Gun rust removal

[Derta]

I am purchasing a gun with a lot of surface rust. I have searched the forums and internet for methods of removal. There are so many opinions that it is confusing. Use 0000 steel wool and oil ... no don't use steel wool use bronze wool. Use Big 45 Frontier Metal Cleaner - soak in kroil oil and use 0000 steel wool but go with the grain and change pads frequently because the rust particles on the pad can cause scratches - don't use Hoppes oil dont use CLP - use a copper penny no use a nickel for deeper pits. Use a chemical rust remover no dont use a chemical because it will remove all blueing. I'm getting a headache!! LOL. Advice greatly appreciated. I found here good advices https://rustconverters.net/. Thanks a lot!!

[Scorpion8]

I guess it depends on your ultimate goal. If you're trying to restore the firearm, then you don't want to use anything abrasive which will remove material. If you just want it back into woods-ready condition, then your options multiply. I've used chemical removers that you immerse parts in, and they work very well to the point of taking it all the way down to bare metal, including removing bluing. However a cold-blue treatment afterwards is easy. For light rust spots on barrels, some Ballistol on a blue synthetic scratch pad (that doesn't scratch) works well.

Tell us more about your project, and some pics may help.

[cjss378]

Ive had good success with 0000 steel wool and a good lubrication oil. First I wipe the metal down with alcohol and dry it with a cotton cloth. Key is to watch the steel wool pad and rotate it around - using a clean area of the pad as much as possible. Heavy surface rust will take some elbow grease. If it is pitted, there's not much you can do with those areas but clean the rust out. Also, the quality of the steel wool varies - Harbor Freight vs. Home Depot ? Go with the Home Depot product.

[jakebrake]

tool snobbery aside?

depot.

[Romulus]

I know this reply is late in coming, but...Flitz polish, no steel wool required. Apply, let sit a few minutes, wipe off. Repeat as required, which often isn't. Steel wool, even OOOO and well oiled, will leave hairlines in the direction of rubbing. Flitz removes the surface rust, and polishes the blue at same time. Beautiful stuff, Flitz is.
Rom

[Scorpion8]

Plus there's always a good soak in vinegar.

[Romulus]

I thought he was trying to save the blue