OH NO look at my barrel...

[mrwildroot]

should i use the OOOO steel dry by itself, or with somekind of solvent?

I would use Weapon Shield and the 0000 steel wool together...might speed up the process, and make for a better job.
mrwildroot

[glassman]

If it were mine, I'd dip 0000 steel wool in some oil and scrub the rust off it. Then clean the oil off with some solvent and use a blueing pencil to restore the finish and protect the bare metal. Then use some more 0000 to smooth it out and blend it in. I used this method on a M19 and it came out great. Also check the mating surfaces in the slide and frame. Hope this helps and good luck with it.

[RocketFoot]

If you look for a new barrel...check out the stainless versions! My PT1911 has a stainless barrel and it is sweet!

[Lycanthrope]

I would use Weapon Shield and the 0000 steel wool together...might speed up the process, and make for a better job.
mrwildroot

Yes, and just buff easy. The rust should come right off.

Lycanjustenoughtogetthejobdonethrope

[PAhunter]

The original pic's seem to show the barrel has a blued finish. I will admit to not being well schooled in this type or repair. One question I have is - Using 0000 will surely remove the rust but on the other hand you should be left with bare metal. What would be the next step to prevent the rust from returning? Would re-bluing be in order or simply maintaining a good coat of oil?

Thanks, Jack

[Lycanthrope]

1911's tend to wear the bluing off at the barrel bushing, anyhow. A coat of oil works well to prevent rust or some cold blue can help.

Lycanusegoodoilthrope

[Hawk]

It's east to reblue the barrel or part of it after removing rust. Like Lycanthrope said, use cold blue if you want it to look nice (for awhile).


Hawk,

[Rule10b5]

A lot of folks have already sounded off on this, but I'm going to comment, anyway.

When you're using 0000 steel wool to clean rust off of anything firearm related, and you haven't done it before:

Be gentle, go slow, and use plenty of lube.

Your goal is not to muscle the rust off; it's to gently dislodge it and then let the oil float it away. Remember, you want to take only the minimum off, anything more and you're removing good metal, and changing the shape of a hand fitted part.

If you want to be especially careful, try using Flitz and soft cotton patches, first. I've found that works really well for cosmetic rust.

[RocketFoot]

A lot of folks have already sounded off on this, but I'm going to comment, anyway.

When you're using 0000 steel wool to clean rust off of anything firearm related, and you haven't done it before:

Be gentle, go slow, and use plenty of lube.

Your goal is not to muscle the rust off; it's to gently dislodge it and then let the oil float it away. Remember, you want to take only the minimum off, anything more and you're removing good metal, and changing the shape of a hand fitted part.

If you want to be especially careful, try using Flitz and soft cotton patches, first. I've found that works really well for cosmetic rust.

Whoa there buddy! What are we talkin about here? LOL

Good advice, but I just couldn't let that one slide!

[Rule10b5]

Whoa there buddy! What are we talkin about here? LOL

Good advice, but I just couldn't let that one slide!

It was intentional; I thought about working in something about "remember your first girlfriend?" but figured it'd be overkill.