Rust

[Steve H]

Anyone ever use Navel Jelly to remove light surface rust on a barrel? Is it too strong for the bluing? I found a small area of surface rust on my Sendero today. It has the "rough" finish, almost like a parkerized finish. I tried to clean it up with Kroil but didn't let it soak very long. What is the best way to go? Kroil, Hoppes (how long of a soak?) or navel jelly? The rust is so light you cannot see it unless you have the gut in direct sunlight.

 

[Chawbaccer]

Naval jelly will take the bluing right off.
Best to use some 4/0000 steel wool and some light oil.

 

[loadedround]

I have used 4/0 steel wool and WD40 very successfully in removing fine rust from firearms. However I first try a soft cloth and Hoppe #9 before using the steel wool is it's just surface rust.

 

[evert]

use a copper brush and oil.

 

[Noveldoc]

Blue Wonder Cleaner does light surface rust well and will not remove bluing.

Tom

 

[plateshooter]

I use a copper "chore boy" pot scrubber. Be sure it is copper, not copper plated steel. Best rust remover I have ever used. You can use it with a bit of oil for some really great results. For small spots, a copper penny used as a scraper works well too.

 

[caduceus]

Blue Wonder Cleaner does light surface rust well and will not remove bluing.

Tom

+1 Blue Wonder Gun Cleaner.

 

[JNewell]

Don't let that stuff near a gun. If you bought some, toss it. It will etch the surface of the metal, in addition to taking the rust and bluing off.

 

[GURU1911]

I get paid to do this, but you fellows get it for free !!!!!

1. Make a cleaning patch from an old pair of denim jeans or shorts.

2. Put a dab of flitz / maas cream metal polish on the rough side of the cloth & rub the hell out of the rusty spot---it will lift the rust off the metal, but will not harm the blued finish.

3. Do not let the polish dry---so flip over the patch & use the smooth side of the cloth to remove the blackened paste.

4. Use a clean patch & put a few drops of mothers / meguires liquid clean coat pure carnuba wax on the patch. Apply to the area, allow to dry to a haze, & buff off the haze with a soft flannel cotton towel.

You will get an eye-popping gloss to the blue surface & long-term protection from new rust & corrosion. You will be so blown away by how good that area looks, you'll end up doing the whole she-bang. Hint: Do the same inside the bore, scope tube, rings, bases, magazine box, spring, & follower.