It's Just Rank

[fred333]

How can I get a rank smell out of an old Beretta pistol?

I've had the thing for a coupla years and clean it well after every shoot (~once every coupla months) and I'm a bit neurotic about cleaning, so it's definitely cleaned before going back into its padded case in the safe. I've even tried cleaning its entire innards with brake cleaner and, still, even though it looks lickity-clean, the next day there's what can only be described as a rank smell coming from the upper magazine well/bore area. It even infects the magazine, which's been disassembled and similarly cleaned more than once.

I'd try bleach, in case there's some type of organic growth, but that'd damage the finish. Anyone have a similar experience or solution?

 

[obsolete]

I think the problem may be in the grips. It sounds like you've done all you can with the metal. A wood grip could trap some manner of bacteria or have become saturated with now rancid Ballistol or olive oil (popular on older guns). Or maybe the grips are rubber and it is breaking down.

 

[Minuteman]

I think the problem may be in the grips. It sounds like you've done all you can with the metal. A wood grip could trap some manner of bacteria or have become saturated with now rancid Ballistol or olive oil (popular on older guns). Or maybe the grips are rubber and it is breaking down.

I agree, sounds like you've done due diligence with the metal; my guess is the grips.

If you insist on keeping the original grips, you might want to look into wood restoration products to try and save them.

Do others smell this, and if so, are they able to better pin point the smell? Simple test is to remove grips, disassemble gun, keep them separate a few days, then smell each gun part separately.

 

[fred333]

Thanks guys, but the grips're plastic, have been cleaned and the stench is evident without them. I know it's weird.....but that's why I'm stumped.
Yes, others've smelled it, too. It's kinda impossible not to.

 

[Alan3413]

If you can manage it, try putting the metal pieces in an oven and heating it for about an hour at 400. The heat will kill any bacteria as well as break down any organic matter that might cause the stink. It'll also drive off any VOC found on the gun.

 

[fred333]

If you can manage it, try putting the metal pieces in an oven and heating it for about an hour at 400. The heat will kill any bacteria as well as break down any organic matter that might cause the stink. It'll also drive off any VOC found on the gun.

It's an old pistol and the bore smells like old socks, so I doubt it's VOCs. But the heat idea sounds like a plan.
Thank you!

 

[Bob A]

It's being haunted by someone it killed. You could try holy water or an exorcism, though I doubt either would work.

 

[SRD]

It's being haunted by someone it killed. You could try holy water or an exorcism, though I doubt either would work.

Yep,I would say ask the op in this thread but....

http://www.mdshooters.com/showthread.php?t=168868&highlight=house

Serious question,is it possible that the padded case is contributing to it?

 

[putneyswope]

Friend of mine had the same issue with a s&w 19 used in a suicide. After a thorough break down to the base parts and a ride in a medical autoclave all was well.

 

[wilcam47]

If theres no magnesium parts in the gun take it apart and soak/clean with simple green. rinse off in clean water, dry and oil with your oil of preference. Also look up Clandestine's gun cleaning thread

 

[lsw]

Thanks guys, but the grips're plastic, have been cleaned and the stench is evident without them. I know it's weird.....but that's why I'm stumped.
Yes, others've smelled it, too. It's kinda impossible not to.

Might be a product of decomposition of old plastic that is clinging to metal parts? http://dwarmstr.blogspot.com/2013/02/why-toolboxes-and-tool-handles-stink.html

 

[python]

Some people say that all Berettas stink.

 

[Blaster229]

give these a shot.

 

[jaybee]

is it coming from the case ?

had one case start to disintegrate and leave crap on a gun

 

[lx1x]

give these a shot.

Pfft.. Lol

Or this.
http://www.medpluspro.com/media/cat...f78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/m/p/mpfbz1.jpg

 

[notguilty]

Someone must have left some live rounds in it and they died then decomposed. I can bury it for you.

 

[DutchV]

A bath in an ultrasonic cleaner might help.

 

[redeemed.man]

Thanks guys, but the grips're plastic, have been cleaned and the stench is evident without them. I know it's weird.....but that's why I'm stumped.
Yes, others've smelled it, too. It's kinda impossible not to.

Fred, is it only when you are holding it? It might be your hands. Toilet paper works better than bare hands. LOL. Just messing with ya.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[fred333]

Yep,I would say ask the op in this thread but....
http://www.mdshooters.com/showthread.php?t=168868&highlight=house
Serious question,is it possible that the padded case is contributing to it?

Nope. It came with the smell (at no extra charge).

 

[fred333]

If theres no magnesium parts in the gun take it apart and soak/clean with simple green. rinse off in clean water, dry and oil with your oil of preference. Also look up Clandestine's gun cleaning thread

Did both (as well as ammonia, denatured alcohol, etc.)....didn't help. The current plan is to try oven heat this weekend (I didn't have time this past weekend).