Cleaning up rusty old guns

[El Paisano]

I have a pile of old shotguns and rifles that my FIL neglected for a lot of years and they are pretty rusty.
Need recommendations for getting the rust off of them. I've used oil soaked 0000 steel wool in the past but would like to do a cleaner job.
Thanks for the help.

 

[Hondo44]

If your worried about taking off any original finish that might be left, soak in a 50/50 mixture of tranny fluid and acetone.
Then use 4-0 brass wool.
If there is no finish, use Naval Jelly rust remover. It will leave a nice grey patina instead of shiny metal.

 

[mike7mm08]

Blue Wonder Bore Cleaning Gel works great. Coat the parts and let sit for a bit. Then rub with some 0000 steel wool. Wipe off excess and then a oil rag. Better than oil as it stays were you put it and does alot of the work before you use the steel wool.

http://www.bluewonder.us/Products.html

 

[SAJohn]

I am also a fan of Naval Jelly when the rust is deep. It is an acid so careful cleaning after use is required. Then lots of sanding, degreasing, and maybe rust bluing.

 

[RugerLady]

I'd like to see your work when you're done. Just saying.

 

[coastie]

Do you know anyone in the area with a "SODA BLASTER"?
Much less abrasive than a bead blaster.
Had a Krag with a light "rust rash". After soda blast it cleaned well.
Degrease and spend some time with dissassembled piece.
Oh, and when dissassembled....photo copy the small parts.
That way you know what you left in the blaster.

[please don't ask how I know this]

Otherwise brass wool--REAL BRASS WOOL--and oil.

If Ruger, call. They will reblue and do it very well.

Good luck, Paul

 

[Mike Armstrong]

I prefer to soak the gun in Kroil or any penetrating oil, then work it over gently with bronze wool. Steel wool can scratch steel and also bluing; bronze wool doesn't do either. Local hardware stores (even in California!) carry it.

 

[kywoodwrkr]

Do you know anyone in the area with a "SODA BLASTER"?

Actually you use soda media in ordinary blasting cabinet.
Have used it on gun stocks with fire smoke issues and it works very well.
Also removes light rust. Good for resizing dies and bullet molds for instance.
Electrolysis is my go to process however for bad oxidation.
Getting a setup ready now to perform the process on the bores.
To a very small degree the electrolysis reverses the rusting process.
Do not expect smooth finish on deeply rusted items however.
Google "battery charger, electrolysis, washing soda".(NOT baking soda!)
Baking soda supposedly works in a pinch but not the same as washing soda-found in Walmarts across the whole USA.