”) The addition of zinc & lead was the distinguishing feature of “gunmetal,” as opposed to ordinary bronze.
This book is absolutely invaluable for anyone interested in the “mysteries” of iron & steel making, esp. the confusing nomenclature of the different alloys & manufacturing techniques. Anyone who disagrees after buying this book, I promise to refund the cost of it.
March 31, 2009
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Thanks Clarence. Never looked this up before.
well i was wondering if this site would be just another site that waisted my time
it seems that becoming a member has already proven to be well worth the time and money
i will hope to purchse the book for metals
thanks to everyone in this Winchester Arms Collectors Association
i look forward to the knowledge shared
July 17, 2012
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clarence said
The alloy used for the ’66 was 80% copper, 14.5% tin, 2% zinc, & .5% lead, according to Art Gogan’s “Fighting Iron.” (The publisher’s stupid name; Art’s was “Metals Handbook for Arms Collectors.”) The addition of zinc & lead was the distinguishing feature of “gunmetal,” as opposed to ordinary bronze.
This book is absolutely invaluable for anyone interested in the “mysteries” of iron & steel making, esp. the confusing nomenclature of the different alloys & manufacturing techniques. Anyone who disagrees after buying this book, I promise to refund the cost of it.
Clarence,
I am interested in Art’s book but cannot seem to find it. Do you have a link or a source to purchase it?
Thanks,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
