What Would A "Boating Accident" REALLY Do To Your Guns?

Published on December 13, 2019
Duration: 8:17

This guide details the extensive process of restoring a Kimber pistol that was submerged in saltwater for a week and then neglected for years. It outlines a multi-step cleaning regimen involving hot water, heat, soap, Coca-Cola, CLR, ATF, acetone, and kerosene, culminating in detail stripping and inspection. The video demonstrates that even severely damaged firearms can potentially be restored to a functional state, though a spring rebuild is often necessary.

Quick Summary

Restoring a firearm damaged by saltwater submersion involves a multi-step cleaning process. Start with hot water and soap, then use agents like CLR, ATF, acetone, and kerosene. Mechanical persuasion may be needed to disassemble heavily corroded parts. Even after severe damage, a firearm can often be restored to functionality with thorough cleaning and potential part replacement.

Chapters

  1. 00:04Introduction: The Boating Accident Joke
  2. 00:52The Damaged Kimber: Submerged and Neglected
  3. 01:32Step 1: Hot Water Soak and Heating
  4. 01:52Step 2: Hot Soapy Water Wash
  5. 02:01Step 3: Coca-Cola Immersion
  6. 02:23Step 4: CLR Application
  7. 02:51Step 5: ATF/Motor Oil Application
  8. 03:26Step 6: Acetone Degreasing
  9. 03:39Step 7: Kerosene Application
  10. 04:22Step 8: Motor Oil - The Breakthrough
  11. 04:39Mechanical Persuasion to Open Slide
  12. 04:51Detail Stripping and Inspection
  13. 05:10Before and After Comparison
  14. 05:23Testing the Restored Firearm
  15. 07:18Conclusion: Performance After Restoration

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the initial steps to clean a firearm that has been submerged in saltwater?

Begin by soaking the firearm in hot water to dissolve salt encrustations. Then, wash it thoroughly in hot, soapy water and rinse it. Heating the gun in a sealed environment can also help loosen components and salt.

Which cleaning agents are effective for restoring a saltwater-damaged firearm?

Effective agents include hot water, hot soapy water, CLR (Calcium, Lime, and Rust Remover), Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or motor oil, acetone for degreasing, and kerosene. Coca-Cola may help free stuck parts due to its water content.

Can a firearm submerged in saltwater for an extended period be restored to working condition?

Yes, a firearm submerged in saltwater for a week and neglected for years can be restored to a functional state. While parts may be heavily corroded, a thorough cleaning and detail stripping process, potentially followed by a spring rebuild, can yield impressive results.

What is the significance of 'Ed's Red' in firearm cleaning?

'Ed's Red' is a traditional firearm cleaning solvent formula often made with kerosene, acetone, and automatic transmission fluid or motor oil. These components, along with others, were used in the restoration process shown in the video.

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