rust question ???

[alxone]

so i have an old c&r pistol that has some rust . how or what is the best method for getting rust off without making the gun worse ??
thanks
alex

[leatherneck448]

if it is just speckled surface rust then just used 4 ought (0000) steel wool and LIGHTLY rub the surface until it is gone.

do you have pics of the affected areas?

[SAnd]

if it is just speckled surface rust then just used 4 ought (0000) steel wool and LIGHTLY rub the surface until it is gone.

A little oil with the steel wool helps. If the rust is light enough then just some coarse cloth or paper towel with oil will work too.

[sneakerd]

NO NO NO to steel wool. Get BRONZE wool. Then go gently and yes, you can use some oil with it. I use 3 in 1 household oil. NO STEEL WOOL!!!!

[spleify]

Will steel wool effect the bluing (if its blued)?

[sneakerd]

Think of it this way- steel wool being rubbed against a steel surface= removal of finish in addition to the rust. Bronze wool against a steel surface will remove surface rust without having nearly as much effect on the steel surface and/or the finish. SHHH!- it's a secret! Get bronze wool, it costs more, but you'll never go back! You can get it anywhere you can get steel wool.

[sneakerd]

Here's another example. If you need to use a pin punch on your gun for whatever reason, drifting a sight or whatever- and are concerned about marring the finish, do you use a steel punch or a brass punch?

[BPTactical]

Blueing is actually a form of rust. Anything that is abrasive enough to remove the rust will remove the finish to a degree as well.
Try this Alex-field strip the firearm and let the rusted parts sit in some automatic transmission for a couple of days.
Take some denim and with it wet with the ATF buff the rusted areas, turning the denim frequently.
If you need to get a bit more aggressive then go to the bronze wool.
The finish will be damaged where ever there was rust and sometimes it will look worse after removing the rust.

[sneakerd]

I like that denim idea. Never thought of that.

[alxone]

wow thanks guys , so far i just put a little oil on it and rubbed the dust and big grime off it. ill snap some pics of this old rast & gasser wien (ww1&2 mostly used by italians ) big heavy 8 shot revolver .