Surface Rust on Guns

[Broadbill]

Any ideas what the best way is to clean surface rust off firearms?
Obviously keeping it from rusting in the first place would be best.
Can I use a brass brush without scratching the bluing? Is there something more gentle?
Also, what do you guys wipe down your guns with for extended storage? I don't have a safe so even though they're in display type cases they're still kinda exposed to dust and humidity.

Thanks,

Broadbill

 

[1911JMB]

Oil, steel wool, dry cloths and copper brushes are what I would use. Just don't use gasoline, it can remove finishes.

 

[Ala Dan]

I use Blue Wonder; but don't use on nickel firearms~! To preserve,
I usually use Break Free CLP or Eezox; but for long term storage
a light coat of RIG wouldn't hurt.

 

[rojoko]

Take some mild wood with a flat surface... take some oil and see if you can rub any of it off. You really don't want to use a piece of hard wood.. but not as soft as balsa... If works nicely and it doesn't scratch the way a lot of stuff will Let me if you need anymore help

You use the oil on the surface... and then rub gently with the wood. I've used several kinds of oils.. from 3in1 to WD 40... I've even used Navel Oil.

 

[Broadbill]

I'm scared of the steel wool unless the rust was really bad, but the wood sounds promising. Maybe a tounge depresser or ice-cream stick.

Thanks

 

[mete]

Use 0000 steel wool with a good gun oil, This will not scratch the surface.

 

[Firehand]

Mete is right, 0000 steel wool and some good oil. Rub lightly and it'll work wonders.

Blue Wonder cleaner works very well, too, and won't damage the blue.

 

[Jim K]

For a first try, I recommend copper or bronze wool and oil instead of steel wool. Check the kitchen cleaner section of your super-market for both.

Neither will damage bluing or steel.

Jim

 

[MountainBear]

OOOO Steel Wool and Kroil is what I have used. Its good, but try to get to the metal before pitting, it doesn't remove those

 

[JHG]

Light Oil and a strip of Panty Hose will remove surface rust.

 

[Chipperman]

For a first try, I recommend copper or bronze wool

Can't copper leave its own residue behind, like copper fouling on the outside?

 

[Black Knight]

This may sound off the wall but it does work on small rust spots. Try rubbing the rust with a copper penney. I read an article years ago the said the copper in the penney can reverse a small amount of surface oxidation and turn the rust back to steel. I tried it on a couple of mine that had minor surface flecks and it worked. Whatever you do don't use steel wool. It will break splinters into the pores of the steel and this will help facilitate rust. Definately keep it oiled.

 

[f4t9r]

like others said oil and 0000 steel wool. I have used 000 wool and just be careful , work slowly

 

[P5 Guy]

A small bit of pine soaked in oil is what I've used to remove rust from blues steel.

 

[51Cards]

I seem to recall the Army manual for the 1911 calling for the wooden stick and oil approach. WWII field manual.

 

[rangerruck]

steel wool and a touch of oil is what i use, go find you some 0000 rated steel wool, it is super fine. and just lightly rub, with about the weight of one finger, no pressure. rub till it goes away.

 

[Hoploholic]

Bronze wool and oil. Steel will work, but like someone else said, it might well seed rust into your pistol and create a bigger problem later.

 

[JohnKSa]

Ok, this is going to sound backwards, but in my experience, steel wool works best WITHOUT oil.

The oil collects the iron-oxide (rust) which is abrasive and the whole mess turns into an abrasive paste which can affect the blueing.

If you use dry steel wool and keep dusting both the steel wool and the surface off to keep the removed rust from building up, you're much less likely to hurt the bluing in my experience. When you've got as much rust off as you can, then oil it and you're good to go.