Removing finish from a Benji 392?

[Steeb86]

I have a Racine Benji 392 and I have finally decided I want to remove the old black finish and get it down to the brass and then redo the stock to make it a nice pretty gun :]  Does anyone have any recommendations on what to use to remove that old finish??  I've been searching and the best I can find is a how-to with using some pretty strong corrosives, I would like to avoid any damage to any parts if at all possible, so, please chime in if you have experience and whatnot on what would be a good way to do this project :]

[Charles Outdoors]

If that is the old style it's like a bluing on the brass. I would try fine steel wool. 

[breakfastchef]

Blasting with a fine medium (i.e. soda, shells, glass beads, etc.) would be the fastest, cleanest and easiest way to tackle that project. Getting the original finish out of all the nooks and crannies can be a mind-numbing experience. The resulting finish of the brass would be very even and ready for polishing. Maybe you have a shop that can sandblast in your area. I've used a custom sign guy on one occasion, and currently have a vintage Crosman frame with another guy who build custom cycle frames to blast and powder coat. Expect many hours of polishing and buffing once the finished is removed.

[Steeb86]

a good sandblasting, eh?  that wont pit the surface?  It is indeed an older model, early 90's maybe late 80's.  The finish is definitely tough because there are absolutely no dings in it, just places it has rubbed off from YEARS of pumping and holding it in the pumping position haha.

[darren]

soda blasting is what I would do....uses baking soda as a medium, not too harsh

[Steeb86]

Thanks for the replies guys, I'll be looking into each of these to see which seems best.  I'll also post pics when I'm done with everything

[BALLISTIC1]

It would be a transition model and if is is not a Silver Streak that is plated the best and easiest way to remove the paint is to wipe it right off with acetone (not nail polish remover)..... Use a toothbrush or something similar for nooks and crannies. The biggest caution is to not let the acetone contact any orings or seals... Acetone is kind of funny.... It seems to have zero effect on some rubbers and plastics and and others it will DESTROY instantly....

Good luck with your project!!!

If your paint DOES wipe right off, buff lightly with 0000 steel wool and use some Mothers metal polish.

Greg

BRASS

[bwana]

I used paint stripper on my 392. It took a couple of coatings and removal with fine steel wool. I used a stripper that could be rinsed off with water. It's been a few years ago so I don't remember the brand. I do remember that it seemed strange to put a gun barrel in the wash tub and clean it with soap and water but brass doesn't rust.