Thank you all and a special thank you to 12/200 - perhaps I should chuck all my rifles in a case and come to visit the UK for a quick re-blue and a bit of sight-seeing? I've always wanted to visit Hertfordshire which is where my Mother lived as a child.

I am intrigued by the suggestion by bighit of using an onion. What 'chemicals' does an onion contain that can affect rust?

As gingernut said such subtle wear is part of the 'history' of the rifle as are the small 'dings' and scratches in the stock - there is no hiding the fact that it is a vintage rifle - and I bought it to shoot not hang on the wall. I don't mind 'honest' wear marks. [I have quite a few such marks and 'dings' myself that cannot be polished out.]

I'll hasten slowly for now and keep wiping it down well after use as I do with all the rifles I own.

Jim

PS. Please pass on my disappointment to the excellent Colin Malloy and explain I won't be using his services as I can't afford the postage!