Removing Rust from a Freedom Arms 83

[Jimfern]

I don't own this revolver but I was wondering, given the mat finish, how hard it would be to remove the rust/stains from this revolver. I've seen another model 83 with similar rust stains so I'm wondering if this is from neglect or if the steel they use is less rust resistant than say S&W stainless.

Anyone successfully clean up an FA?

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Free...y=6&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-Gun+Library&Ntt=454

 

[JJHACK]

The quality of SS use in freedom arms is the highest in the industry, far harder then anyone else.

I cannot imagine any SS gun pitting, short of that, just send it back and they will bead blast it to like new

 

[hardluk1]

Its cause by neglect , pure and simple. SS use in quality firearms is magnetic meaning there is enough carbon in to rust. S&W well rust too but one of two thing , The amount of carbon on the SS and the type of finish as in a mat or low luster to a brite shine help in determining how quickly it can show rust in the same conditions.
Try calling freedom arms and after saying I am sorry !! Then ask them how to "fix" the problem. Heres a page that most of these I have read work just know that on a mat finish its easy to mess up the finish and mat a low luster spot on it.
http://www.diylife.com/2010/11/10/remove-rust-from-stainless-steel-the-daily-fix/

 

[Jimfern]

I've been thinking of getting an FA 83 this year and was thinking I could use the stain issue to negotiate the price. Not creating a bright spot on a mat finish is what I was mostly concerned about.

If I have to send it back to FA to get refinished, I suspect I need to get a super deal on a rusty one.

 

[BSA1]

Why do you say that?

Contact FA, discuss your problem and give them a chance to make a offer.

 

[CraigC]

As JJHACK posted, the 17-4 precipitation hardened stainless steel used by Freedom Arms is better than the alloys used by any other maker. It should be more corrosion resistant than Ruger or S&W. The rust I'm seeing was caused by an extreme level of neglect. That sixgun had to have spent a lot of its life wet and was never maintained. Even FA's stainless steel will rust. That said, it should be an easy problem to fix. Anybody with a blast cabinet can redo the blasted finish if necessary. Probably just needs a good detail cleaning.

What is a more significant issue than the rust are the damaged grips. FA's laminated or micarta grips are $250. The Field Grade used to come with Pachmayr rubber and the laminates were an extra cost option. They absolutely should be replaced, because if they come undone while shooting, it can seriously injure your hands. I would use these two points to negotiate the price down to $1000.

SS use in quality firearms is magnetic meaning there is enough carbon in to rust.

Carbon is not what causes steel to rust, it's the iron that is its basic component.

 

[PO2Hammer]

Premier grade F/As are hand finished with abrasives. Any scratches or other issues can be buffed out with a Scotch Brite maroon pad. I have done it several times to mine.
I have never seen rust on my F/A and I've never oiled the outside.
OTOH, I did have a stainless Python that rusted slightly where the barrel meets the frame.

 

[PO2Hammer]

OOPS, just saw it was field grade.

 

[Jimfern]

Thanks for your input, I'm not in any rush so I'll just keep my eyes open.