Mid 1960s Colt 25 cal - cleanup - how to?

[Craig 930 RS]

Never been fired, but has some corrosion. What is the best way to clean it up/restore, best proven method to do so?

Appreciated, Craig

[red-beard]

What is the value of the Pistol, to you? Sanding it down and Ceracoting is certainty possible. But it is probably more than the pistol is worth.

If you plan to use it for carry and have a reason, maybe. I had a later production, no significant value Colt 1908 Pocket Hammerless in .380. I like the size and the thinness of the pistol. I have it cleaned up and ceracoted and use it as a carry pistol.

[id10t]

3-in-1 oil and some bronze wool or a Big45 pad should let you clean it up good. At that point, decide if you want to refinish or keep original. I'd keep it original - refinishing will remove any collector value, and TBH a large 25 auto isn't exactly the worlds best CC piece...

[pwd72s]

Once I read somewhere that the .22 long rifle rimfire has more foot pounds of energy than the .25 Colt, I kinda lost interest in that round.

[Craig 930 RS]

Was my Dad's, purchased in 1965 - want to sell it as it has a niche market and they sell for 300-400 (!) Weak sauce gun for sure, worthless pretty much so I don't plan on keeping it. Never been fired, has 2 mags and original box.

Appreciate the advice above!

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by Craig 930 RS

Was my Dad's, purchased in 1965 - want to sell it as it has a niche market and they sell for 300-400 (!) Weak sauce gun for sure, worthless pretty much so I don't plan on keeping it. Never been fired, has 2 mags and original box.

Appreciate the advice above!

Since it was your dads, I'd suggest maybe keeping it for sentimental reasons? I still have my dad's old guns despite not using them..

[id10t]

Originally Posted by pwd72s

One I read somewhere that the .22 long rifle rimfire has more foot pounds of energy than the .25 Colt, I kinda lost interest in that round.

The only advantages 25acp has over 22lr are the fact that it is a rimless case so mag engineering and feeding is easier, and the centerfire priming system is more reliable than rimfire priming.

But given a choice, I'd carry a 22 over a 25.

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by pwd72s

Once I read somewhere that the .22 long rifle rimfire has more foot pounds of energy than the .25 Colt, I kinda lost interest in that round.

Indeed! In shorter barrels they have similar Muzzle Energy. But if you compare a standard .22LR round, like the "Golden Bullet 36 grain", the 25ACP beats it. Stinger and Velocitor definitely exceed the .25ACP. But there aren't any +P loads for 25ACP commercially.

BBTI - Ballistics by the Inch :: .22 Results



BBTI - Ballistics by the Inch :: .25 Auto Results

Originally Posted by Craig 930 RS

Was my Dad's, purchased in 1965 - want to sell it as it has a niche market and they sell for 300-400 (!) Weak sauce gun for sure, worthless pretty much so I don't plan on keeping it. Never been fired, has 2 mags and original box.

Appreciate the advice above!

Yeah, lightly clean with a Scotchbrite pad and gun oil to remove the actual rust, then flip it.

[Craig 930 RS]

Dad owned it, but never used it, no sentimental value at all

[fred cook]

Originally Posted by Craig 930 RS

Never been fired, but has some corrosion. What is the best way to clean it up/restore, best proven method to do so?

Appreciated, Craig

Go to "coltforum.com" and post your questions. Not only will you get answers from knowledgeable Colt collectors, you might get an offer to buy your pistol. While this is a really great forum for Porsche questions, it is best to go to "the source" for the answers you want.

[Craig 930 RS]

I'll go there -

[Bill Douglas]

Hang onto it. Those guns are so cool. I've got a Browning 1905 which is very similar. The .25ACP is designed to work with a short barrel and delivers an OK blast. A .22LR isn't and wouldn't get nearly the energy in the two inches of burn time.

[on2wheels52]

Made by Astra, came in .22 short also. I elected to keep one of each that came through the shop, one has Colt grips but Astra stampings.



I won't mind if my kids sell them, they'll know which one's to keep

[targa911S]

That looks to be a Colt Jr. Made in Spain by Astra. I have found that the plastic pot scrubbers and some gun old works the best to remove that surface rust and will not remove whats left of the bluing. Do not clean the trigger. That is "fire blue" and fragile. It will come off. Best leave it alone. The .25 is pretty worthless as a weapon. You would be better of just throwing the gun at them.

[targa911S]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

Hang onto it. Those guns are so cool. I've got a Browning 1905 which is very similar. The .25ACP is designed to work with a short barrel and delivers an OK blast. A .22LR isn't and wouldn't get nearly the energy in the two inches of burn time.

You have the "Baby Browning" Made by FN. I believe that is a hammerless gun. It's worth way more than any Colt Astra.

[targa911S]

This is the Colt made by Colt 1908 hammerless vest pocket in .25. It's more like the Browning Baby.

[Bill Douglas]

Originally Posted by targa911S

You have the "Baby Browning" Made by FN. I believe that is a hammerless gun. It's worth way more than any Colt Astra.

Yes it's a FN but fractionally different to the Baby Browning - I'd like one of those too. My 1905 has the same profile as the Colt.

[Craig 930 RS]

Hot damn, looks great now!