Need Help - Family Guns Have Rust

[FreedomIsNotFree]

So, I inherited quite a few guns from my father when I bought my new safe. Some of them hold a tremendous amount of sentimental value and others hold monetary value.

Unfortunately, my father didn't care for them over the past 10 years or so and they are in rough shape, some with significant rust.

The first is a Sharp's "Old Reliable", circa 1874. As you can see, significant rust.

The second is a Colt 38 Double Action my Great Grandfather was issued when he graduated from West Point in 1908. This thing still has its original holster, which is in relatively good shape considering its age.

I found a guy in Ohio that does great work with rust removal and restoration. Check out some of his before and after photos.

http://www.foglesgunsmithing.com/index.php?p=1_4_Photos

If possible, I'd like to find someone from our community that could perform equal work. Any suggestions? Thanks for your time and interest.

[SkyHawk]

Ask the mods to move this to the C&R forum, a lot of rust buckets have been given some love in that forum and the guys know all the tricks.

Was that Colt stored in the leather holster? It is the kiss of death....

[onelonehorseman]

If the surface is pitted, there's minimal that can be done. If it's only surface rust, 0000 steel wool will remove it without damaging the original blued finish. Don't use any oil, as it only traps the junk that is getting removed, and may cause scratches. Keep bumping, shaking, the junk out of the wool as you go, and replace with fresh wool often. Take your time.

[shafferds]

Copper penny also works for light rust removal.

[FreedomIsNotFree]

Thanks guys. Did you take a look at some of the before and after pics in that link? Some of that rust damage looks worse than mine with great results.

Skyhawk, yes the Colt has been in that holster for decades unfortunately.

Mods, if you think this thread is better served in the C&R section, please move. Thanks.

[AreWeFree]

Thanks guys. Did you take a look at some of the before and after pics in that link? Some of that rust damage looks worse than mine with great results.

Skyhawk, yes the Colt has been in that holster for decades unfortunately.

Mods, if you think this thread is better served in the C&R section, please move. Thanks.

Professional refinishing is much more effective than home remedies.
Send your guns out for refinishing for best effect.

[Bainter1212]

Yikes! That is nasty OP. Good luck with that.

I had a buddy who did that to a (once) cherry SKS. Left it leaning in a brick walled corner after shooting corrosive ammo.

He whined like a little b*tch when I scolded him about it. Said he had no lube. Guess he forgot about motor oil......

[sarbiker]

This does not look like a DIY project OP. If the mods don't move it you could always start another thread over there. Good Luck with your project.

[uxo2]

Kroil....and a rag.

If you take 0000 Steel wool to it you will have shiny spots.

[stillwater562]

honestly, hard photo's to see, it's a shame to see guns in this condition just from lack of care, normally I would say there not worth messing with at this point but with history behind them and sentimental value I would have them sent out to be dealt with, but it looks like not only rust but your going to have pitting issues as well, good luck with them OP -

[-hanko]

One word...

Turnbull.

Turnbull Restoration

Not cheap, but approaching perfection.

[FreedomIsNotFree]

Thank you! Turnbull is definitely next level restoration, which is what I'm looking for.

[psssniper]

This here's the ticket son

One word...

Turnbull.

Turnbull Restoration

Not cheap, but approaching perfection.