De-rusting original barrel

[lanedh]

I am refurbishing a late percussion offhand rifle which I used to shoot a long time ago. I recently took it out of storage to clean the barrel and found no traces of fouling, and the rifling looks sharp and clean, but very dark. There is no pitting and no signs of scale rust.

How far do I need to go in removing rust to make ready for shooting? Obviously it won't be shiny bright like a brand new bore, but I've spent a bit of time with penetrating oil and a phosphor bronze brush and still get very rusty patches. I would appreciate getting advice on appropriate methods for removing as much rust as is necessary to shoot the rifle.

 

[Rebel]

You might try some 0000 steel wool on a jag to clean it up some. Also maybe some of the JB bore polishing paste. I think that is what it is called, might help to clean it up for you. It doesn't have to be spotless to shoot it. In fact a few tight partched rd. balls through it might remove the rest of the problem, followed by a good cleaning. :m2c:

 

[rmonday2]

From what you said about the brush, any surface rust is already gone, so you'll probably do more cleaning by burning powder if you can get it loaded; I would think!
Then after the range, what's left should come out just fine. :imo:

 

Try a 1.5"x1.5" piece of 3M Scrounge pad as a cleaning patch. I use it on all my smooth bore Gonnes and occasionally on my rifles.

Just :m2c:

 

[JOHN L. HINNANT]

Greetings Bluejacket,

At this point, the rifle needs shooting, Shooting will normally clear up a number of problems.

Be sure to wipe the bore after each shot, before loading the next shot.

Go forth and have fun,

Best regards, and good shooting,

John L. Hinnant