Tried a 10% vinegar soak on a rusted shotgun bolt and it ate the bluing

I was trying to save a customer's old Remington 870 bolt that had some surface rust. Left it in the mix for about 30 minutes and it stripped the finish right off, leaving it a dull gray. Anyone have a gentler method for light rust that won't ruin the original finish?

3 comments

3 Comments

ben4361mo ago

Oh man, I've been there! I did the exact same thing to a rifle bolt years ago. A light oil and fine bronze wool is my go-to now for just surface rust. It takes a bit more elbow grease but it saves the finish.

wrenstone1mo ago

Yeah, it's funny how the best fix is often the simplest one, you know?

the_mason19d ago

Bronze wool can still scratch a blued finish if you're not careful. Wrenstone is right that simple is good, but sometimes a dedicated rust remover on a cloth is safer for the metal. It's a small step that saves a lot of worry.