The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

The L.C. Smith Collectors Association
[ The L.C. Smith Collectors Association ]

Rust removal

Posted by Marcus Merritt on July 18, 2023, 9:41 pm

1905 LC Smith; 12 ga. I pulled out my shotgun last nite to use it today to shoot some trap with a friend. When I opened the bag, I was horrified to see some serious surface rust on both barrels, the locks and the trigger guard. Although I had wiped it down with oil before putting it in the bag, it was in the basement which sometimes gets damp. Yes, I know, dumb thing to do and I've already kicked my but all over the place. What I'm asking now is how to remove the surface rust without destroying the beautiful patina of the steel. I don't want to refinish the barrels, just want to remove the surface rust. Would a citric acid bath work? Rub it down with a felt rag and oil? Apply some kind of rust removal product? I'd appreciate any useful suggestions. Am hoping the pictures load. Thanks.

Re: Rust removal

Posted by Stephen Sipprell on July 18, 2023, 11:51 pm, in reply to "Rust removal"

Hello Marcus, I am sorry to hear about this. These old shotguns definitely prefer to be stored in a warm and dry location.
To remove the surface rust I would recommend scrubbing the barrels with 0000 steel wool and Rem Oil. That should take the surface rust off, without damaging the bluing on the barrels. I have used it before to great effect.
Best,
Steve

Re: Rust removal

Posted by Drew Hause on July 19, 2023, 6:44 am, in reply to "Re: Rust removal"

Bummer. But there's hope

Big 45 and Rem Oil or Kleen Bore's Formula 3 Gun Conditioner work very well
https://www.big45metalcleaner.com/

Re: Rust removal

Posted by Stephen Sipprell on July 19, 2023, 6:24 pm, in reply to "Re: Rust removal"

Hi Drew, Big 45 is great for cleaning the barrel bores, but I was hesitant to use it on the outside of the barrels after reading one of the testimonials regarding use on cold blued barrels

Have you used it before on rust blued barrels?
Best,
Stephen

Re: Rust removal

Posted by Drew Hause on July 19, 2023, 6:50 pm, in reply to "Re: Rust removal"

I've never used it on cold blued barrels, but have had no problem with using it on Smith and other doublegun rust blued barrels.

Re: Rust removal

Posted by Phil Carr on July 19, 2023, 10:00 pm, in reply to "Re: Rust removal"

I have used the 45 pads on dozens of guns. Absolutely no problems.
I like to put a coat of Ballistol of the barrels and let them sit for a couple of hours then go over the barrels with the 45 pad followed by a good rub down with a terry cloth towel.
Can't say I tried it on cold blue barrels but no big deal if it removed the bluing as its simple enough to redo with a bottle of cold blue.

Re: Rust removal

Posted by Bob Jones on July 21, 2023, 3:49 pm, in reply to "Re: Rust removal"
Edited by board administrator July 21, 2023, 3:54 pm

I use apple cider vinegar and 0000 steel wool on steel and damascus barrels. Does a good job for me.

Re: Rust removal

Posted by Marcus Merritt on July 24, 2023, 10:45 am, in reply to "Re: Rust removal"

1905 12 ga. LC Smith.....many thanks for the responses to my rust problems. I'm gonna get to work on the 0000 steel wool, or 45 pads, this afternoon. Wanted to know the pros and cons of storing the shotgun in one of those silicone impregnated gun socks and if anyone has had good results with them. Thanks.

Re: Rust removal

Posted by Fred Lima on July 26, 2023, 8:03 am, in reply to "Re: Rust removal"

I have tried everything under the sun over the years. The best way to remove rust in my opinion is 3 in 1 oil and lightly scrapping the edge of a penny over it. I then use a micro cloth with Rem Oil to clean it. The copper penny will not scratch steel. Nor will it scratch off blueing. Just start off very lightly with the edge. Keep in mind that once any rust is removed the blueing will be lighter. Steel wool will wear out an area of blueing around the rust spot. Just sayin.

Re: Rust removal

Posted by Drew Hause on July 26, 2023, 9:41 am, in reply to "Re: Rust removal"

Just be sure it is a pre-1982 all copper penny!

Re: Rust removal

Posted by Marcus Merritt on August 3, 2023, 1:27 pm, in reply to "Re: Rust removal"

Thanks for the penny scraper tip. I have some wheat pennies that should be all copper.

Re: Rust removal

Posted by Fred Lima on August 8, 2023, 10:45 pm, in reply to "Re: Rust removal"

The penny works! Steel wool when rubbed on the corrosion will wear out the blue around it. The penny will not scratch the blue finish. It might leave a spot where the rust was scraped off but will feel smooth and not touch the blueing. Just the way I personally would do it.

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