Cleaning up an old shotgun, any way to preserve the color?

**Azzy** · April 17th, 2009, 07:59 AM

I was given an old single 12 Harrington and Richardson shotgun last week, and looking it over, there is (was) a nice color case hardening on the receiver and parts. This however has a surface of rust from neglect and sitting around.

Is there any way to pull that rust off without hitting the color? I tried just some basic penetrating oil, and nothing is taking the rust off. I think this might be a candidate for a vinegar bath, followed by a baking soda rinse (I have used this to great success on steel vintage motorcycle parts).

I was told by the owner that he had bought it as a teenager (which was some time ago) and it was used even then. I hop H&R can give me an estimated date on it, but my hopes are lowish.

At any point, this thing is pretty beat up, and will probably just be a piece to clean up and hang on the mantle. Since the previous owner is basically family, it will hopefully just stay in the family for at least another generation. I love guns with history

**762xIan** · April 17th, 2009, 06:38 PM

The old H&R single shot, shotties have a bit of a cult following, especially the "Topper" models. They were very good shotguns.

As far as the rust, if it is very light surface rust, lightly cleaning with penetrating oil and 0000 steel wool may work. I would try to find a spot not exposed to try it on.

If the rust is deeper and has left pits, you may be out of luck.

I hope H&R can give me an estimated date on it, but my hopes are lowish.

H&R may be no luck, post the model number and as much info as you can, there are several books out there with data, maybe someone here can hook you up. I know we have/had a member here who collects H&R's of all kinds and is a wealth of knowledge.

Good Luck.....post some pictures if you can.

**762xIan** · April 17th, 2009, 06:59 PM

The H&R guru around these here is member "32 Magnum" he know a lot of the number and prefix codes for dates of manufacture.

Drop him a PM....there is an old thread in general discussion on H&R firearms where he was answering all kinds of H&R questions for people.

Link to the H&R Thread: http://forum.pafoa.org/general-2/8333-h-r-firearms.html

Lots of good info in there.

**Azzy** · April 17th, 2009, 09:48 PM

Thanks for that link

I just got it fully stripped, some of the scres had to sit in oil to come out easily, without marring them. Unfortunatly, the forestock is chipped, and the stock is crackign down the rear tang... I can fix that with teh brass screw method, but it will mean I need to take and re-finish the stock (most likley in tung oil... love that finish)