Rust is an unfortunate problem that many gun owners face. The reason for rust can range anywhere where accidental water exposure to not storing your gun properly. Rust is an issue because it can lead to corrosion which can make the firearm unsafe to use. But good news, it is easy to get rid of and this guide will teach you how to remove rust from your guns. And this works for all types of firearms including handguns, long guns, and even antique firearms.
To get started you will need a few items.
- Gun oil
- Bronze brushes
- Bore brushes
- Eye protection
- Protective gloves
- Clean cloth
The Steps to Remove Rust From a Gun
- Disassemble your firearm and verify that the gun is unloaded with all ammunition stored in another room.
Pro-tip: It is a great idea to have a small magnetic bowl or tray to store the smaller parts of the gun. A lost spring can be frustrating and leave your firearm nonfunctional. - Visually inspect all the surfaces to find all spots of rust. Do not let any go because they are small or don’t seem too bad. It must all be removed.
- Apply a light coat of oil to the rusted areas.
- Using the bronze brush, scrub the area and the rust will come off the surface.
Pro-tip: If the gun is deeply rusted, you may need a chemical rust remover. - Once the rust is scrubbed free, wipe the entire surface off with a clean rag.
Once the rust is removed, it is a good idea to do a complete inspection of the firearm by checking for excessive wear or other issues that may have gone undetected. While you have the gun disassembled, it is also the perfect opportunity to deep clean the gun and oil all the surfaces as a way to prevent future rust development.
Rust forming on guns can be a real problem both aesthetically and functionally. Although it is inevitable, you can delay rusting by performing regular maintenance and oiling of the metal surfaces. You can also try dry bags and dehumidifiers to slow down how often it happens.
Choosing the right gun storage solution like a high-quality gun safe and having a cleaning routine is critical to preserving our day-to-day guns as well as our antique collections. And that’s it! Now you are ready to keep your guns rust-free.