Cleaning finish on older and well-used rifles.

[12/200]

I tend to leave older guns in this condition as they are.
Adds to their charm.

Attempts to partially reblue can be disappointing.

If you keep using an oily rag now and again it shouldn't get worse.

But if you want to have a careful go with very fine wire wool and oil that's a start.

G96 gun blue Creme is the best cold reblue imo.
If you wish to go this far.

The only chap for quality re bluing is

Colin Malloy
The Smithy
2 Crown St
Failsworth
Manchester
M35 9DB

[bighit]

The only chap for quality re bluing is

Colin Malloy
The Smithy
2 Crown St
Failsworth
Manchester
M35 9DB

Might cost a fair bit of postage to and from Australia though

[12/200]

Might cost a fair bit of postage to and from Australia though

But well worth it

[Arthur John Smithsplease]

I'm pretty sure there are plenty of alternatives in Australia.

It's big country and shooting sports there are very popular.

[bighit]

I'm pretty sure there are plenty of alternatives in Australia.

It's big country and shooting sports there are very popular.

There may well be but as quoted below

The only chap for quality re bluing is

Colin Malloy
The Smithy
2 Crown St
Failsworth
Manchester
M35 9DB

[I. J.]

Might cost a fair bit of postage to and from Australia though

Ive heard hes big down under.

[scrane]

Very fine steel wool and oil. Easy does it.

[radar100]

I was recently given an old Cometa springer that had surface rust like you describe, I had an old an old "scotch pad" (it was used and a lot softer than original) that I soaked in oil and gently rubbed it down, took about 40 mins just for the barrel as I didn't want to disturb the original blue. That came up very nicely for me.

[Geezer]

I use Ballistol with tissues or kitchen paper, and go gently, saving the OOOO grade wire wool for the worst bits.

[NTSOG]

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!

[oliver13]

I've just watched a video on YouTube where the guy used a copper coin & 3in1 oil to scrub off rust on a gun barrel. I'll give it a shot but I've personally always used fine, 0000, wire wool & 3 in 1 myself.