Removing paint from a rifle

[jeepvet]

I just purchased an older Ruger M77 22-250. It looks like someone tried to camouflage it by painting the entire rifle, stock, scope and all with flat black paint. Some of the paint has flacked or worn off. I need to find a way to remove the paint without damaging the blueing underneath.

Any ideas?

[EDG]

Use a good gel type paint stripper. Acetone might be good for small detailed areas.

[1Hawkeye]

Acetone will work fine if its regular paint if its epoxy paint then use the jell type epoxy paint stripper by Jasco its some pretty stinky stuff but it does a good job. Also remember any solvent used on the wood will remove the original finish under the paint as well. Don't forget to oil your metal parts when your done because acetone is one of the ultimate degreasers.

[jeepvet]

Thanks guys. I was worried that paint remove or acetone would damage the blueing. If not, I am golden. The stock shows signs of not so gentle use so I was planning on sanding it down anyway, or maybe a thumb hole stock....

[HangFireW8]

Acetone will not damage bluing. "Paint Remover" can be a bunch of things so I won't commit to anything there.

[30calflash]

I'd be careful with the paint remover, some of it is pretty caustic, maybe to bluing.

The acetone or lacquer thinner soak could be the answer.

[Texas by God]

B12 Carb cleaner will melt that paint and not hurt the blued steel. Leave the alloy trigger guard painted. If it's spray paint, you might can get it off the stock with steel wool.

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[jeepvet]

Thanks guys.

I just happen to have a full can of acetone that I have been wondering what I was going to do with. Now I know.

[thegatman]

Be careful. Very flammable.

[1Hawkeye]

If your going to use the acetone be sure to do it outside. You don't want to be breathing those fumes.

[jeepvet]

Just an update. A shop rag, a little acetone and a lot of elbow grease will take spray paint off of a barreled action and let the true beauty shine through.

Thanks