Stopping rust pitting

[Madcap_Magician]

I have a blued Ruger Service Six with some light rust pitting spots.

What is the best way to keep them from getting worse short of having the gun refinished?

Right now I just clean it and rub it down with some FP10 after shooting.

 

[rcmodel]

0000 Super Fine Steel wool & oil.

Remove all the active rust and then keep it oiled.

No, the steel wool will not harm the remaining bluing unless you get crazy or use it dry.

rc

 

[Mizar]

You can clean it like Rc suggested and then boil it in water for about 30 minutes. Just like rust bluing.

Boris

 

[Madcap_Magician]

OK, thanks, I will try that.

 

[MtnSpur]

Kroil and Eezox.....just sayin. Not to be contrary on steel wool BUT as one knows steel will rust. Particulates from steel wool as fine as 0000 are known to invade places we would prefer they didn't, SO...with that said I'd opt for bronze or brass wool of same coarse recommendation. IMHO and offered free of charge

 

[rcmodel]

Go ahead and scrub it with bronze wool.

Then you will have copper rub-off on top of the rust you have to get off.

Just so you know.
Firearms refinishers use super-fine steel wool & oil to card off the rust the bluing salts produce and give your gun that deep high polish finish you can see yourself in.

rc

 

[MtnSpur]

Go ahead and scrub it with bronze wool.

Then you will have copper rub-off on top of the rust you have to get off.

rc

I SCRUB nothing sir and FWIW the blued handguns that are polished to that deep blue that I own were done with a polished medium the consistency of flour and polished on leather covered wheels ......they don't do it like that anymore.

I also have no copper issues using KROIL and brass on those few old gals that came with a finish issue (when the price was right) but mechanically sound otherwise.

 

[earlthegoat2]

If fine steel wool will break off then you better believe bronze, brass, or copper wool will as well. They tarnish faster than steel wool rusts and more readily break off because they are softer.

In the end though, I dont think you can go wrong with either. If you have had good results with it then there is no question. Any medium will be left behind if used too aggressively. Ive never had an issue with oil and 0000 steel wool though.

 

[WardenWolf]

Use Flitz and a paper towel. It takes off surface rust and won't damage bluing. Nice and simple.