Cleaning Surface Rust

[Broadbill]

Once the gun rusts however mildly the protective finish has been penetrated. Is there any way I can clean this rust without ruining whats left of the existing finish? In the past I've used a brass or bronze brush, sometimes even an old penny but now I'm trying to treat a muzzleloader and a "stainless" Red Label and I don't want to ruin them further.
Any ideas or fixes?

Broadbill

 

[windjammer]

Get a stainless steel scowering pad at most any store....the very coarse kind.

Soak it in most any oil, gun oil, 3 in 1, etc. This will remove the rust and not harm the bluing.......I've done it more than once, it works.

The pads usually come two to a box.

 

[shooter1]

Super fine steel wool and gun oil work as well as anything I've tried. Finish damage is largely dependent on how far the rust has progressed.
str1

 

[windjammer]

With respect, steel wool will leave tiny pieces of steel that will cause future rusting.....stainless steel will not..

 

[jimmyraythomason]

4-0 steel wool and WD-40 is all you need. Rem-oil also works well on the steel wool. Flush residue with spray oil.