Refurbish a gun

[Tripper]

I have an old PPK/s and an old Model 36 Smith, they were both holstered and kept in a safe for a long time, then they ended up in my hands. there is what appears to be rust but I'm just not sure thats what it is. It is primarily located along the edges.
Can that be removed?
Would someone need pictures?

Tripper

[stormy_clothing]

I have an old PPK/s and an old Model 36 Smith, they were both holstered and kept in a safe for a long time, then they ended up in my hands. there is what appears to be rust but I'm just not sure thats what it is. It is primarily located along the edges.
Can that be removed?
Would someone need pictures?

Tripper

Generally surface rust can be treated with many products like clp, more invasive rust can be removed with steel wool. Many places can hard anodize or nickle plate refinish among many others.

[Tripper]

Thanks,
how much does that 'harm' the gun, does it seriously detract the finish, or just remove the rust spots, it appears to be pretty invasive.
These are family pieces, that I want to preserve as much as possible, but dont want whats already there to get worse of course.

Tripper

[Interloper]

Any harm or restoration damages the guns value. Believe it or not, they are more valuable rusty than refinished.
Use bronze wool and a little oil. Not steel wool. You can buy bronze wool from Amazon or a marine supply shop.
If there are deep pits that wool won't reach you could build a simple electrolysis tank. This can work really well but you have to be careful not to take the bluing off with the rust.