I made the mistake of handling my 1861 Springfield without wiping it down with oil. Now I have rusty finger prints on part of the barrel. What is the best way to restore the lustre and remove these finger prints? I have already tried steel wool and got some of it off; but more help is needed. Thanks for your suggestions.
Removing rusty finger prints from 1861 Springfield?
- Thread starter DavidB2
- Start date
maillemaker
New member
I believe the 1861 Springfield is a firearm with a "bright" barrel finish (not blued), correct?
If so, the fix is "easy". Use a mild abrasive with progressively finer grit until the rust is gone and you have matched the finish of the rest of the barrel.
Steve
If so, the fix is "easy". Use a mild abrasive with progressively finer grit until the rust is gone and you have matched the finish of the rest of the barrel.
Steve
straightcut
New member
Monel Wool
It's very easy to scratch the surrounding bluing with Scotchbrite or steel wool. I use this product: http://www.big45metalcleaner.com/ It's similar to steel wool, except made of an alloy, monel. The monel is harder than rust, but softer than bluing.
Best of luck!
It's very easy to scratch the surrounding bluing with Scotchbrite or steel wool. I use this product: http://www.big45metalcleaner.com/ It's similar to steel wool, except made of an alloy, monel. The monel is harder than rust, but softer than bluing.
Best of luck!
bedbugbilly
New member
It's called "patina" . . . 
Fingers McGee
New member
http://www.rb-treasures.com/product3.html
RB17 is the best rust remover I've ever found. It also removes built up lead and powder fouling as well as regrowing hair
OK, that last part might be stretching it a little; but RB17 is some good stuff. I've used it for going on 20 years or so.
RB17 is the best rust remover I've ever found. It also removes built up lead and powder fouling as well as regrowing hair
OK, that last part might be stretching it a little; but RB17 is some good stuff. I've used it for going on 20 years or so.
bedbugbilly
New member
Whatever happened to just using steel wool, oil and elbow grease? Once a year I polish up my rifled musket with the above and it seems to work just fine - it's kept my rifled musket looking good for many years.