[MLH]

It has a little rust on the outside of the barrel and I was wondering if it's worth parkerizing or should I just trade it in on a new model. It's 20-30 years old but still seems to function well. It's not eating anything so I don't worry about it much. Sort of a HD backup to my S&W .40. What do you think? It is heavy but it seems like that helps keep down the recoil!







Edited cause I can't tell the different betwen a Win. & a Rem.:banghead:

[Badger Arms]

First, it has rust on it because of the WD-40. WD-40 is a good penetrating oil but is really too light for long-term storage. Get some fine steel wool and soak it in a good medium synthetic oil then scrub till the rust comes off. Once you do that, wipe down the entire outside of the gun and give the barrel a good cleaning and put it right back where you got it.

There's absolutely no reason to parkerize the gun. If all you have on it is a light dusting of rust after that many years, call yourself lucky. Your climate is probably not that bad and parkerizing it will only ruin whatever value you have in the gun. Guns get better with age and a little character. The "New" models ain't got nothing on the old models. In fact, the newer models are more likely to have been CNC hogged and slapped together than your 'old' gun. Just my opinion.

[clubsoda22]

very happy with my brand new winchester defender, thank you.

[Dave McCracken]

Under agency conditions, the 1200 didn't hold up to a steady diet of neglect and abuse. Taken care of, they seem to be rather good shotguns.

A suggestion, take the thing down, remove the wood and lube all metal copiously with SLIP 2000, CLP or another great lube and protectorant,letting it sit over night. Then lightly rub the rusted areas with a Scotchbrite pad, old panty hose,etc. This will take off some rust. Now wipe off as much lube as you can with paper towels and reassemble.

Unless it's REALLY ugly, I'd live with the finish. The baked finishes, as reported by Denny Hansen recently, might be a better choice than "Parkerizing".

And,IMO you'd be much better off if you make that S&W 40 backup to the shotgun. At up to 25 yards, no other weapon is as effective in trained, cool hands.

[MLH]

I guess I need to get to work. Now where did I put that steel wool?:confused: :scrutiny: :banghead: :)