Just got a old Walther PP.  The barrel edge (the receiver end) has multiple "dings" as if the firearm had history of F2Es.   I havent fired it yet, but is this something can be fixed ? 

Check the extractor spring for being gummed up or broken.

Check and make sure it has the ejector spring and it is properly installed.

There is lot of "grease" everywhere on this thing.  I dont feel any grit but still may clean all it out, inspect and lube it.

I wouldn't worry about the dings unless they affect the function(pics would help). If you need to fix the dings, you will need a good diamond file designed for hardened steel. A regular metal file will not cut hardened steel. 

Hope this helps... and this thing has serial number on the frame (right side) only.. no other markings or serial number on barrel / slide at all. 

Although used and has holster marks, love the bluish, smooth finish on the slide.. I can only imagine how they looked when new..

 

 

Is the pistol covered in cosmoline? It looks like it is and that could very well be your issue.

I have no idea how to tell , but it is sticky (ier than other lubes I have seen / used), comes off if I wipe it hard with cloth or paper. Not sure if the previous owner(s) were using it with cosmoline. 

 

CLP ? Gasoline ? Dishwasher ? Hotwater / Toothbrush ?

Soak that puppy in gasoline

That certainly looks like cosmoline to me. It is meant to preserve a weapon for long term storage and not act as a lubricant to make it work. Most surplus rifles that come from long term storage are covered in it when you buy them. The best way to get the grease off is to soak it in gas just remove any parts that will be damaged by the fuel like the grips. It should not damage the bluing if it is hi polish or not as long as you don't leave in there forever. You will need to soak it for 24-48 hrs in a chemical proof tray or metal pan.

From the pictures, it's pretty obvious why you are having issues. I've done a couple like that. Remove the grips, submerge in a pan of paint thinner (mineral spirits), let soak, then work over with a cheap 1" natural bristle brush. Lube with gun oil of choice. BTDT.

FWIW

YMMV

I like the Purple Power type cleaners. They don't stink as much and do a decent job on cosmoline. They are also mild enough to not damage stock or even wood.

If it's worked in the past please post a link. Never heard of it but if it degreases as good as gas it's worth a shot. Do you need to warm up the solution ?

 

 

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Purple Power you mean? yeah I've cleaned a few old mausers with it, metal and wood. I used it at the suggestion of C&R forums when I was into that. It is a degreaser/cleaner.

 

You can find it at most automotive stores, walmart, amazon, etc. You can also use other "purple" cleaners as there seems to be a purple competition for some reason.

Purple Power you mean? yeah I've cleaned a few old mausers with it, metal and wood. I used it at the suggestion of C&R forums when I was into that. It is a degreaser/cleaner.

 

You can find it at most automotive stores, walmart, amazon, etc. You can also use other "purple" cleaners as there seems to be a purple competition for some reason.

Is this the stuff?

 

http://www.amazon.com/4320P-Industrial-Strength-Cleaner-Degreaser/dp/B002HU5N4O

 

And it's pretty cheap.

Purple Power you mean? yeah I've cleaned a few old mausers with it, metal and wood. I used it at the suggestion of C&R forums when I was into that. It is a degreaser/cleaner.

 

You can find it at most automotive stores, walmart, amazon, etc. You can also use other "purple" cleaners as there seems to be a purple competition for some reason.

 

Is that similar to SImple Green? I've used that diluted 3-1 with good results.

Is this the stuff?

 

http://www.amazon.com/4320P-Industrial-Strength-Cleaner-Degreaser/dp/B002HU5N4O

 

And it's pretty cheap.

 

Yep.

 

Is that similar to SImple Green? I've used that diluted 3-1 with good results.

 

I think they are pretty similar, but its not like I've read the labels in detail.

Whats the best way to use Purple Power  on firearms ?  Remove grips ?   Spay or Soak ? Diluted or direct from that concentrate ?

I personally would not use purple degreaser on that pistol. I think it will damage the finish. We use the Zep version of that stuff at my job and it is pretty nasty stuff. It is very corrosive to some metals and can cause chemical burns.It does not come ever close to the degreasing power of gasoline or safety kleen even when not diluted with water. If you must use it spray and wipe or you will be sorry.  

Shoot.... I thought the Purple is gentler than Gasoline.  I have to go buy that stuff but have Gasoline, so gasoline it is.

I find that odd, I've used it on metal and wood with no side effects.

 

Yes, I've used it diluted, start at maybe 1/4 purple power to 3/4 warn water. Soak the gun for 10 min or so then use an old tooth brush. I wouldn't soak he plastic bits.

 

Again, its been a decade plus since I've done this. I recall no chemical burns although being an aggressive degreaser it can chap your hands so wear some kitchen gloves.

 

Personally I would use that before gasoline which does terrible things to my hands. 

 

BIG CAVEAT: you are about to use chemicals in probably off-label ways. Do as much research as you can and use whichever method you feel most comfortable, not whichever method I felt most comfortable with.

If you soak it in gas it will get all of the grease in the areas you can't get to without 100% disassembly. The purple cleaner will not remove that.

Looking in the garage, I found a can of old paint thinner (Mineral Spirit).  Slice an empty gallon water bottle, fill it with the paint thinner. 

Disassembled PP ( ) as much as possible,  and let it soak for an hour.. came out like clean...

 

Thanks everyone.

It's worth noting that those barrel dings are more likely caused by (failed) attempts by the previous owner to reassemble the pistol properly rather than stovepipes. Brass is just too soft to cause that kind of damage.