How to Clean an 1851 Colt Revolver
Antique guns don't have to remain on display. They can be cleaned and used like any other pistol. However, especially with the Colt models, unless you are a trained gunsmith, you should never completely disassemble a revolver. You can access the parts that will need the most cleaning relatively easily, and if you want to clean an 1851 Colt revolver, all you need is a good set of screw drivers and an idea of where to apply the solvents and oils.
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Things You'll Need
- Gunsmithing screwdrivers
- Clean rag
- G96 Gun Treatment
- Q-Tips
- G96 Synthetic Gun Oil
Instructions
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1
"Break" the gun to verify that it is unloaded by cocking the trigger and pulling the release pin forward of the load barrel.
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2
Use your gunsmithing screwdrivers to remove the handle grips from your Colt revolver. Some models will only have a center screw in each grip and some will have both a top and bottom screw. Make sure that the screw driver you use fits the screw head exactly; these screws are very easy to mar.
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3
Wipe the internal mechanism located in the handle with a clean cloth. Do this lightly, you are only cleaning away any dust or excess debris on the mechanism.
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4
Spray G69 Gun Treatment onto the mechanism so that it is completely coated.
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Using Q-Tips, clean the mechanism as best you can by inserting the Q-Tip into the parts of the mechanism and twisting to gather the debris and gum residue on the cotton tip.
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Place a few drops of G69 Synthetic Gun Oil down the barrel of the gun. Wait about 1 minute, and then tip the barrel so it is pointed down and let the oil run out. Wipe off any excess with a clean cloth. Repeat this step three times.
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Cock the trigger. Place two drops of oil in the hinge of the trigger and work the trigger several times.
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Turn the gun upside down and place several drops of oil into the trigger rocker. Right your Colt revolver and dry-fire five or six times to work the oil into the rocker and spring.
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Lightly spray the interior chambers of the load barrel with G69 Gun Treatment. Set the gun aside and let dry for 1 hour before reassembly.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a pencil and place it, eraser first, into the center of a clean cloth. Push the covered pencil into the barrel and "scrub" the barrel clean of oil.
Stacking triggers is a common problem with older Colt revolver designs. An 1851 Colt revolver would be especially prone to this problem. Do not use any kind of petroleum-based product when cleaning this pistol, as it will attract and hold debris, jamming the trigger.
Resources
- Photo Credit Colt
