Discoloration on stainless handgun

[turnandshoot4]

I recently pulled out my X-5 to look at it and found a slight discoloration on the slide. It was a brownish (rusty) color and speckeled. It wiped off with hoppes but if I hadn't looked it might have done some damage. What could this be from? I have never had this problem before with any other weapon. The X-5 sits in a winchester safe but is not air tight. Should I get a De-humidifier? Is it the oil on my hands?

[Lock n Load]

Not all SS is created equal. I believe that all firearm grade stainless is "ferrous", meaning it contains/ has an "iron" content. Surgical grades stainless for instance are "non ferrous" and will not rust.

Check your stainless steel firearms with a magnet and I bet it will attract.

I use a stainless cleaning paste on my stainless steel firearms and they clean up real well. Powder residue seems to be a large factor in the discoloring of a stainless firearm. That could be secondary contact from your hands too. And of course the usual suspects also will cause discoloration/ rust on stainless too.

HTH,

[turnandshoot4]

Ok. It does attract magnet. I need to find some of that cleaning paste. Anything that you recommend?

[Crystalship1]

Simichrome or Flitz Polish are both great. Just do a Google search or check your local hardware store.

[trophyhunter]

Good suggestion on the Flitz, It's magic for stainless steel.

[epsylum]

Originally Posted by trophyhunter

Good suggestion on the Flitz, It's magic for stainless steel.

Even on matte stainless? I don't think he wants a shiny chrome like patch on his matte stainless X-Five.

BTW, yes that is rust. Stainless can and does rust, it just doesn't rust as easily. Also as mentioned there are a gazillion different kinds and grades of stainless.

I say clean it off good (usually Hoppes will take minor surface rust right off), oil it and yes, get a dehumidifier or those large bags of dessicant for your safe. Your guns will thank you.

[trophyhunter]

Good question on the matte stainless. I carry a Taurus stainless 1911, the slide is polished on the sides, matte on top for anti glare. Flitz has not brightened the matte finish, although I am carefull not to use excess polish or rubbing force in that area. I am fairly certain Flitz contains some sort of micro abrasive, it cleans metal finishes better than new, works wonders on motorcycle pipes as well. Good to be cautious on matte areas with it for sure.

[Lock n Load]

I also use Flitz but I dont own anything in matte stainless.

Just a suggestion, but my wife uses a cleaner on our stainless appliances and they have that brushed, matte finish. You may try it in a hidden area like under the grips if possible.

[silfox]

Might also try Metal Glo, it is not as abrasive as Fitz.

Richard

[turnandshoot4]

Well the gun is going back to sig. They will polish it for me and replace my saftey. (The saftey had a piece break off due to it being of lower quality metal) Now I am going to pick up a dehumidifier. I have never had this problem before, just curious that I would get it on this one.