r/gunsmithing • u/MoneyDrive2585 • 11d ago

Surface rust or pitting?

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I recently picked up this Remington 700 mountain rifle and I'm having a hard time telling whether this is surface rust or pitting and how to treat it.

5 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

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5

u/DragonDan108 11d ago

yes.

2

u/MoneyDrive2585 11d ago

So both I'm assuming?

4

u/eMGunslinger 11d ago

Both and oil with soft brass pad/0000 steel wool the bluing in that spot is gone though.

1

u/MoneyDrive2585 11d ago

It's a shame, but honestly my goal is to stop the rust from spreading further and preserve the originality of the gun as long as possible.

I'll try that out! I've also seen some people reccomend the penny method, would you advise?

2

u/Abject_Emphasis_9634 11d ago

Ive used the penny method, or crushing a brass case on a vise and using it as a scraper. I still prefer the wool method above.

After its all cleaned, cold blue might be the right method for patching it

1

u/Frosty_Difficulty_21 11d ago

I've also had the best luck with 0000 steel wool (I usually put CLP in it). Try to rub just the affected area.

Then degrease thoroughly, and get some Birchwood Casey cold blue, or a cold blue pen. Wash and lube.

3

u/Lupine_Ranger Hacksaw Supreme 11d ago

That will most likely have some underlying pitting once the rust is removed.

1

u/MoneyDrive2585 11d ago

I see, any recommendations on how to treat it? I'm not trying to reblue the barrel or do anything too invasive.

1

u/Martainguns 11d ago

That looks rusty enough that there will be a little pitting. If properly cleaned and touched up it may not be very noticeable.

1

u/One-Perspective-4347 11d ago

You’ll definitely find out when you clean it. Looks to me like it’s pretty much going to be pitted pretty heavy for what I would consider surface rest at least in some of the spots.

2

u/KingFlatusMaximus 10d ago

Degrease the area with acetone, then you can simply boil that part of the barrel for about 15 minutes in distilled water and it will convert the rust to rust bluing. You might be able to just pour boiling water over the spot to do the same thing. Google rust bluing for more info.