Cleaning Rust on Rifle Barrel

[bgleaton]

Hey! I have a Savage Mark II 22 rifle and it got left in a soft case in the back of the Polaris and now has some surface rust and very light pitting on the exterior of the rifle. I used some 0000 steel wool to remove the rust but it still seems like there is a little corrosion (no red rust) no matter how hard I rub. Is there anything you guys would recommend on how to make the barrel look brand new?

Here's a picture of the barrel:

[twosixteens]

I use transmission fluid and 000 steel wool with very light pressure

[Burnadell]

Tagged for the advice also.

I use transmission fluid and 000 steel wool with very light pressure

What is the advantage of transmission fluid vs motor oil or machine oil?

[Brazos Hunter]

I believe I did a DIY in one of the "ugly gun" threads a few years ago that may held you out?



Michael

[Big Lee]

Tagged for the advice also.



What is the advantage of transmission fluid vs motor oil or machine oil?

Transmission fluid has lots of detergents that promote the cleaning process. It is thin, I like the smell and works well in cleanup process. I have never used this on a gun barrel but do think it would work.

[Artos]

It's probably the pitting itself...I've never had a problem removing all the crud on lightly rusted guns. Problem is it will sometimes remove the bluing along with it. Once pitted the rust tends to return right away if not treated constantly.

[Burnadell]

Transmission fluid has lots of detergents that promote the cleaning process. It is thin, I like the smell and works well in cleanup process. I have never used this on a gun barrel but do think it would work.

Thanks!

[Big Lee]

Thanks!

If you have an old ratchet, adjustable wrench, air tool etc that is rusted or froze up. Leave them soaking overnight in transmission fluid and they will free up typically. Old pocket knives. Many uses.

[roughneck266]

I just use 0000 steel wool. I read somewhere that lubricants can hold the removed rust in suspension and cause scratching. Have no experience with that happening, but I have had good luck without any lubricants, so I have never used them.

[bgleaton]

So after I remove the rust do should I just keep it oiled? I’m sure I’ve removed some of the bluing so I guess I just need to keep it oiled.

[JACK750]

I'm glad you ask this question because I just pulled out my daughters 20 gauge shot gun out of a soft case in my closet to see it was covered with rust.

[double bogey]

The restoration guys like to use a Frontier Big 45 pad.

https://www.amazon.com/Big-45-Frontier-Metal-Cleaner/dp/B07RM692X8

[QuackHunter]

0000 steel wool and any oil or a bronze brush and oil are best options that won’t harm the bluing.


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[Artos]

So after I remove the rust do should I just keep it oiled? I’m sure I’ve removed some of the bluing so I guess I just need to keep it oiled.

Brownells & Midway have some cold blue for touch up...hard to get a perfect match & the area still tends to be prone to rust vs the areas unaffected. I think the pitting simply attracts moisture better & all you can do is be vigilant with your favorite gun oil??

Be sure to degrease the area well before applying any cold blue.

[roughneck266]

So after I remove the rust do should I just keep it oiled? I’m sure I’ve removed some of the bluing so I guess I just need to keep it oiled.

I would use some cold bluing and then oil.