Stopping Rust on an old shotgun
Question:
Since I can’t see the actual gun, I’d take it to a gunsmith and explain the problem the same way you’ve explained it here. Most gunsmiths will give advice for free. If it’s a rare or valueable gun, they’ll probably advise to do nothing but keep it oiled. If it’s value is only sentimental, then I’d try light rubbing with OOOO steelwool and light oil, such as three in one. This will remove loose rust without damaging remaining finish. The stock is probably grubby too, so go at it gently with some furniture polish cleaner and a toothbrush, followed by waxing with some paste wax. The gunsmith may be able to replace the firing pin for a small cost. If he can’t get the part, try a web search for Numrich Arms, they carry lots of obsolete gunparts. Matt > Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: > http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
Response:
Hi. I’m new to the list, so be kind! Anyway, My husband killed his first deer at age 12 with an old double barrel shotgun that was in the house at least back to the 1920s. The family didn’t take good care of the outside, just cleaned the barrels so it would shoot. The outside looks awful and is badly pitted- the blue-color that I’m sure it used to have is long gone. We’re short on extra cash so what could I do, here at home, to stop it from rusting any further and to possibly begin to clean it up beyond the rust. They don’t even know what make the thing is due to the rust. It’s a 12 gauge double barrel and one firing pin is worn out because that’s where he put his other shell when he’d go hunting. He used it three years in a row until he saved up for a new one and I want to save this gun to give back to him as a gift. Any ideas are greatfully appreciated. Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
Response:
> Hi. I’m new to the list, so be kind! Anyway, My husband killed his first > deer at age 12 with an old double barrel shotgun that was in the house at > least back to the 1920s. The family didn’t take good care of the outside, > just cleaned the barrels so it would shoot. The outside looks awful and is > badly pitted- the blue-color that I’m sure it used to have is long gone. > We’re short on extra cash so what could I do, here at home, to stop it from > rusting any further and to possibly begin to clean it up beyond the rust. > They don’t even know what make the thing is due to the rust. It’s a 12 > gauge double barrel and one firing pin is worn out because that’s where he > put his other shell when he’d go hunting. He used it three years in a row > until he saved up for a new one and I want to save this gun to give back to > him as a gift. Any ideas are greatfully appreciated.
You may want to just leave it as it is. With deeply pitted steel, nothing will ever make it beautiful again. Hang it on the wall as a rustic conversation piece. That said, you could always try Naval Jelly. It is a phosphate acid that reduces rust back to metal. Degrease the gun thoroughly using acetone, then apply Naval Jelly according to the directions. It won’t put the metal back in the pits, but it will recover whatever is left. Then you could take fine emery cloth, polish all the pits out, and have it re blued. That would probably take hundreds of hours of work. If you just want to lean it by the back door and use it for a house gun, apply the Naval Jelly, take it to a gunsmith for repairs as needed, then give it a coat of rattle can. A nice camo finish would be pretty mod. Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
