Letter 2080

Rust removal on antique gun

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My Grandfather was a farmer and had a shotgun which he used primarly for killing off small animals. the gun is at least 50 years old - other than that, I know nothing about it. I recieved the gun about 3 years ago and thought that it was being stored in the attic. we recently moved and found the gun in a storage shed - very rusted! I am not concerned with functionality but would like to know the best way to remove the rust so that it could be displayed in my home. Thanks for any suggestions.

Kerri Painter

Kerri, other than chemically removing the rust, an economical solution to your problem would be to have the item sand blasted then you can paint it. Check your local yellow pages for Sandblasting, Beadblasting, etc.. Good luck, Jeff

Jeff Mills
Southern Maine Industries - Gorham, Maine

This gun was given to me by my father it is 54 caliber with model #OF1865 rn16245 with a bullet or ball and a flint to make it fire it looks like an army rifle the strap is missing it has a sight on the end and also by the end of where the bullet goes it has a round pull back and a hammer that pulls back as well. I also have a wlinchester 12 gauge double barrel full model 1897 made in 7/26/1896 plain w/no silver on it or fancy stuff either. Anything you can tell me I would appreciate it. Thank you.

Ed Karinski
Lehigh Acres, Fl

Kerri,
I recently purchased an old Winchester 22 pump, and I ran in to the same problem with this gun. I talked to several people and the recommended sand blasting, but I didn't really like the Idea of that so I decided that I would try to clean it up myself. I took the whole gun apart and I bought a tooth brush type wire brush and some naval jelly rust remover. I did it piece by piece and purchased a bluing kit and it turned out looking pretty good. If you don't like that idea, and would rather just have it done the is a company that will completely re do it for a reasonable price. [Hotflash Gun Refinishing Service, Paynes Creek, CA]. I hope some of this information is helpful to you.
Philip

Philip Donk
Milan Indiana

kerri if you still haven't finished that gun try a "BEARTEX' WHEEL by NORTON . They can be picked up at most autobody supply shops. Take down of the gun may be neccesary. If you chuck the wheel up in a typical 3/8" drill or bench grinder, And work all affected parts gently , as to not remove any identifying marks or structural integrity, all rust and pitting will easily be removed. Along with an extra fine wire wheel to get in those tight places and final finishing, you'll be ready for a new bluing. Or if you choose to go for an antiqued finish cold blu it yourself.

jeremie johnston
- mo

A good friend of mine found a gun in his attic. I do not have the first clue an how to go about identifying it. IT is a single barrel with a hammer. I took some pictures and would be happy to share them with any one who could help me identify it. If you know how or whear I could go about identifying this gun, please contact me.

Thanks,

Matt

Matt Asch
- Portage, WI

You posted your letter at a metal finishing site, Matt--we don't know much about identifying guns. But I'd give odds that your public library has books that show you how to proceed in the identification. I find "Modern Guns Identification & Values : Identification & Values" at Amazon, and note that they have at least another half-dozen books in the same genre. Good luck.

 
Ted Mooney, P.E. - Finishing.com Inc. - Brick, NJ

My name is David. I am from Mississippi and I recently went on a pheasent hunting trip in North Kansas. It was a wonderful experience until I opened my gun case after getting off the plane. The airline (Southwest...be careful) had allowed my brand new 12 gauge shotgun, in the case, to sit in the pouring down rain while changing planes. Now they will not stand behind the incident. Does anyone have an idea on how I can restore the barrel of my new gun. It has spotted rust up the entire barrel. Thanks very much!!!

David Mitchell
hobbyist - Hattiesburg, MS, USA

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