Gun rust

[BANDERSO]

I took my 30-06 out of it's case the other day and found that I had been lazy and not properly wiped of all moisture. I had a few quarter sized rust spots and some smaller spotting in a few other spots on the gun metal. I had sanded off the rust with thoughts of buying a reblueing kit at GM. Now I am thinking of just tapeing over the entire loader section of the gun with camo tape on the cheek side and trigger finger side. I have removed all the rust that I can see. Do you think if that gun has been completely dried and taped over, that rust will form underneath the tape? Or, should I try to reblue those couple of spots?

[mechanictim]

Gun bluing is actually a form of rust. By using a specific type of salt and a careful polishing process the metal is turned a dark blue or brown. This protective oxide oxide layer is what helps hold the oil on the metal and keeps the red rust from forming and pitting the metal. A good way to remove any rust spots that form due over exposure to water is to use a gun oil and a rag and just start rubbing. This will help from removing any bluing still under the rust and won't leave deep scratch marks. If the pitting is a little to deep to rub out with a rag try a scotch brite pad or some very fine steel wool and rub with oil.

After removing the rust and cleaning the metal you can see if you need to polish prior to touching up the bluing. Even were you used sandpaper you can get a decent polishing job using a dremel tool with a polishing wheel.

There are several good products available to touch up the bluing on a gun. Read the directions before you buy to decide which product is right for your gun.

As for the tape as rust preventitive, I think a touch up of the bluing and a good light coat of oil would be far better.

[jlm]

Great tips, may I ask if you are a gunsmith? Whatever the case, tape will only exacerbate rusting if you do not take care of the gun. If you put a wet gun away with tape on it, you might be in for a world of hurt when you take it back out. Depending on the kind of tape of course. My opinion is that you should never store a gun in a case..especially in a moist area like a basement. Take time to take care of your guns and they will take care of you! Good luck!

[BANDERSO]

Thanks!

I'm thinking I am going to take it in and have it professionally blued. It is the fist gun I ever owned, so I figure I owe her that much. Besides, I know if I did it myself, it would look pretty messy.

[tacklebox7FF]

When your done hunting clean your gun or at least wipe it with oil...don't leave it in the case.. that's the worst thing you could do... when I've got little rust spots on my shotgun... I take one of those fine soft wire brushes they use to clean the barrel and gently rub rhe rust spot with it and then wipe it clean with an oiled cloth.. works for me... If your going to get it blued that would be alright..but don't put that camo tape on it...moisture magnet that is....