Early rust on a barrel

vipermd · #1 08-24-2011, 02:51 PM

A friend brought a number of firearms to sell, unfortunately most have some level of oxidation. Finishes include blue, stainless, "phosphate". Some can be sent for professional re-bluing, others are not worth the cost. The bore and internal's are clean but various levels on exterior. They are shooters not collectors. Any ideas on the best way to remove the rust and then protect them. Thank You in advance. Be Safe.

kennyb · #2 08-24-2011, 03:31 PM

a lot depends on the level of rust...many will get 000 brass wool soaked in a good gun oil...this will remove a lot of it

505Gibbs · #3 08-24-2011, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kennyb

a lot depends on the level of rust...many will get 000 brass wool soaked in a good gun oil...this will remove a lot of it

Might even consider using 0000 and a bit more elbow grease.
Just go slow.

Gunhacker · #4 08-24-2011, 06:46 PM

Basic technique is to marinate the rusted area in a rust busting penetrating oil (Corrosion-x, Kroil, WD-40, etc) to soften it up enough to go at it with something made of a "soft" metal such as brass or copper. If it doesn't break apart easily or still feels solid, let it soak some more.

An old trick is to use the edge of a (real) copper penny to gently scrap away the rust, in the process since the copper penny is softer than gun steel, it will leave copper "scrape marks" that will come right off with an oiled cleaning patch.

I've successfully used a combination of a soft/medium bristle cooper & brass brushes, #0000 bronze wool (do not use steel wool, the ultra tiny "hairs" that come off work their way into places to start new rust problems), tooth picks and a lot of swearing.

Don't be in a rush, let the oil do it's work, not your elbow.

For rust protection, that will depend on how humid it is where you live, a light coating of oil (Kroil and BreakFree are often mentioned) as well as keeping them in breathable BoreStores is what I do... and being in a safe, a dehumidifier rod is a must in the winter months.

vipermd · #5 08-25-2011, 01:31 PM

Thank You All The majority is surface freckling. Once they are cleaned they will be stored in my safe till sold. Be Safe,

M3Stuart · #6 08-26-2011, 09:18 AM

Hi everybody,

Question; are we talking about blued finishes in the thread above?

I think I have the same issue on this 36 I just got. Note the blemishes in the pic. I tried oiling it and gently brushing it with a brass cleaning brush inside of an oiled t-shirt rag - checking that I didn't scratch it up. That got rid of a lot of it. There are other beginning rust spots - but none as bad as the one in this pic.

Is the advice above applicable to blueing?

Edit: Does 'liquid wrench' fit the bill as a penetrating oil?

Thanks everybody!