Model 70 with slight rust!

[onegun]

I have a pre-64 Model 70 in 264 win mag probably in the "great" condition category, and unfortunatley it got some rust on it. I was able to clean it off and now there is some of the bluing missing from the rust in a few different spots.

Is it worth rebluing and taking off the old finish or should I leave it with some of the blue gone from the rust? The wood is perfect and the barrel/internals are all good. It is just on the outside near the bolt, the bolt, and trigger.

Or should I try touching it up with some cold blue and try to match the old finish?

 

[MMCSRET]

I'd just leave it, the rifle is nearly 50 years old and deserves to show a little wear and tear. It adds character to a fine rifle, if it had been stored in a climate controlled display case and never used or fondled, then it should look new, give the rifle loving care from here on out and use it. That is what it was built for and deserves to be used and cared for. Nice rifle!!!!!!

 

[onegun]

ya that's what I was thinking! Now I just need to find some ammo that won't cost an arm and leg!

I was thinking of jeweling the bolt. That would be some good character on it!

 

[Maverick223]

I was thinking of jeweling the bolt. That would be some good character on it!

I would leave that as is as well...never have cared for a "jeweled" bolt...perhaps a rhinestoned bolt would look better.

 

[chevyforlife21]

keep it stock its a nice pre 64

 

[Al Thompson]

If your going to keep it and collector value is of no concern, do what you want. If you think you may sell it one day, anything you do to the finish will destroy value. In other words, you can spend 80 bucks to re-blue the rifle and drop the value by 5 or 6 hundred dollars. Jeweling the bolt would do exactly the same thing.

For rust prevention, I've found that Johnson's Floor wax works great and is cheap. I agree that the spots with bluing missing just adds to the character.

As regards the ammo, reloading is your friend.