Removing spray paint finish

[Peakbagger46]

I accquired a custom Remington 700 .308 "sniper rifle" from a co-worker a while back. He used it to compete in military competitions and sold it to me for $700 to fund a SOCOM. He spray painted the barrel and action camo to match the HS precision stock, and now that finish is coming off (it was a tough mulie season for the gun!) What should I use to restore the gun to its stainless finish?

 

[Lazuris]

If its a 700 police which it sounds like it is w/ the HS stock it comes mate black head to toe from the factory. I'd put a fresh coat of paint on that bad boy and have at it. Its not a hunting gun as its rather heavy to carry in the bush all day. Better to keep it as it is.

 

[Peakbagger46]

Lazruis,
It is not a police model, it is a semi-custom with stainless barrel and action that was spray painted.
It is a WORKOUT to carry in the hills here in western Colorado...

 

[briansmithwins]

Depending on the paint, bead blasting could be the easiest route. Depending on what you're doing another coat of paint may be the path of least resistance.

BSW

 

[Horsemany]

If the barrel and action is stainless it will be easy. Go get a quart of Acetone in the paint section of any hardware/home center store. It will dissolve paint instantly. Saturate a rag and wipe down your barreled action. You will have to immediately oil the gun since Acetone will leave the surface totally devoid of oil. Even stainless I would give a light oiling after Acetone.

 

[Carl N. Brown]

yes on acetone

I use the "100% Acetone Nail Polish Remover" from the dollar store for paint removal projects (usually a more convenient size than commercial paint remover unless you do a lot of painting/refinishing.)
Acetone removes spray paint and it softens the shellac used to finish eastern bloc bolt action rifle stocks.

Added: yes, acetone will effectively degrease iron and steel parts and leave them open to refinish (or rust)!!!