Rust removal

[USARO4]

I just purchased an old Stevens 311C 16 gauge shotgun. It was made in 1958 and looks to be in good shape. It does have some surface rust that has worked into the blueing, very minor though. What is the best way to remove rust with out damaging the original blueing. Thanks for any advice.

[Char-Gar]

I have been using 0000 steel wool with oil for such purposes for 55 years. Please realize that when rust sets up on steel it has already gone through the blue. The blue is just a surface stain on the steel. The rust is not on top of the blue. When caught early, the rust can be removed with little damage to the finish, but there will be some damage than can be seen with a careful eye.

[uncle joe]

yup
what chargar says
DON"T use any naval jelly
I learned again the hard way that Blueing IS a form of rust and naval jelly will remove it also.

[Firebird]

A really good penetrating oil like Kroil or CorrosionX/, and some Bronze wool will let you gently rub off the rust and still leave the blue.

[C1PNR]

A gentle hand with 0000 Steel Wool and Kroil, CLP, or even 3-in One Machine oil will remove the rust and lay a pretty good foundation for future protection of the metal.

[Bill*]

I had tiny speckled rust on a barrel and removed it with Flitz metal polish. It worked very well for me, YMMV.....Bill

[Depreacher]

I repaired guns for 7 years and didn't starve. a ball of 0000 steel wool soaked with WD-40 would remove rust but didn't seem to harm the blue. It saved me many a day. The aforementioned bronze wool would probably be safer. Just my 2 bits. Depreacher

[USARO4]

Thanks Guys, I'm going to town this morning to try and find bronze wool.