Gunsmiths and firearm enthusiasts use bluing to help protect a gun from damage.
Gunsmiths will use a hot bluing method to oxidize the steel. The rust that forms is turned into black iron oxide, which gives the metal a bluish tone. You can also cold blue a gun, but the protective coating isn’t as durable as that of the hot bluing.
If you have a favorite pistol or rifle that starting to show some red rusty spots, you might be leery about trying to remove it because you don’t want to ruin the bluing. You can remove surface rust using these 3 methods, which center around gentle rust removal followed by lubrication.
Before you start, however, protect your gun from any moisture and make sure it is bone-dry to avoid any future rusting. Choose a handcrafted wooden gun cabinet from USA Gun Cabinets to proudly display and securely store your gun collection. Browse our hidden gun storage options for discreet safekeeping.
Method 1: Toothbrush, Steel Wool, and Gun Oil
You can use a toothbrush, fine steel wool, and some cleaner/lubricant protective spray. First, coat your gun with the CLP and let it sit for a half-hour or more. Then gently rub the surface of your gun using the toothbrush.
Examine your gun to find spots where rust remains. Add CLP directly to those spots and then use the steel wool to further scrub those areas. Gently wipe clean using a clean cotton rag or microfiber towel.
Method 2: Copper Penny and Penetrating Oil
Closely examine your gun to find specific areas of rust. Spray a cleaning and degreasing lubricant on those spots. Let it sit for a half-hour or more. Use a penny to gently scrape the rust off the surface. Wipe off the areas using a clean cotton rag or microfiber cloth. Consider protecting metal parts with weapons-grade gun grease or a protective gun wax, such as Renaissance Wax.
Method 3: Lead Pencil and Oil
This typically only works on small spots of surface rust. This method is like the first method in that a mild abrasive, the pencil lead, is used to scratch off the rust. When done carefully and lightly, surface rust will be removed, and the bluing should remain.
Bring Luster & Protection to Blue Steeled Guns
If the firearm you hope to preserve is an heirloom, we recommend you consult a professional before trying any DIY methods. If there are scrapes and signs of a lot of wear/tear on areas of your firearm, you may be unable to restore the bluing.
Ultimately, removing the rust on your gun without damaging the bluing could be a temporary fix.
To ensure rust won’t continue to “grow” on your gun, you may have to scrape off the rusted spots and re-blue your entire gun or take it to a professional gunsmith. Trying to restore the bluing on a collectible could diminish its value.
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