How to Sandblast a Revolver

Since the invention of the revolver by Samuel Colt in 1836, one challenge facing gun owners is how to protect the finish. Coats of bluing, parkerized phosphate coats and paint eventually wear away. Gunsmiths offer refinishing services to restore the luster of a handgun or rifle, but amateur gunsmiths have access to many of the same tools and equipment needed to strip the old finish from a revolver and prepare it for restoration.

Things You'll Need

  • Screwdriver set
  • Hammer
  • Punch set
  • Small parts sand blast canister
  • Sandblast cabinet with sandblast gun
  • Sandblast cabinet gloves
  • Sandblast media
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Instructions

    • 1

      Unload the revolver with the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Open the cylinder to remove any cartridges still in the chamber. Check each chamber to ensure they are empty.

    • 2

      Strip the revolver down. Use the screwdriver set, or punch and hammer set to disassemble the revolver, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Note the position of each part. Place small parts into the small parts sandblast canister.

    • 3

      Load the sandblasting cabinet with media and adjust the air pressure to 90 pounds per square inch (psi) or less. Wear sandblast gloves before placing the revolver frame and barrel assembly into the cabinet.

    • 4

      Sandblast the surface of the revolver with the sandblast gun, held at a 60- to 45-degree angle. Avoid aiming the sandblast gun directly at the revolver, to avoid peening the metal. Move the gun in a circular or side-to-side motion, taking care to avoid your fingers. Do not sandblast the inside of the barrel to avoid ruining the rifling. Sandblast the small parts in the canister to avoid losing them in the media.

    • 5

      Periodically stop to inspect the surfaces. The idea is to remove rust and prepare the surface for a new finish. Take special care not to remove any markings, such as serial numbers, manufacturer information or safety warnings.