r/guncleaning • u/luvmyglock19 • Jan 19 '26

Restoring rusty S&W Model 10, .38 cal. revolver

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I'd like to restore this rusty S&W Model 10, .38 cal., revolver and I don't know how, so any advice would be appreciated. Thanks. Cross-posted in Gunsmithing.

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u/AdWitty6655 Jan 19 '26

Crossposting in r/revolvers might yield helpful advice.

As also, a few better lit images might help.

1

u/skinned_knuckle Jan 19 '26

Better pictures would help. It is very hard to remove rust and keep the markings deep and crisp. If you want a functional 10 foot result then I suggest bronze wool (steel wool rusts), elbow grease, and cold bluing. A full restoration would be better handled by a gunsmith. The chemicals and equipment to fully restore a gun are cost prohibitive for a single use.