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Rust removal ??

brummiejim
Hi, Experts. I have a 2nd generation Colt SAA which has scattered pin prick size rust spots along the left side, from the frame to the muzzle, apparently from poor storage. I bought it in this condition with the price discounted for the spots. It's otherwise in great condition. Not many spots, and not large, but they're there and it now bugs me. Is there a SAFE and SIMPLE way to remove, or mostly remove, such spots? Many thanks Jim
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • rufe-snow
    If there is pitting under the rust nothing you can do about it unless you go the major restoration route. Hopefully if it's just surface rust rub it with the point of a lead pencil then use the pencils eraser to try to remove the rust spots without damaging the blued finish.
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  • Bill DeShivs
    DON'T use an eraser! Erasers are abrasive and will remove bluing.
    Use 0000 steel wool, or brass wool. Scrub the rust spots gently until the rust is gone, then spray the gun with WD 40. Let it sit for a day and then wipe with a cloth. If all the rust is gone, oil the gun with a good oil.
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  • wpage
    I agree with Bill, you may have to repeat the process a few times.
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  • 11b6r
    Light oil, and very fine (0000) steel or brass wool. You can also use KROIL- wipe on, let set for several hours, wipe with a soft cotton cloth, changing cloth periodically (rust that gets on the cloth is abrasive) Other techniques, including metal polishes, CAN remove bluing if you rub too hard/ too long.
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  • Herschel
    Dry steel wool will remove bluing. I suppose any technique if done to vigorously or too long can remove the blue.
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  • drl50
    I use RB-17 gun cleaner with great success. Can use 0000 steel wool with it if necessary.

    http://www.rb-treasures.com/product3.html
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  • tsr1965
    The age old trick, that works for SURFACE light rust is KROIL, and burlapp.

    Best
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  • dandak1
    I have always used kerosene and LIGHTLY buff with 0000 steel wool. The light rust will probably already have removed bluing right under the pit, not much you could do there.
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  • cussedemgun
    brummiejim,

    File this under the "here we go again" heading - - or better yet as Bubba would say "hold my beer & watch this stuff"

    I realize Bubba loves & swears by steel wool but a true craftsman knows it's main use is in woodworking. Ask Doug Turnbull how often steel wool is his first choice for metal work.

    As already mentioned, penetrating oil (Kroil is one) & burlap work well in most cases. Also Brownells sells small brass bristled brushes about the size of your tooth brush (also in most auto parts stores) when used with penetrating oil work wonders. Any restoration that requires more agressive methods should be left to the professionals.

    If the piece you are working on is a rescue from a previous Bubba type owner, I doubt steel wool will do that much harm (it's quick) but should not be used on anything of much value such as the Colt mentioned.

    Jim (speaking from 45 years experience in metal fab. & maintence, mostly on food production equipment) I've done my share of metal cleaning & polishing.
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  • navc130
    Look online at "Frontier Big 45 Metal Cleaner." It works as advertised. I wouldn't be without one. It is specifically made for firearms.
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