Rust

[charleslee]

I need advice pls. I noticed a couple of rust spots on the front of the slide of my Colt Mark IV, Series 70, .45 which is a safe queen in excellent condition (or at least it was!) w/ ivory grips. I only mention the ivory grips 'cause they are part of what makes this gun so nice, the grips and the condition. I keep it oiled down in a gun sock, inside a safe w/ dehumidifiers. So, I try to do everything right! But I must have some moisture in the safe, right? Admittedly, I haven't always been on time recharging the dehumidifiers. They are the Winchester type w/ the crystals that change color. After noticing the rust, I just wiped the gun down w/ some more oil and returned it to the safe. I obviously didn't want to attempt to remove the rust in any way for fear of causing additional damage. What to do? Such a nice gun! Thank you for your help!

 

[EMC45]

Take it out of the sock.

 

[rcmodel]

+1

Gun cases, gun socks, and holsters trap and hold humidity & condensation right against the bluing.
They do more to cause rust then to prevent it.

A gun is way better off stored so fresh air can freely circulate around it to prevent condensation damage.

Use "Super Fine" 0000 grade steel wool & oil to remove the rust.
You can get the steel wool at any hardware store.
It will not harm the remaining bluing.

There is a product called Birchwood-Casey R.I.G. (Rust Inhibitor Grease) that is used to protect fine firearms collections all over the world.
It is much superior to any gun oil for long-term protection.

Use it on a RIG-RAG to wipe down the gun every time you handle it and you will stop further rust dead in its tracks.
http://sport.birchwoodcasey.com/RIG/RIGDetails.aspx?ProductID=83c8fcc9-ac1c-4865-aa01-d36e55c6ca1e

rc

 

[charleslee]

Thank you gentlemen, I appreciate the excellent advice!

 

[mmitch]

And, get a Goldenrod.

Mike

 

[EMC45]

+1 on the RIG too like RC Model said. Good stuff. Nice and thick.

 

[LANDMAN4389]

Go to a grocery store and find a copper choreboy. Use a little oil and the copper choreboy to remove the rust. Works like a charm and will not damage the finish.

The problem with steel wool is that some of the fibers came become trapped on the surface of the metal which will then rust again.

 

[Drail]

"A gun is way better off stored so that fresh air can freely circulate around it to prevent condensation damage." Words to live by folks. Absolute truth.

 

[mister2]

For longer term consideration, your climate is your worst enemy. Even placement of your safe matters. Make sure it's not installed in a damp location.

A more frequent inspection schedule may also be in order.

 

[rcmodel]

Couple of points I want to address.

1. All copper chore-boys are not copper.
There are some being sold that are steel metal shavings with copper plating applied to make them appear to be solid copper.
Avoid them like the plague, as they will scratch your guns!!

2. Copper chore-boys will remove rust.
But they will also deposit copper on the bluing, which then has to be removed with Copper Solvent bore cleaner.

3. Super Fine Steel Wool does not embed itself in bluing and rust later.
Super Fine steel wool is what is used by firearms finishers to "card" off the red rust film that forms on the surface of the gun in a hot bluing tank.
Some of the prettiest blue in the world had Super Fine steel wool & oil used to card off the rust formed by the bluing chemicals.

rc

 

[natman]

The problem with steel wool is that some of the fibers came become trapped on the surface of the metal which will then rust again.

This can happen with WOOD, not metal. Think about it, exactly how is the surface of polished blue steel going to "trap" steel wool fibers? At least it's never happened on any of the hundreds of guns I've removed rust from with 0000 steel wool and oil.

 

[rcmodel]

The closest thing I can think off regarding "embedded" metal causing rust involves cloth buffing wheels used to polish guns before finishing.

A cloth buffing wheel used on a carbon steel gun should never be used to polish stainless steel guns later.

Carbon steel particles stuck in the buffing wheel compound can become embedded in, or galded too the stainless-steel, and cause rust spots to form later.

It just doesn't happen with Super Fine steel wool & oil on bluing though.

Even Superman could not rub fast enough to gald oily steel wool fibers to a gun barrel!!

rc