Touching up rust on a blued frame

[fasfan22]

Hi Guys,

I recently picked up a used Model 36 that had been sitting in a safe for a number of years. The gun looked in great shape, was mechanically excellent and the price was right.

I took it home and broke it down for a good cleaning. When I removed the grips, I noticed that there was rust in several places where the grip had been touching the grip frame and the lock plate. With the grip back on, you can't notice the rust but I know it's under there!

As we all know, rust never sleeps. I want to remove the rust and somehow protect the frame from reoccurences of this menace. I don't want to go to the trouble and expense of re-blueing the whole gun, and since the rest of the gun's finish is acceptable, I don't think it is necessary.

What is the best way of removing the surface rust in these spots and protecting the steel underneath?

Thanks alot!

 

[Spotteddog]

A "true" copper penny. However, those are getting harder to find daily.
What I've taken to using, is the copper core conductor from electric wiring. At least that way you know it's all "real" copper!

 

[fasfan22]

copper

Sorry for my ignorance. What is the next move with the copper material?
I happen to have access to some copper flashing ....

 

[S&W revolverman]

fasfan22,

I use 0000 steel wool and BreakFree. Rub lightly and this will remove the rust and also oil at same time.

Hope this helps
chris

 

[fasfan22]

steel wool

Sounds like a plan. Already have the Break Free .... just have to source the 0000 steel wool ... pretty fine stuff.

Thank you! My new little snubbie thanks you!

 

[enfield]

You can find 0000 wool at Lowes.

 

[Spotteddog]

You may use the Copper conductor just as you would steel wool. Though more typically, the Copper will be used first, then followed by the Copper wool, then steel wool. And with your favorite solvent of choice. Mine happens to be Marvel Mystery Oil and a bit of Diesel fuel with the steel wool. Though Dexron ATF can be substituted.
Good Luck (Leave the wood out of contact with the frame if extended periods of storage are anticipated)

 

[Alk8944]

fasfan22,

I use 0000 steel wool and BreakFree. Rub lightly and this will remove the rust and also oil at same time.

Hope this helps
chris

What he said, the Penny, etc is just extra work to no purpose. Between the scraped off rust and the relatively hard Copper you are more likely to cause scratches than with the 0000 and oil. Any oil will work, ATF is excellent but not necessary. Break Free is as good as anything available and what I have used exclusively for the past more than 35 years.

Be sure to clean the back of the stocks too! Seal them with a coat of Tru-Oil, GB Linspeed, or even varnish. This keeps the small amount of moisture in the wood from causing rust. Be sure to oil under the stocks before reinstalling them

 

[fasfan22]

Great tips!

Wow! You guys have been great! I'll stop at Lowe's after work today and get to work tonight. Good tip about storing the revolver sans the grips!

Thanks guys!