Tips & Techniques: Removing Rust Without Damaging Bluing

As a dealer and gunsmith who specializes in antique firearms, I am often asked questions about restoration techniques. One of the most common is: “How do I remove rust from my gun without disturbing its original bluing?” The answer is simpler than you might think.

First, fieldstrip the firearm, removing the stock if possible. Next, take a trip to your local hardware store and grab a pad of 0000 fine steel wool. Then, take your favorite gun oil and apply it liberally to the steel wool. Sit down in front of the TV and begin scrubbing the rusted areas of your gun with the oiled steel wool pad. The steel wool is coarse enough to remove most rust that’s formed on the external surfaces of your gun without being aggressive enough to attack the finishes that are already bonded to the steel.

The trick here is to keep plenty of oil on the steel wool, as it will prevent the pad from “biting” into the gun’s factory bluing. Keep a rag handy to occasionally wipe off the rusty oil slurry that will inevitably develop during the process. Take care not to scrub over any painted or color-casehardened surfaces; these finishes are extremely delicate and can easily be removed with steel wool. Continue scrubbing until the rust has been removed (Note that steel wool may not remove all the rust from a firearm, especially if the rust has pitted the steel underneath).

This technique can also be used to remove rust from an antique patina finish—the “used, but well-cared-for” look that develops on old military muskets. Since a natural patina takes many years to develop, this warm, plum-colored finish will remain bonded to the steel while more modern red rust can easily be scrubbed off with the steel wool.

—David Stavlo, Lodgewood Mfg.