Removing Rust from a Barrel

[newglockguy]

So I'm in the process of moving and I found my grandfather's JC Higgens model 30 in the attic. However, since I didn't know the rifle was there it has gotten a bit rusty. I was wondering what is a good way to get the rust off the barrel. Later in the week I'm going to take it apart and see if it's in usable condition. If it is it'll be a range toy if not, well I still want it to look pretty in my safe. I'd upload some pictures but my computer doesn't seem like it wants to. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Legionnaire]

Are you talking about rust on the outside of the barrel, or in the bore? If on the outside, I'd start with gun oil and fine steel wool. If in the bore, I'd start with a good solvent and a bore brush; when patches come out clean, go ahead and shoot it.

 

[kitsapshooter]

My proven methods.
For outside - remove the wood first. Douse the metal with CLP and use 0000 steel wool and lightly scrub the metal until the CLP is all rust colored. Wipe and repeat as needed. I have advised many people and most of them have come back and told me how well it works.

Do the same thing inside but use copper Chore Boy. Do not use the copper covered steel. Wipe a few stands of Chore boy around a bore brush and scrub lightly. Rinse and repeat until bore is clean and shiny.

spray the action and wipe until no rust residue comes out of any parts.

Put it together and have fun.

I bet you have a real shooter there.

 

[rcmodel]

+1

0000 grade (Extra Fine) steel wool, and any kind of oil.
Doesn't matter what kind.

It won't harm the remaining bluing, while completely removing All the rust.

You can wrap it on a bore brush and use it in the bore to.
Won't do anything except remove rust & make the bore slicker.

rc

 

[BCRider]

The oil and steel wool works great if it's a case of "rust freckles". If it's a more extreme case then this easy peasy method pretty much falls on its face. If it's more than just a few spots then you'll need to decide on how fancy you want to go.

But either way the metal is gone. You can't put it back. So it'll never look as good as new. Even the steel wool and oil on the freckles leaves small spots that you'll see and feel if you're really down and serious about it. But for casual looking and putting it back into duty it's a great option.