How to to clean Surface Rust from Guns

So you decided to pull grandpa's old shotgun out of the closet and discovered it was covered with rust. Don't panic, we might be able to save it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• cotton rags
• gun oil
• Liquid Wrench
• brass brush
• 0000 steel wool

1. 
   customers shotgun

   There are 3 types of rust on a gun, surface rust, pitted rust, and relic rust. We can do CPR on surface rust. Pitted rust is going to take a few peso's to revive. Relic rust? Well, just hang it on the wall with a plaque describing what it use to be.

2. 
   break down

   Lets get that rust off. First and foremost.*** Please make sure the weapon is unloaded***. I hear more stories about how, "I was cleaning it and it went off". Next, separate the wood or plastic from the metal that will help get into those hidden areas. Spray the weapon down with Liquid Wrench and let it soak into the rust. Wipe it down with a good 50% plus cotton rag.

3. 
   steel wool and oil

   The rust spot will have darken. For cleaning a barrel use the 0000 steel wool and oil. Always use lubricant with the steel wool. We want to remove the rust saving as much bluing as possible. Apply the oil, rap the wool around the barrel and lightly rub evenly. Wipe the barrel down with a rag and inspect. If you continue to see rust repeat this step. NOTE...depending on the rust and the value of the gun you might want to use a brass brush instead of the steel wool.

4. 
   brass brush

   For the action or frame you will need a brass brush for the areas where the steel wool won't touch. Apply the Liquid Wrench and let it soak in a few minutes. Wipe it down with a rag. Apply the oil and scrub. The brass will not remove the bluing like the steel wool so go ahead and get after it. After you wipe it down you will have a brass tint on the metal. Apply the Liquid Wrench and clean it off with a rag.

5. 
   barrel is pitted, surface rust removed

   After the rust has been removed spray some oil onto a clean rag and wipe the weapon down leaving an oil film on the surface.

6. 
   bluing came off, rust was removed

   The illistrated gun has pitted and the bluing has come off. It will have to have further treatment and reblued. It was stored in an attic and the roof leaked. I've had some that were stored in an Air Conditioning duct and the moisture set in. Store your guns in a dry inviornment if at all possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Touch up bluing is available to perk up the finish.
• If the bluing is gone you might want to have it re-blued to prevent rusting.
• Always clean and apply light oil before storing.
• Never store a weapon inside a gun bag, these bags hold moisture.
• Apply a light coat of oil on the metal before storing.
• SAFETY...SAFETY...SAFETY
• Separate the ammunition from the weapon before handling.

[lushai]

on 5/25/2009 I thought it was browning instead of blueing in the old days! but it seems blueing is more popular!

[bulletbandit]

on 3/15/2009 Everybody who owns a gun, needs this info.

[Wasatch]

on 2/9/2009 Very well written article. I have delt with all 3. I have a relic shotgun that went over the side of a boat in Alaska and rusted shut before I bought it as a cabin hanger.

[Meri]

on 2/1/2009 Good article. No one needs a rusty gun!

[gaming-guru]

on 1/17/2009 Great article! Love anything to do with weapons!