[PocketsRN]

I have a black powder revolver that has quite a bit of rust on it. That I can tell, it's only surface rust, but I can't get it off. Any ideas? I tried Hoppe's #9 and Hoppe's Elite, and rubbing it down with steel wool, but it hasn't worked. I completely disassembled it and it's actually been soaking in Hoppe's Elite for the last three weeks, while I figure out what to do with it. Can anyone help me out? Thanks

[Tackleberry1]

Which part is rusty?

Many old revolvers had a finish know as "case color hardening" usually on the frame. I'm not a finishing expert but I believe this process allows rust to begin forming then a cure is applied that stops the oxidation and seals the metal preventing further corrosion.

Rule number 1 NEVER USE STEEL WOOL ON A GUN!

You've probably removed any original finish left on the gun and destroyed any collector value it may have had.

Being an Infantry Vet I've had to clean the rust off of many weapons. They key is to let the area soak in any good solvent then work the area with a nylon bristled brush. These can be found in any commercial gun cleaning kit.

You should post some pictures of all the parts and zoom in on any markings. I'm sure someone here can give you a good idea of what you've got and potential value...assuming you've not relegated it to shooter status with your steel wool.

Tack

[c3shooter]

Powder solvent does not dissolve rust. Use a good penetrating oil (I like a product called KROIL) Coat it and let sit for a day. For SERIOUS rust, take a COPPER Chore-Boy pot scrubber (be sure it is not copper washed steel, but copper) wet scrubber with oil, rub gently. For light rust, instead of Chore-Boy, use coarse cloth wet with oil, rub until arms falls off, change hands.

[silverado113]

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=12616/GunTechdetail/Gun-Cleaning-Clinic-Knowing-the-Limits-of-Rust-Preventatives to go along with C3's post, maybe this will help.

[hiwall]

Depends on how much rust. For light rust then what you did or what c3 suggests should remove the rust. For heavy rust you have to get aggressive to remove it. Emery cloth or a file. If its heavy rust there is no finish left and there will be pitting. So emery cloth or a file.

[Mongo]

I have soaked rusty steel in a 50/50 mix of diesel fuel and motor oil.

I have also used Muriatic acid to eat rust away, then rinse with water and soak in oil. I have done this with rusty tools but it may be too much for a firearm.

[dhyayi]

Originally Posted by silverado113

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=12616/GunTechdetail/Gun-Cleaning-Clinic-Knowing-the-Limits-of-Rust-Preventatives to go along with C3's post, maybe this will help.

awesome, silverado113...

[PocketsRN]

Thanks for the help. Luckily it's not an original, just a reproduction. It has a standard blue finish, and I'm worried about going too far and damaging the finish. I'll see if I can get some good photos up today or tomorrow.

[Fisherking]

If its farly heavy rust , soke in Coke the beverage it will take the rust off anything. Break fluid but the bluing will be gone as well.

F.K.

[natman]

Originally Posted by Tackleberry1

Rule number 1 NEVER USE STEEL WOOL ON A GUN!

You've probably removed any original finish left on the gun and destroyed any collector value it may have had.

Nonsense. I've removed enough rust to build a Fiat with 0000 steel wool and light oil without once damaging any bluing.

Sure, you can scratch the finish if you use a coarse enough grade of steel wool, but the same holds true of 100 grit sandpaper or a stiff wire wheel.