rust

[ed h]

I just purchased a Police Positive Special in 32.20 caliber. It has rust freckling from storage. It is not pitted. What is the best way to remove the rust without further damage to the remaining blued finish?
Can anyone tell me the mfg date based on the serial number (320xxx) and last pat. date (1905)? I understand they made this gun in 32.20 from 1907-1942.
Thanks,
Ed

[Gil Martin]

I would try 0000 steel wool and gun oil and very lightly go over the rust areas. Once removed, I would apply a mixture of 50/50 gun oil and gun grease on a cloth inside and out to prevent further rusting. All the best...
Gil

[Catfish]

There is a product called Gibbs that removes rust better than the oil. If the gun has any grease or oil on it wash it off with alcohal. Then use 0000 steel wool to wip on the Gibbs, put it on fairly heavy and leave it set for acouple hours. Wipe it off with a rag and do it over again. Don`t work to hard at it, let the soaking do the work.

[earschplitinloudenboomer]

Rust is oxidized metal, it is abrasive. Soak the gun in turpentine, wipe away what you can with a soft cloth. If that doesn't get it all, then try some scotch brite (white) or another abrasive (0000 steel wool). Would also reccommend bronze wool before steel wool.

[skeet]

ESLB is right about it being abrasive. When youget the freckling off it'll still look freckeled..just not rusted. Rather than regular steel wool or scotch brite use STAINLESS steel wool. Hard to find but in 3 or 4 Ought it works great.

[kailua custom]

Hoppes #9 on 0000 Steel wool will do the trick too.

Aloha, Mark