Issues regarding removing rust from a gun

[vikingshelmut]

I have found a pistol I am very interested in buying on Gun Broker, but I'm concerned as it has some surface rust on it, and is mentioned by the seller. In the pictures the mags are all rusty, and I can see some rust on the exterior. I was hoping to get one as a project gun and have it refinished anyway so I was wondering, what should I be concerned about? Could I send it in it's current form to get refinished, and they will take care of the rust? Can I do it myself?

Thanks in advance.

[valleyrat]

I have used hoppes9 and 0000 steel wool to remove rust with good results.

[BigDogatPlay]

+1.... give the Hoppes a bit of time to work and don't get overly agressive with the steel wool and surface rust will go away. Give it good examination for pitting as rust can hide in the pits and continue it's work.

[smle-man]

This will not remove the finish from a gun but will take the rust off: put a drop of 3-1 oil on the rust spot. Then gently rub the rusty area with the edge of a nicklel coin. The nickel coin will take the rust off without attacking the bluing. I just used this method again this past weekend on a blued sling button for a Swiss K31 sling. The button had a glob of rust on it. A couple minutes with the nickel and the rust was gone and the remaining bluing on the button was visible. The finish will be gone where the rust was but not in the surrounding area.

[vikingshelmut]

I'm not too worries about the finish, i'm going to have it refinished anyway. I'm just more concerned about if/when rust problems are not fixable.

[saki302]

Hmm.. never heard the one about the nickel trick before- good to know! I just used fine steel wool with hoppes or WD40.

If the gun is professionally refinished, they will probably bead blast it to get rid of the rust and prep for finish. Shouldn't be a problem later.

-Dave

[Markthespark]

rust

This will not remove the finish from a gun but will take the rust off: put a drop of 3-1 oil on the rust spot. Then gently rub the rusty area with the edge of a nicklel coin. The nickel coin will take the rust off without attacking the bluing. I just used this method again this past weekend on a blued sling button for a Swiss K31 sling. The button had a glob of rust on it. A couple minutes with the nickel and the rust was gone and the remaining bluing on the button was visible. The finish will be gone where the rust was but not in the surrounding area.

I have a slightly different question regarding removing rust from an old revolver. Can I use Naval Jelly without ruining the gun? It's very old and has a lot of rust. It will never fire again but it's worth trying to clean it.