A reader suggested that I soak the old pistol in white vinegar. I knew it would remove blueing so I gave it a try, putting the trigger guard, trigger and spring, cylinder pawl, the screws and pins and other small parts in white vinegar.

Three days later there were globs of brown stuff floating to the surface. Four days later the white vinegar had turned really dark.

After 5 days I pulled some of the parts out and the crusted rust was gone and all the rust was gone in certain areas.

I wiped all the parts down. Then I pulled the barrel and frame out of the penetrating oil and cleaned the oil off best as I could. Then I put everything into fresh white vinegar. I will leave them in it for a week or so.

When I next pull them out I will get some photos.