Aluminum Receiver Coating?

Probably a zinc/aluminum alloy (Zamak). Ive been successful with brake cleaner and a coarse rag removing the old stuff. Best way to refinish is anodizing. 2nd best probably Alumahyde. Either way, the resulting finish is still vulnerable to chipping.

All my thoughts, and a few others, on coatings in this current thread:
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/vans-gun-blue-school-me-up.908810/#post-12371752
Most discussions apply to any substrate, just ignore things that are steel specific. I will give the same advice on using small bottle gun blackener stuff on a large area as in the steel finishing thread. Done it: meh.

If it wasn't a .22 I'd also say anodizing is important to provide surface hardening, but... enh. Just a .22. A stupid person before me belt sandered the finish off my Fieldmaster and I have had that 40 years, it was fine a long time bare metal, then painted black (see above: good paint, carefully).

Just a thought, try stove polish. I have a OLD ( 1954 ish) hardwhare type .22 with a aluminum trigger guard that i wiped on some cold blue. It worked for me.

Milkmaster said:

Got an old .22 rifle that has an aluminum receiver. What's the best way to take off the old finish and put something new on it? Use friction or some sort of stripper? I am not opposed to painting it after, but would it be durable enough?

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Short of anodizing Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) Resin would be product of choice ; However Krylon rattle can is also acceptable .

Cleaning : Dawn dish washing detergent and Borax followed by alcohol wipe ,then IF You wish to super clean and etch surface forming an oxide layer use phosphoric acid ,followed by baking soda water mixture ,then clean water rinse alcohol or lacquer thinner clean rag light wipe .

Get top coat finish on ASAP after all parts are thoroughly dried . BOL

I used vinegar to remove most finishes. I have had good success with AlumaHyde for a finish. It does not look smooth like anodizing but seems to be a good finish nonetheless.

DIY Anodizing can be done if you follow the steps and get the right materials. Alumnahyde II is a good option as well and much easier than anodizing.

Sand blast & Cerakote is best. Sanding & Alumahide, pretty good.