Advice

What’s the best way of getting the rust off a shotgun?

I have acquired an old gun as a restoration project, and the trigger guard is slightly rusty. What’s the best way of getting the rust off before I re-black it?

Would you like to appear on our site? We offer sponsored articles and advertising to put you in front of our readers.  Find out more
Time Well Spent
Time Well Spent May 3, 2012

RUSTY SHOTGUN
Mike George
It may just brush off, with a brass or bronze brush ? but do make sure the brush really is brass or bronze.

A ?brass? brush I bought from a DIY outlet recently turned out to be brass-plated steel.

Fortunately, I discovered this fact before I did any damage with it.

The trick is to test with a magnet.

Alternatively, a soak in a very mild acid usually does the trick ? vinegar, a citric acid solution, or even Coca Cola ? followed by mild brushing.

The longer you spend on surface preparation and de-greasing before re-blacking, the better the result will be.