How to Remove Rust from a Gun Without Damaging Bluing?- Quick Tips

A lot of people are upset when they see rust on their guns. The rusting of the weapon is nothing but the oxidation of the metal. This oxidation occurs when oxygen interacts with the metallic surface of the firearm. Getting rid of the rust is a simple process, but sometimes overdoing this can damage the bluing of the gun. Don’t worry; I will share the ideas to remove the rust without damaging the bluing in this blog. Before proceeding with the ways to remove it, let us know the reasons that cause rusting on the gun.

One of the primary reasons can be rains. If you have left gun uncovered on the table in such season, there are high chances of the rust formation on it due to the moisture in the air.

Another factor can be the surroundings. If you live near the ocean or sea, then high humidity levels can also cause rusting on the guns.

The most common reason is we, humans. Yes, you read it right! The sweat in the hands of humans can also cause rust. Carry guns are prone to rust the most.

How to Remove Rust from a Gun Without Damaging Bluing?

The rusting can be removed from the gun if the procedure is followed correctly. In this article, I am going to share two such methods that you can use to get rid of the rust.

Method 1: Gun Oil and Steel Wool

The first method is quite easy and only takes a couple of minutes to take off the rust. For this method, you require the following materials:

• Steel Wool ( 0000 )
• Gun oil or any other oil
• Newspapers
• A clean cloth or a rag

• Now for this method, first place newspapers on the table properly so that there are no oil stains on it. Place the gun on it. 
• Remove the Gun grips from the gun to see the areas having rust.
• Start applying the gun oil on the areas you see rusting. Add a few drops of the oil on it.
• Take the 0000 steel wool and start rubbing it on the areas with gun oil in circular motions. Be careful while doing this step. 
• Rub the wool along the length of the receiver and barrel too to get rid of the rust completely.
• Do not rub vigorously as doing it might damage the bluing of the gun.
• Take a clean cloth and wipe off the oil thoroughly from it.
• Check if any areas have rust, if yes, repeat the procedure. Always remember to take a few drops of oil only. 
• Clean the gun and then store it in the case to avoid its rusting.

 Make sure to check the regions of the gun thoroughly. Check the grooves near the screws, trigger, etc to ensure that there is no rust on the firearm. If you find rust in such areas then remove it patiently by keeping the motions of the wool circular.

Method 2: Penetrating Lubricating Oil

For this method, you need a penetrating lubricating oil such WD-40. WD-40 has received appreciation all over the world for its ability to remove the rust or gunk from any material. Choose the variant specifically made for removing rust. Other requirements are tissues, a copper penny, and newspapers. Place the gun on the papers. Now follow the below-given steps to get rid of the rust :

• Spray the WD-40 on the areas on the firearm having rust.
• The critical step of this method is to allow the oil to penetrate the rust. For doing this enable the oil to be soaked before scraping the rust off from the gun.
• Once you feel that the oil is sitting for some minutes, take a copper penny to scrape off the rust.
• Use the edge of the penny to get the rust off from the surface. Be very gentle while doing this as this can lead to copper stains on the gun. 
• If the rust doesn’t come off quickly respray the oil and let it loosen the rust from the gun.

So now that you have bid farewell to the rust on your gun, make sure that it doesn’t reappear. For keeping the rusting at bay, cover the firearm with the gun oil and store it in the dry and cool place. Make sure that you keep a check on the gun and get rid of the rust whenever you see it.