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?