I have a beautiful Winchester Model 12/20 ga. bird gun that suffers from 'closet syndrome'. The previous owner stuck it in a closet twenty years ago and it has [actually, had] a nasty patch of rust on the circumference of the very top of the barrel...the direct result of finger contact when it was stored.
I know if I refinish the whole barrel it will destroy the collector value. Anyone have a suggestion to reblue the patch [I've cleaned it up with CLP and some 000 steel wool so that the effected spot is now "in the white"...no pitting]?
Should I try an aftermarket product to reblue the area? Or just accept the inevitable and shoot it? Other than the problem area, it's easily a 98%'er.
Thanks for any help/suggestions!
I know if I refinish the whole barrel it will destroy the collector value. Anyone have a suggestion to reblue the patch [I've cleaned it up with CLP and some 000 steel wool so that the effected spot is now "in the white"...no pitting]?
Should I try an aftermarket product to reblue the area? Or just accept the inevitable and shoot it? Other than the problem area, it's easily a 98%'er.
Thanks for any help/suggestions!