As the title says, looking for some tips. I have an old Colt Police Positive that was found in my late grandfather's desk drawer. God knows how long it has been there. It has some minor to moderate surface rust in a couple spots on the barrel and frame. None of the spots are bigger than about 3/4" and there is some minor rust inside the barrel as well. Luckily the revolver still functions as normal (although I haven't shot it for obvious reasons).

I saw the Birchwood blue and rust remover and rebluing kit but I wanted to check here before possibly screwing it up worse.

I wouldn't go that route. First I'd wipe it with a thick coat of a good gun oil and let that sit for several days just to loosen or soften the rust. Then get a Stainless steel sponge (wool) and use/rub it lightly with the a good CLP such as Breakfree CLP to remove the rust as it won't damage the blueing that is left as the blueing is harder.

https://www.brownells.com/guns...ponge-prod21175.aspx

I enjoy watching Mark Novak (Anvil) do conservation (conversion)

https://youtu.be/62_pKoYje9o

Conservation 101:
https://youtu.be/rShG_F85W1Y

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SigSentry,

I've used the Big 45 Metal Cleaner along with either a light gun oil, CLP or even WD 40. Let it soak in for awhile and then rub the affected area with light pressure. The .22 and 12 gauge shotgun I was working on were pretty seriously rusted and by working slowly and with a light touch, the results were pretty impressive. Several spots required an application of cold blue but that was not unexpected.

quote:

Originally posted by FiveFiveSixFan:
I've used the Big 45 Metal Cleaner along with either a light gun oil, CLP or even WD 40. Let it soak in for awhile and then rub the affected area with light pressure. The .22 and 12 gauge shotgun I was working on were pretty seriously rusted and by working slowly and with a light touch, the results were pretty impressive. Several spots required an application of cold blue but that was not unexpected.

I've also had good luck with this. it works real well for something that seemed like a gimmick before I tried it.

I have used Kroil to remove surface rust. Put a little bit on the rust spot and let it soak for 30 min then a rag & elbow grease. Add more Kroil as needed.

Yes, ‘rust remover’ takes bluing off too, my experience anyway.

One could deal with the reblue later, if you have to go that route.

take the grips off and soak the gun in a pan filled with a CLP or better yet, Kroil. Let it soak for a few days. soak some 000 steel wool with kroil and lightly wipe and run a brass brush with kroil in barrel. do the same for cylinders.

This should make a big improvement. Keep the gun wiped down with some corrosion x or Rig grease going forward and keep gun in a aerated environment with moisture control.

DO NOT reblue or refinish the gun. DO NOT use a rust remover.

Kroil first! Shit, let it soak for as long as you want. Just give it a hit with some fresh Kroil whenever and wherever it looks like it's drying out. It will not hurt the finish and it will break up rust so you can gently wipe it off. I did it with a Colt 1908 I inherited. It was made in 1938 and has a very deep blue finish, but lots of scratches that had developed rust. Still scratched, still has that deep blue, but now not rusted.

Another vote for Mark Novak’s conservation 101...wipe off as much loose rust as possible then boil the gun for an hour...use a toothbrush on the rust, then you may have to boil it again....always at 1 hour sets...

This leaves the original finish and gets rid of the rust by converting it to iron.

Kroil for sure. Use bronze wool, not steel. It is less likely to damage the metal.

I've used 0000 steel wool with oil
or ATF with good results. No harm
to the bluing. Rub lightly.

Thanks guys. I've ordered some Kroil and I'll post updates once it's here. I wish I could get it locally but it doesn't seem like I can.

As stated above, four "aught" wool is the best choice. I don't have access to bronze wool, but believe it would be better than steel. Go very slow. The turtle wins this race.

you might google and see if there is anyone in your area that specializes in restoring older firearms. they might have ideas. best if you can meet with them. removing/modifying the finish might reduce the value of the gun - if that's a consideration.

I know a guy in this area that does restorations (and I believe valuations). He's a good guy and might be willing to chat with you and give suggestions. Send me an email if you want his contact info. Has a good reputation - in case you've considered sending the gun out. (He's done general work for me - I don't have anything fancy or old)

quote:

Originally posted by Fredward:
Kroil for sure. Use bronze wool, not steel. It is less likely to damage the metal.

I'll second the bronze wool. With broze wool you can use fine, medium, or coarse and it won't damage the blue finish.

quote:

Originally posted by jaybirdaccountant:

quote:

Originally posted by Fredward:
Kroil for sure. Use bronze wool, not steel. It is less likely to damage the metal.

I'll second the bronze wool. With broze wool you can use fine, medium, or coarse and it won't damage the blue finish.

YUP. Bronze is a softer metal than steel. Steel on steel will scratch. I prefer 0000 Bronze wool, most marine stores carry it and Ace Hardwares usually have it.

Got the Kroil today. Here it is prior to application of it. It's hard to see but there is a little rust on the barrel as well.

quote:

Originally posted by ogive40:
take the grips off and soak the gun in a pan filled with a CLP or better yet, Kroil. Let it soak for a few days. soak some 000 steel wool with kroil and lightly wipe and run a brass brush with kroil in barrel. do the same for cylinders.

This should make a big improvement. Keep the gun wiped down with some corrosion x or Rig grease going forward and keep gun in a aerated environment with moisture control.

DO NOT reblue or refinish the gun. DO NOT use a rust remover.

this,

if you are so inclined,
a simple foil type tin,
grips off, place the revolver on it's side in the tin (think cake or pie pan disposable type)

fill it with kerosene, and let it sit a day or 2,

use a piece of 0000 steel or bronze wool, soaked in oil, to rub the freckles etc,
it the rust is a bit flaky, use a brass cartidge rim to scrap it a bit,

wipe, clean, etc etc and then oil it well,