How do you remove surface rust from a barrel?

[2000silverz28]

I just bought a mossberg model 835 12ga pump shotgun and it has alittle surface rust on the barrel. What would be the best way to get rid of it? Steel wool? Or will that scratch it to much? I've only got 165 bucks in it so I don't want to spend to much on it.

[Guest Abominable_Hillbilly]

I've been recommended both 0000 steel wool, and fine bronze/brass wool. There's some debate. The brass for sure won't outright scratch the metal, but lots of people agree that the steel wool is fine if you really take your time and don't go after it with too much force. Everyone suggests not being stingy with whatever oil you use.

[glockster157]

I have used 0000 steel wool and Rig grease many times to remove rust. Rub lightly and you probably could use any oil but I prefer something a little thicker. Feel as you go and try and remove all the high spots. When your done you can , if desired, degreaae the barrel completely and use a little cold blue to touch up. If helps to run the metal clean with acetone don't just spray it with a cleaner and heat the metal until it is warm to the touch. Also, you may use the 0000 steel wool to rub the bluing on if it is a large area(s) as it seems to cover a little more evenly that way. Use several coats if necessary and let it set a while before you re-oil. I have had real good results with this method.

[Guest gunslinger707]

If it's only light rust try a pencil eraser .

[2000silverz28]

If it's only light rust try a pencil eraser .

I'll have to try that first. It's pretty light so that might work.

[Guest HexHead]

Blue Wonder Gun Cleaner and some 0000 steel wool.

The Blue Wonder also cleans barrels better than anything else I've tried.

[Guest Tull]

Flitz metal polish will take care of light rust.

[Sidewinder]

I've used 0000 steel wool and Hoppes #9, with good success. Use very light strokes, in a lengthwise motion... don't twist it around the barrel. Moisten the steel wool with the Hoppes and go over it 4 or 5 strokes. Feel, by sliding your fingers over it, to see when the roughness goes away. When the roughness is gone... stop right then! Wipe it clean, and use some good grade of gun oil. I used Rem Oil from Walley World. I got excellent results. the Trick is not to go at it too hard with the pressure.... very light pressure, paying attention to each stroke. Keep all of the strokes in the same direction...length wise. Good luck, hope this helps.

Why do they call it common sense, when it's so uncommon? TN Sen. Fred Thompson

[Hozzie]

Blue Wonder Gun Cleaner and some 0000 steel wool.

The Blue Wonder also cleans barrels better than anything else I've tried.

+1 - Blue Wonder is great for this exact pupose.

[Guest 2HOW]

naval jelly might do the trick.

[Guest mikedwood]

If it's real light runst I have had good luck with hoppes 9 and a regular rag than oil the dickens out of it.

[glockster157]

naval jelly might do the trick.

Yes it would....it will take all the bluing with it also!!! I wouldn't do that.

[frankmako]

naval jelly will take the bluing off. that stuff is good at what it does, but not for guns.

[Guest rebelyell]

Use Break Free clp™.And 0000 steel wool.Very light strokes until all the rough is gone,then finish up with a light coat Break Free clp™.I used this method and have never had the rust come back.

[Guest Tn_River_Ratt]

Brake fluid on a cotton rag works wonders.

[gregintenn]

0000 steel wool and oil. Take your time.

[Luckyforward]

Use 0000 steel wool. If you need to reblue the spot, use Brownell's Oxpho-blue (the gel is best) as directed to touch up the spot.

[Guest BigShot]

naval jelly might do the trick.

You're just trying to help with more education, huh.

Been there... Naval Jelly removes ALL rust.

Will need "How to Re-blue 101" after that.

[Hotshot]

naval jelly might do the trick.

Sorry, Naval Jelly will remove the blueing.

[strickj]

I could be wrong here,but I've heard that naval jelly might remove your bluing

[keeterbird]

try a dab of Gunzilla.