Cleaning

Question
Hello, I have a nickel colt python that belonged to my dad, and he had it wrapped up in an old t-shirt for 15-20 years. It has some spots on it from the fiber breaking down, and I was wondering if there is a certain way to clean it? Is a damp terry cloth okay, or do I need to use another method?

Thanks, John

Answer
John,

I would purchase a bottle of a product called "Breakfree CLP".  The CLP stands for "clean, lubricate and protect".  Using a soft cloth like an old t-shirt, take a small amount of the Breakfree and lightly dampen the cloth.  Gentle rub the metal surface with the dampened cloth until the spots lighten.  With a little elbow grease, they should come off.  I would not use anything abrasive that would scratch the finish.  If the Breakfree doesn't do it, you might want to take it to a gunsmith (assuming that it is that important to get it cleaned up, of course.)  You could also use a penetrating oil like WD-40, but the Breakfree would be much better.

After you have cleaned it, wipe everything down with a clean, dry cloth.  It is ok if there is a very light coating of the Breakfree on the surface of the metal.  That will protect it going forward.  Do not use the Breakfree on any wooden or rubber parts of the gun.

Hope this helps you out.

Doug