Removing Surface Rust

T

TheBluesMan

Moderator Emeritus
I recently picked up a used shotgun which has some surface rust on the barrel. I would like to remove this rust without destroying the blued finish. Is this possible, or is the finish already ruined if there is rust present?

I've heard of an old trick of using a penny to scrape off the rust, but am unsure of actually doing it as I don't want to damage the finish. Has anyone else ever done this with a penny? Can you use a section of curved copper pipe instead? What sort of lube/solvent should I use while scraping it?

Thanks! :)
 
For light surface rust, I use some 0000 Steel Wool & gun oil. It will remove the rust & doesn't seem to hurt the finish. But if the gun is pitted....it will still be pitted.
 
Try a brass brush and Hoppe's first, if it's not too deep that will get it out. If that doesn't get it, go for the steel wool.
 
Thanks for the responses. I'll probably try the brass brush method first.

Anyone have experience with the penny idea?
 
I pefer to use bronze wool (get from any marine store) as it leaves no steel residue that can oxidize. Plus it's softer, so you're not as likely to ruin any finish ...
 
I like to wet it down with Break Free, let sit over night, re-wet and remove with soft cloth. Break Free disolves a lot of rust. Be carefull as the loosened rust is abrasive and can mar the unrusted finish surrounding the area.

If that fails, then get more agressive as in above posts.

Good luck.

Sam
 
If the breakfree fails try some Flitz metal polish applied gently and then after drying removed with a soft cloth.
It worked for me on the backstrap of a model 36 i bought used, and did not remove the bluing.
 
I agree on bronze or brass wool, but you don't need to find a marine store, just the cleaning section of your local super market.

Jim
 
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