Thompson Center hawken fine rust removal

[Old Painless]

I picked up a Thompson Center 50 cal. for $225. The reason, it had a very good feel to me at the shoulder and a good bore.
But it had some issues I want to ask about. Very fine specks of rust starting on the barrel. The gun soft case it came with was too small and may have water stain on the front. Some brain surgeon tried to adjust the front dovetail.
I see gunsmiths use carding wheels to work out specks of fine rust and not do much to the finish. Is there a simple way to get the rust under control?
Thanks OP

 

[Splitear]

Ballistol, 000 Steel Wool and elbow grease.

 

[Ames]

Ballistol or Barricade and a piece of denim.

 

[Dale Allen Raby]

Any light oil and 0000 steel wool. Go lightly. Rust will be removed without damaging the finish. Then wipe it down with a rag and coat with your favorite gun oil. Don't store any gun in a case unless you like cleaning rust off. I could tell you some horror stories...

 

[TDM]

I bought some synthetic steel wool recently and like it. It’s a fine Scotchbrite equivalent of 0000. That and an oil of your choice will remove the specks. Good old 0000 steel wool will work too, but I tend to press too hard and mar the blueing. The synthetic is more forgiving.

 

[andy52]

I've had good luck removing light rust with a fine wire wheel and then wiping it down with your favorite antirust.

 

[2 shots]

oil and or a good penetrating oil with aluminum wool will not remove blueing.

 

[ord sgt]

WD40 and 0000 steel wool. Just don't rub really hard.

 

[Salty]

I bought some synthetic steel wool recently and like it. It’s a fine Scotchbrite equivalent of 0000. That and an oil of your choice will remove the specks. Good old 0000 steel wool will work too, but I tend to press too hard and mar the blueing. The synthetic is more forgiving.

Which color of ScotchBrite is equivalent to 0000 steel wool?

 

[Nor Cal Mikie]

If the steel wool removes the bluing, "reblue". Just make sure you use lots of cleaner to get rid of the oil before you try. Brake Parts Cleaner works wonders.

 

[arjay]

Which color of ScotchBrite is equivalent to 0000 steel wool?

White #7445

 

[longwalk]

WD40 and oooo steelwool

 

[Old Painless]

I tried out synthetic steel wool 0000. It will not hurt the blueing but it did not remove hardly anything in way of the rust.
I may need to just try harder. But the old school 0000 steel wool did work better, at lest for me.

 

[Dale Allen Raby]

I tried out synthetic steel wool 0000. It will not hurt the blueing but it did not remove hardly anything in way of the rust.
I may need to just try harder. But the old school 0000 steel wool did work better, at lest for me.

Usually does...

 

[TDM]

I tried out synthetic steel wool 0000. It will not hurt the blueing but it did not remove hardly anything in way of the rust.
I may need to just try harder. But the old school 0000 steel wool did work better, at lest for me.

Not too surprised to hear that. I've used mine for blending, which works well. Never tried it on surface rust.

 

[user 34300]

I bought some synthetic steel wool recently and like it. It’s a fine Scotchbrite equivalent of 0000. That and an oil of your choice will remove the specks. Good old 0000 steel wool will work too, but I tend to press too hard and mar the blueing. The synthetic is more forgiving.

The scotchbrite I buy has abrasives in the fiber. BE very careful. Normal steel wool and oil with do the trick.

 

[Jayhawkdan]

I bought some synthetic steel wool recently and like it. It’s a fine Scotchbrite equivalent of 0000. That and an oil of your choice will remove the specks. Good old 0000 steel wool will work too, but I tend to press too hard and mar the blueing. The synthetic is more forgiving.

Hi TDM! Do you mind sharing the brand name and a source for that “synthetic steel wool” you used for rust removal?
Thank you in advance!
JayhawkDan

 

[TDM]

Hi TDM! Do you mind sharing the brand name and a source for that “synthetic steel wool” you used for rust removal?
Thank you in advance!
JayhawkDan

Sure thing.

3M Synthetic Steel Wool Pads, Extra Fine, 6-Pads​

Guess the link didn't copy, buts it's from Amazon. Kibler' has a direct link to it in their tools section.

 

[dmbruce]

Gun works Muzzleloading Emporium Springfield Oregon. Ordered stainless steel sponge #0009. Took any and all rust off without damage to finish. Used gun oil as cutting agent.

 

[fjrdoc]

I've been following Mark Novac's YouTube channel regarding firearm conservation. He is a firm believer in boiling firearms to clean goo and to convert rust on metal. I also have experience rust bluing unmentionable rifles and shotguns. I'm a believer. It may seem like a PIA but it is easy to either make a steam tube or a boiling tank out of rain gutter. Once the rust is converted, it's easy to lightly polish it off without damage to the remaining bluing.